Varietal and moisture effect on physical properties of various pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) cultivars

Abstract

Engineering properties of pearl millet varieties (Pusa composite 443, Pusa composite 701, Pusa1201 and Pusa1801) were evaluated at varying moisture content (10-25% wb). A significant varietal difference was found on studied properties. GMD, Surface area, thousand grain mass, the angle of repose, porosity, internal coefficient of friction, static coefficient of friction (Poly, GI, MS and Al) increased linearly with increase in moisture content within the range of 10 to 25% (w.b.) while the bulk density, true density and hardness decreased linearly with increase in moisture content within the same range. But the value of sphericity showed that direct and indirect relation with moisture content depending variety. The mean value of different cultivars observed and found extreme high and low value of bulk density, true density and porosity for PC701 and Pusa1201, geometric mean diameter and surface area for pusa1801 to Pusa1201, sphericity and internal coefficient of friction for Pusa1201 and PC443, grain mass for Pusa1801 and PC 701, angle of repose for Pusa1201 and PC701, hardness for PC701 and PC443 respectively at moisture ranges from 10 to 25% (wb).

Keywords

• Moisture content
• Pearl millet
• Physical properties
• Variety