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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #236895
Title: Grain yield and component traits of pearl millet genotypes at different row spacing

Author
item GULIA, S - FT. VALLEY STATE UNIV.
item WHITEHEAD, W - FT. VALLEY STATE UNIV.
item SINGH, B - FT. VALLEY STATE UNIV.
item Wilson, Jeffrey - Jeff

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/18/2009
Publication Date: 3/28/2009
Citation: Gulia, S.K., Whitehead, W., Singh, B.P., Wilson, J.P. 2009. Grain yield and component traits of pearl millet genotypes at different row spacing. 15th Biennial Agricultural Research Director's Symposium, Atlanta, GA. March 28-April 1, 2009. pp. 117-118.

Interpretive Summary: not required

Technical Abstract: Cultivation of grain pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a semi-arid tropical crop, is spreading beyond conventional production areas. It is finding markets in USA in ethnic food, wildlife recreation markets, poultry feed, and has potential for biofuels. Fourteen diverse genotypes of the A1 MS cytoplasm were tested for grain yield and its component traits. The genotypes were planted in three row-spacing (18, 36 and 54 cm) and three replications following a randomized complete block design in summer 2008. The grain yield loss due to birds was observed visually among individual plots and it ranged from 2 to 99%. At maturity, ten random plants were harvested per plot for grain yield component analysis. Plots were harvested with a plot combine harvester. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for grain yield and all its component traits among genotypes. Row-spacing exhibited significant mean sum of squares for 1000-seed weight, grain yield and grain moisture content while genotype × row-spacing interaction was evident only for 1000-seed weight. Most of the genotypes produced grain yield either equal to or higher than Tifgrain 102 (control). Hybrids 5223A1×2304, 5223A1×07F543, and 606A1×454 reached 50% flowering significantly earlier (31-36 days) than the other genotypes. Yield ranged from 1544 kg/ha (5223A1×2304) to 3408 kg/ha (606A1×07F543). Late maturing genotypes escaped major bird damage, leading to significant yield differences. Among 14 genotypes, seven yielded highest at 36cm followed by five at 54cm and two at 18cm row-spacing. This study suggests developing new genotypes with bristling traits to avoid damage from birds.