EVALUATION OF THE AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR) GENOTYPES FOR FORAGE PRODUCTION IN THE DERIVED SAVANNAH AGRO ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA
Keywords:
Pennisetum glaucum, Animal feed, Tillers, Genotype, BiomassAbstract
Despite the prominence of pearl millet, especially in forage production in Southwestern Nigeria, its full potential remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated ten selected Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. genotypes for forage production in the Derived Savannah agro ecology of Nigeria to determine their herbage yield, chemical composition, and variability in key growth parameters. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates, consisting of 30 plots measuring 3 x 2.5 m, with 1 m spacing between plots. Ten pearl millet genotypes were randomly planted at 75 x 25 cm, with ten plots per block. Weekly observations were taken on: plant height, number of tillers, crown spread, and leaf area from 2 weeks after planting (WAP). Genotype significantly influenced (P<0.05) plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area. Kankara genotype emerged as the tallest (141.01cm) among the genotypes, up to 10 weeks after planting (WAP), while Bunkure, Mokwa, Maiwa UI 25-2, Maiwa UI 94-2, and Dauro reached maximum heights (275.00 cm to 417.30 cm) at 22WAP. Dauro, Maiwa UI 94-2, Maiwa UI 25-2, and Mokwa genotypes had the highest number of leaves on main and secondary tillers from 8 to 10 WAP. Bunkure genotype produced the highest number of leaves on secondary tillers. The study concluded that the Kankara genotype is ideal for robust and tall pearl millet, while Maiwa UI 25-2 offers superior biomass potential.
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