Evaluation of nutrient levels and growth regulators on growth, productivity and available nutrient status in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to evaluate nutrient levels and growth regulators on soil fertility status, yield and quality of pearl millet during winter (rabi) season of 2019–22. Among the treatments imposed, application of 125% (RDF) with chlormequat chloride at 250 ppm on 20 and 40 DAS showed significantly higher plant height, LAI, number of tillers/plant, besides exerting a considerable involvement on yield characters of pearl millet, viz. effective tillers, ear head length, ear head girth, dry matter production, maximum grain protein content, test weight, crop nutrient uptake and higher soil available nutrient status in post-harvest soils. Application of 125% RDF with chlormequat chloride at 250 ppm on 20 and 40 DAS significantly influenced the yield which was also found to be on par with 125% RDF + NAA @250 ppm at 20 and 40 DAS. 125% RDF with chlormequat chloride at 250 ppm on 20 and 40 DAS registered an average increase in yield of 94.9 and 19.7% over control (T10) and 100% RDF (T2), respectively and recorded higher net returns (34,575/ha) and B:C ratio (2.01).

Keywords

• Nutrient level, Nutrient status, Pearl millet, Plant growth regulators, Productivity, Yield