Leaves are grass-like but broad, up to 2 cm wide, and resemble maize or sorghum but for the long hairs on the leaf sheath
Leaf blades hairy on upper and lower surfaces and along edges
Leaf sheaths are very hairy and the margins overlap
Ligules consist of a line of dense hairs
Flower spikelets individually borne on the end of branched panicles, which can be between 15 – 30 cm long
Seeds are egg-shaped and encased in a shiny seed coat approximately 3 x 2 mm in size
Seedlings grow rapidly into upright plants
Roots are shallow and weak, making plants easy to uproot.
Biology
Origin and habitat
Originated in the tropics and temperate regions and has been grown as a domestic crop for at least 2000 years
Broom corn millet is a widely grown crop for human consumption and birdseed in the northern hemisphere
In 1970, a wild biotype with black seeds emerged and quickly became weedy, producing more dry matter, reaching a greater height and producing twice as much seed.
Life-cycle
Germination starts at the beginning of the warm season and continues throughout the growing season
Seeds have no dormancy and can germinate rapidly once conditions are suitable
Because of its large seed size, seeds can emerge from deep within the soil. In one study seeds emerged from 120 mm in a range of soil types
Growth is rapid and is mainly determined by temperature as it uses a C4 photosynthetic pathway
Flowering normally begins 30 days after germination and seed production continues for a long period
Plants set seed rapidly if under stress and can set viable seed within 6 weeks of emergence.
Benefits
It is grown as a seed crop and used for human consumption. It can grow in dry climates.
Impacts
Broom corn millet reduces crop yields by competition and interferes with harvest by clogging machinery. In one study, it was shown to reduce crop yield by 13 –22%, when present at a density of 10 plants/m2
Competes with maize and sweet corn for water and nutrients early in its life cycle. Later, when it has become tall enough, it competes for sunlight as it can reach over 2 m high in crops.
Control
Origin and habitat
Originated in the tropics and temperate regions and has been grown as a domestic crop for at least 2000 years
Broom corn millet is a widely grown crop for human consumption and birdseed in the northern hemisphere
In 1970, a wild biotype with black seeds emerged and quickly became weedy, producing more dry matter, reaching a greater height and producing twice as much seed.
Life-cycle
Germination starts at the beginning of the warm season and continues throughout the growing season
Seeds have no dormancy and can germinate rapidly once conditions are suitable
Because of its large seed size, seeds can emerge from deep within the soil. In one study seeds emerged from 120 mm in a range of soil types
Growth is rapid and is mainly determined by temperature as it uses a C4 photosynthetic pathway
Flowering normally begins 30 days after germination and seed production continues for a long period
Plants set seed rapidly if under stress and can set viable seed within 6 weeks of emergence.
Impact on pasture / crops
Broom corn millet reduces crop yields by competition and interferes with harvest by clogging machinery. In one study, it was shown to reduce crop yield by 13 –22%, when present at a density of 10 plants/m2
Competes with maize and sweet corn for water and nutrients early in its life cycle. Later, when it has become tall enough, it competes for sunlight as it can reach over 2 m high in crops.
Benefits
It is grown as a seed crop and used for human consumption. It can grow in dry climates.
Further information
Wilson RG, Westra P. 1991. Wild Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum) interference in corn (Zea mays). Weed Science 39: 217-220
James TK, Rahman A, Trivedi P. Broom corn millet (Panicum miliaceum): a new menace for maize and sweetcorn growers in New Zealand. Proceedings of the Seventeenth Australasian Weed Conference, Ed. Zydenbos SM (New Zealand Plant Protection Society), pp 32-35.
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