Effect of Fertility Levels and Anti-transpirents on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. Emend Stuntz]

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2024 at the Agronomy Research Farm, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of fertility levels and anti-transpirants on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz). The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatment combinations comprising four fertility levels (control, 50% RDF, 75% RDF, and 100% RDF) and four anti-transpirants (control, PMA @ 250 ppm, Kaolin @ 6%, and PMA + Kaolin), replicated thrice. Results revealed that 100% RDF recorded the highest plant height (187.6 cm), dry matter accumulation (119.0 g plant⁻¹), effective tillers (2.74 plant⁻¹), ear length (24.48 cm), test weight (7.10 g), grain yield (2353 kg ha⁻¹), and stover yield (6042 kg ha⁻¹). Among anti-transpirants, PMA + Kaolin proved superior, producing maximum plant height (182.7 cm), dry matter accumulation (114.5 g plant⁻¹), effective tillers (2.62 plant⁻¹), ear length (22.74 cm), and grain yield (2177 kg ha⁻¹). The interaction effect was significant for ear length and grain yield, with the combination of 100% RDF + PMA + Kaolin producing the longest ears (27.54 cm) and the highest grain yield (2767 kg ha⁻¹). The study concludes that integrated application of optimum fertility (100% RDF or 75% RDF) with PMA + Kaolin spray is most effective in enhancing pearl millet productivity under semi-arid conditions.