EFFECT OF SOWING DATE ON GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND YIELD OF GERO MILLET
Keywords:
sowing, date, growth, development, yield, gero milletAbstract
The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate time for sowing millet (Pennisetum trphoides) in Samaru. Ex-Bornu millet, an improved local variety, was used and was sown at the currently recommended spacing of 0.28 0.75m. Sowing was spared over fourteen weeks (April to July) at biweekly interval.
Seedling emergence and germination were dependent on the amount of moisture available. There was a curvilinear relationship between time of sowing and 50% heading. Indicating a delay in heading when sowing is done too early or too late. Except for the first two sowing, time to 50% heading was positively correlated with accumulated heat units (r = 0.81**; r2 = 66%).
Inflection point on the quadratic curve, which was the best fit for grain yield on planting date, corresponded to the May 24th sowings. Every fortnight delay in sowing after this date resulted in a yield reduction of 294kg ha-1. Grain yield was positively correlated with established number of plant per unit land area (r = 0.92**, r2 = 85%).
Millet should be sown after the first 5-8 rain of the season.
