Effect of Pre- and Post-heading Water Deficit on Growth and Grain Yield of Four Millets

Abstract

Seeds of Panicum miliaceum, P. sumatrense, Setaria glauca and S. italica were raised in polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubes filled with sandy soil in a greenhouse to determine the effect of preand post-heading water deficit on growth and grain yield. Water stress treatment was initiated 25 days after sowing. The grain yield of S. italica and S. glauca decreased 80 and 70%, respectively, under water stress; and that of P. miliaceum and P. sumatrense decreased 36 and 20%, respectively. The reductions were ascribed to smaller number of grains per panicle, smaller number of panicles and lighter total dry weight. The grain yield decreased when water stress was imposed before heading in S. italica and S. glauca ,but both before and after heading in P. miliaceum and P. sumatrense. Mild water stress decreased the leaf water potential of all millets. Osmotic adjustment of the leaf could not explain the interspecific difference in drought tolerance. Water stress increased the root growth of S. italica ,S. glauca and P. sumatrense at deeper soil layers at heading. At harvest, it also increased root growth at deeper soil layers in S.italica and S. glauca. There was a significant correlation between grain yield and root dry weight among the millets except S. italica. The drought tolerant millet showed greater drought tolerance to water deficit not only at the vegetative stages but also at the reproductive stages than two susceptible millets.

Keywords

• Drought tolerance
• Grain yield
• Millet
• Osmotic adjustment
• Root growth