Growth analysis and parametric budgeting of different exogenous phytohormones on direct sown finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) under irrigated conditions

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is an important cereal crop known for its nutritional value and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential of plant growth regulators (PGR) to enhance crop productivity and quality. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators on direct sown finger millet variety Co (Ra) 14 in 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design consisting of ten treatments viz., T1 (100% RDF - Control), T2 (100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm), T3 (100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Gibberellic acid @10 ppm), T4 (100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Salicylic acid @100 ppm), T5 (50% RDF + Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm), T6 (50% RDF + Foliar spraying of Gibberellic acid @10 ppm), T7 (50% RDF + Foliar spraying of Salicylic acid @100 ppm), T8 (Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm), T9 (Foliar spraying of Gibberellic acid @10 ppm), T10 (Foliar spraying of Salicylic acid @100 ppm). The experiment result showed that the application of 100% RDF + Foliar spraying of Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm (T2) significantly enhanced growth and physiological parameters like plant height (134.1 cm), SPAD value (28.61), soluble protein (11.25%), relative water content (50.2%) and lower proline content (0.15 µ moles g-1). The same treatment combination recorded higher grain yield (4791 Kg ha-1), straw yield (5950 Kg ha-1), per day productivity (44.6 Kg ha-1) and partial productivity (82.9 Kg ha-1) and BEP (126.88%)of finger millet.