The effects of cutting interval on agro-qualitative traits of different millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) cultivars

A field experiment was conducted to study the forage yield and qualitative traits of different varieties of millet with different days of harvest during the summer, 2014 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) under factorial arrangement having three replications. Pearl millet seeds of three varieties viz. BS-2011, Ghana White and MB-87 were grown in 30 cm apart rows. Net plot size was 3.6 m × 8.0 m. Three different harvesting times were adopted i.e. 55, 65 and 75 days after sowing (DAS). Maximum plant height of pearl millet was recorded for cultivar BS-2011 at harvest time of 75 DAS. Maximum leaf area per plant was observed for the cultivar BS-2011 when it was harvested 75 DAS. Maximum dry matter percentage was also attained in cultivar BS-2011 where plots were harvested at 75 DAS. The highest forage yield was obtained where variety BS-2011 was grown and harvested at 75 DAS. Similarly, maximum dry matter production of BS-2011 was recorded in plots harvested at 75 DAS followed by Ghana White and MB-87 harvested at 55 DAS. Higher crude protein content was recorded where plots were harvested at 55 DAS and cultivar BS-2011 was sown. Higher crude fiber and total ash percentage was also seen in BS-2011. Finally, cultivar BS-2011 proved best for cultivation with harvest time of 75 DAS under Faisalabad conditions to obtain higher forage yield and better quality.