Maximizing seed and fodder production in Cenchrus species through foliar spray of growth promoters

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during 2011 to 2013 at Western Regional Research Station (ICAR-Indian Grass- land and Fodder Research Institute), Avikanagar, Rajasthan, for evaluating the effect of foliar spray of different growth-promoters on seed yield and quality in Cenchrus species. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with 3 replications under rainfed condition. Foliar sprays of 3 growth-promoters, thiourea (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%), GA (50, 100 and 150 ppm), KNO (2, 4 and 6%) were applied at panicle-initiation stage on IGFRI 3108 3 3 cv. of buffel grass (C. ciliaris L.) CAZRI 392 cv. of birdwood grass (C. setigerus Vahl). In C. ciliaris, foliar spray of 0.5% thiourea, 100 ppm GA and 4% KNO increased seed yield by 39, 31 and 50% respectively, over the control. 3 3 Similarly, in C. setigerus application of these growth-promoters at the same concentration showed increment in seed yield by 46, 39 and 60%, respectively, over the control. Proportion of spikelets with seed increased signifi- cantly by 0.25% thiourea, 50 ppm GA and 2% KNO by 12, 18 and 24%, respectively, in C. ciliaris, while in C. 3 3 setigerus 0.5% thiourea, 100 ppm GA and 4% KNO found optimum dose that increased proportion of filled seed 3 3 by 26, 20 and 31% respectively. The foliar application significantly increased germination and seedling length. Dry fodder yield increased by 0.50% thiourea, 100 ppm GA and 4% KNO with high magnitude, viz. 30, 49 and 41% 3 3 and 40, 47 and 47% in C. ciliaris and C. setigerus respectively.