Performance of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) under varying shade levels

Abstract

An investigation entitled ‘Performance of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) under varying shade levels’ was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2022-2024. The major objectives were to identify foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) varieties suitable for varying shade levels and to assess the effect of shade on growth, yield and quality of grains. The field experiment was carried out at the Instructional Farm, Vellayani, during the summer season spanning from January to April 2024. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three shade levels (s1- 25 % shade, s2- 50 % shade and s3- open) as main plot treatments and seven foxtail millet varieties (v1- Renadu, v2 - Suryanandi, v3 – Garuda, v4 – Mahanandi, v5 - Narasimharaya, v6 - SiA 3156 and v7 - SiA 3085) as sub plot treatments with four replications. The recommended nutrient dose of 40:20:0 kg NPK ha-1 was applied as per ICAR IIMR recommendation. Among the growth attributes, shade levels had no significant influence on plant height, number of tillers per plant and number of leaves per tiller. Leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter production (DMP) enhanced under both the shade levels, and was found to be higher under 50 per cent shade level. Crop duration was shorter (78 days) under open condition compared to 25 per cent (78.81 days) and 50 per cent shade levels (80.66 days). Among the varieties, Garuda matured the earliest in 60.55 days. Mahanandi under 50 per cent shade level (s2v4) recorded taller plants, number of tillers per plant, number of leaves per tiller and LAI. DMP was found to be higher under 50 per cent shade with SiA 3156 (s2v6) on par with Renadu (s2v1) and Mahanandi (s2v4). The results of the study indicated a significant interaction between shade levels and varieties on the number of productive tillers per plant. SiA 3156 at 50 per cent shade produced higher productive tillers per plant (4.31) and was on par with Mahanandi at 25 per cent shade (3.61) and 50 per cent shade (3.26). Plants under 50 per cent shade produced the longest ear heads (17.68 cm) followed by open (16.88 cm) and 25 per cent (16.27cm). Grain yield per plant was found higher for SiA 3156 (11.93 g) and Mahanandi (11.53 g) at 50 per cent shade and Renadu at 25 per shade (11.20 g). Straw yield per plant was found higher for Renadu, SiA 3156 and Mahanandi at 50 per cent shade. Grain yield (2455.12 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3966.09 kg ha-1) showed significant increase under 50 per cent shade to the tune of 23 per cent and 20 per cent increase respectively, compared to grain yield (1997.41 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3280.79 kg ha-1) under open conditions. The quality parameters of foxtail millet grains were found to be significantly enhanced under 50 per cent shade, followed by 25 per cent. The content of crude protein (10.46%), total carbohydrate (61.68 mg 100g-1), crude fiber (3.79%), calcium (35.85 mg100g-1), zinc (3.24 mg100g-1), and iron (3.75 mg100g 1 ) were recorded higher at 50 per cent shade. Crude protein was significantly higher in Mahanandi and SiA 3156, while total carbohydrate levels were higher in Suryanandi, Mahanandi, SiA 3085, and SiA 3156, all under 50 per cent shade. The crude fibre was found to be superior in Mahanandi while Ca content was significantly higher in SiA 3085 both under 50 per cent shade. However, the Fe content was observed to be higher in SiA 3156 under 50 per cent shade level. The impact of shade levels on weed parameters was significant with lower weed dry weight under 50 per cent shade level at 60 DAS (5.05 g m-2) while the highest weed dry weight was noted under open conditions (11.26 g m-2). The total chlorophyll content was found to be enhanced under shaded situation. Total NPK content and NPK uptake by crop was influenced by the shade level with higher uptake under 50 per cent shade followed by 25 per cent shade. In contrast, the NPK removal by weeds was found to be lower under 50 per cent shade and comparable with 25 per cent shade. Among the interactions, the highest NPK uptake was noticed in SiA 3156 under 50 per cent shade level. Post- experiment soil analysis revealed higher electrical conductivity (0.18 dS mˉ¹) and organic carbon (0.54 %) in open condition. However, the available NP status was found to be superior in 25 per cent shade followed by 50 per cent shade. The net income and BCR was found to be higher for SiA 3156 and Mahanandi raised under 50 per cent shade and Renadu at 25 per cent shade level. The study identified SiA 3156 and Mahanandi as the most suitable foxtail millet varieties for cultivation under 50 per cent shade; Renadu for 25 per cent shade, while SiA 3085 and Suryanandi were ideal for open cultivation, based on growth, yield and quality parameters. Shaded conditions were found to enhance the growth, yield, and quality of foxtail millet grains during the summer season, in contrast to open field conditions.