Detection of new flavonoid Patterns in foxtall millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.]: Comparison Between Pure Lines and Hybrids

Abstract The flavonoid content of 545 individuats of cultivated millet (109 pure lines from a worldwide collection) was analysed. The phenotypic organization of millet into seven chemotypes reported in a more limited collection previously analysed was perfectly corroborated by this study. The flavonoid variability of millet is strikingly increased by spontaneous or experimental hybridization; in the present study 16 new chemotypes were so created. The potential diversity so disclosed gives rise to the question of its absence within the classical cultivated lines: the adaptative value of these new chemotypes in relation to the screening effect of the environment is under investigation.