Response of high yielding varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) to major nutrients

Abstract

Pearl millet or bajra is a major millet grown in the tropics for both food and fodder. Many high yielding varieties of pearl millet are now available for cultivation. But, the performance of these varieties and the nutrient requirement of pearl millet were not assessed in Kerala. Hence, the study entitled “Response of high yielding varieties of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to major nutrients” was carried out with the objective of assessing the performance of selected prominent high yielding varieties of pearl millet and their response to major nutrients. The experiment was carried out at Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during the period from November, 2020 to February 2021. Treatments were the combinations of nutrient levels (N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O @ 60: 30: 30, 70: 35: 35, 90: 45: 45 kg/ha and absolute control) and four varieties released from various research institutes [Co (Cu) 9, Co 10, ABV 04 and Dhanashakthi]. The design was factorial RBD with 16 treatments and three replications. The biometric parameters like plant height, length and width of leaf blade, Leaf Area Index and dry matter production of pearl millet were significantly influenced by the application of different N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O levels. The plants which got higher fertilizer doses of 90: 45: 45 and 70: 35: 35 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha had taller plants and registered higher dry matter production. The variety Co (Cu) 9 was taller with more leaf area index and dry matter production whereas, Dhanashakthi was inferior. But, it had superior leaf width and leaf-stem ratio. The application of fertilizers had a significant influence on grain yield, yield parameters and straw yield of bajra. The highest grain weight per earhead (36.93 g) and grain yield (3360 kg/ha) were registered in plants that received 90: 45: 45 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha. The grain yield at fertilizer level of 90: 45: 45 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha showed only a marginal increase of 7.5 per cent compared to 70: 35: 35 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha (3107kg/ha). The straw yield at 90: 45: 45 and 70: 35: 35 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha were comparable (10391 and 10753 kg/ha, respectively). 1The varieties ABV 04, Co 10 and Dhanashakthi had superior and comparable grain yield ranging from 3026 to 3188kg/ha and the performance of Co (Cu) 9 was inferior with 2201kg/ha. Lower straw yield was noticed in variety Dhanashakthi (6430 kg/ha) that was comparable to Co 10 (8096kg/ha). The other two varieties ABV 04 and Co (Cu) 9 registered superior straw yield of 10191 and 11390 kg/ha, respectively. The longest earhead was for variety Co (Cu) 9 and the shortest was for variety Dhanashakthi (19.44 cm). The lowest weight of grains per earhead (29.27 g) and test weight (7.99 g) were recorded for variety Co (Cu) 9. The variety Dhanashakthi had higher test weight (13.35 g) as well as Harvest Index (0.34). The straw yield was comparable in varieties Co (Cu) 9 (11,390 kg/ha) and ABV 04 (10,191 kg/ha). The average crude protein content was 11.37 per cent and the varietal differences were non-significant. Crude fiber was comparable in ABV 04, Dhanashakthi and Co (Cu) 9 with an average content of 2.33 per cent. The crude fiber content at varied levels of primary nutrients were comparable. The highest and superior nitrogen uptake was recorded by the application of 90: 45: 45 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha (437 kg/ha) with 51 per cent increase compared to absolute control. P uptake at 90: 45: 45 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha (126 kg/ha) was on par to that at 70:35:35 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O level. But, K uptake was comparable at three N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O levels with an average of 358 kg/ha. Significantly lower uptake of primary nutrients were registered in absolute control. The application of fertilizers enhanced the gross and net returns along with benefit- cost ratio in pearl millet cultivation. The highest B: C ratio (1.78) and net returns (Rs. 53,186 /ha) from bajra cultivation registered in N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O level of 70: 35: 35 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha, followed by the highest dose. Hence, it can be concluded that a fertilizer dose of 70: 35: 35 N: P 2 O 5: K 2 O kg/ha can be recommended for pearl millet cultivation in Kerala. The varieties ABV 04, Co 10 and Dhanashakthi can be recommended for grain purpose, whereas varieties Co (Cu) 9 and ABV 04 are ideal for straw and fresh herbage. ABV 04 is a good variety with respect to both grain and straw yield.