Finger Millet Varieties Research Articles

Influence of fertilizer application on the growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) varieties under rainfed condition

Influence of fertilizer application on the growth and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) varieties under rainfed condition

Evaluation of Released Finger Millet Varieties in the East Wollega Zone of Western Oromia for Yields and Acid Soil Tolerance

On the sub humid regions of western Oromia, many finger millet cultivars were released and produced, but their performance on acid soils was not well researched. A field experiment consisted of two factors (nine finger millet verities and two lime rates, limed and un-limed treatments) were laid out in factorial arrangement, Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The experiment was carried out at three locations (Bako, Diga and Gute) during 2019 and 2020 main cropping seasons to identify and recommend finger millet varieties better performing to acid soils of sub humid areas of western Oromia. The interaction effect of variety by lime for two years over three locations was significant for biomass weight and grain yield. Bako 09 produced significantly the highest mean biomass weight and produced increments of 10% biomass weight and 7% grain yield by application of lime compared to un-limed treatment. At Bako, Kumsa, Bako 09, Boneya and Addis 01 produced significantly the highest biomass weight and grain yield compared to others but not significantly different from each other and produced 4% to 12% yield advantage over all mean grain yield. At Diga and Gute, Bako 09 produced significantly high grain yield. Consequently, application of lime increased finger millet grain yield, soil pH, available P, organic carbon and total nitrogen. Considering higher grain yield, production of Bako 09 under limed condition is recommended for the sub-humid western Oromia. Besides lime application and varietal selection, cropping system managements like rotation, integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and split application of fine particle lime to acid soils require further research attention for sustainable crop production in acidic soils.

Finger Millet (<i>Eleusine Coracana</i> (L.) Gaertn) Production Status, Challenges, and Seed Source in Ethiopia; A Review

Similar to other cereal crops finger millet is being produced in a large volume in Ethiopia, as they are the principal staple food crop. Finger millet is considered as underutilized cereal crop which is commonly grown in the northern, west-northern, and western parts of the country and it is considered as a crop which is important to overcome malnutrition. Regions including Tigray, Amhara, Oromiya, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nation and Nationalities Peoples (SNNP) and Gambela are considered as the potential regions for the production of finger millet in Ethiopia. Relatively, it is considered as drought tolerant as compared to other major cereals such as rice, wheat, and barley. In addition to this finger millet is considered as a highly resilient crop which can grow in different weather conditions, including drought, floods, and marginal soils. In Ethiopia it is commonly grown for the preparation of local foods like ‘injera’ and porridge and local drink such as ‘areki’ or ‘tella’. About 26 varieties of finger millet are cultivated in main season in the country. In Ethiopia, there are a limited source of cereal crop seeds which includes, farmer’s own saved seeds and government seed distributing companies. In this review the status of production, seed source and nutritional importance of finger millet in Ethiopia is presented.

Evaluation of Recently Released Finger Millet Varieties for Their Adaptability in West Haraghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

Finger millet is a major grain crop in the west hararghe zone. However, due to major constraints like lack of improved varieties and drought, the productivity is by far lower than the genetic potential of a crop in the study areas. Thus, current study initiated to obtain high-yielding and stable varieties. The study was conducted in districts of Habro, Mechara, and Gamachis of the west hararghe zone, using eight improved and one standard check finger millet varieties at 2020 main cropping seasons. The experiment was laid down in a randomized completely block design with three replications. Analysis of variance for grain yield across locations showed significant differences at p< 0.05. Further analysis of AMMI indicated that environments, varieties, and their interaction effects were significantly different. Even if, tested materials showed a significantly different grain yield across locations nevertheless, the GGE bi-plot analyses implied relatively high yielding and consistent across environments for varieties Bako-09, Gudetu, and Addis-01. Therefore, these varieties of finger millet were recommended for further evaluation at the farmer’s field.

Demonstration by New Finger Millet Variety ATL 1 to Improve the Productivity in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Demonstration by New Finger Millet Variety ATL 1 to Improve the Productivity in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India

Performance of Finger Millet Varieties (Eleusine coracana L.) in Different Establishment Methods

Performance of Finger Millet Varieties (Eleusine coracana L.) in Different Establishment Methods

Characterization of finger millet extracts and evaluation of their nematicidal efficacy and plant growth promotion potential.

Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a significant threat to finger millet crops, potentially causing yield reduction of up to 70%. Extracts derived from finger millet varieties contain potent bioactive compounds that can mitigate nematode damage and promote plant growth. This study aimed at isolating and characterizing bioactive compounds from the finger millet varieties Ikhulule, Okhale-1, and U-15; evaluating the impact of Ikhulule and U-15 extracts on the mortality of the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus vandenbergae; assessing the growth promotion effects of Ikhulule and U-15 extracts on the finger millet variety Okhale-1; and determining the efficacy of these extracts in managing plant-parasitic nematodes under greenhouse conditions. Extracts were obtained from both leaves and roots and tested invitro for nematode mortality and invivo for growth promotion and nematode control. The results showed that finger millet extracts exhibited strong nematicidal properties invitro, achieving a mortality rate of up to 98% against P. vandenbergae nematodes. Applying these extracts to finger millet shoots significantly reduced nematode populations in both soil and roots and decreased the reproductive factor to below one (1), indicating an effective nematode control. The study attributes the enhanced nematicidal effects of finger millet extracts to their bioactive compounds, particularly dodecanoic acid, phytol, 1,1,4a-trimethyl-6-decahydro naphthalene, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and ethyl ester, and hexadecanoic acid. These findings suggest that finger millet-derived extracts offer a natural solution for nematode management and broader agronomic benefits, ultimately contributing to overall plant health and productivity.

Effect of Zinc-fertilizer on varietal performance of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and soybean (Glycine max) in western Kenya

Soil zinc deficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a major contributor to poor crop responses to nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P and K) fertilizer leading to low economic returns on fertilizer use. Despite being drought-tolerant crops, finger millet (Eleusine coracana) and soybean (Glycine max) yields are consistently lower than 1000 kg ha−1 in western Kenya. On-farm trials were conducted in Bungoma and Siaya Counties of western Kenya during two subsequent cropping seasons (long & short rains of 2019) to evaluate the responses of two varieties of finger millet (U15 and SEC915) and soybean (SB19 and SB134) to N, P and K after addition of Zn. Zinc was applied at 0, 1.5, and 3 kg ha−1 and N, P and K at blanket rates. Results showed that application of Zn fertilizer alongside N, P and K fertilizer significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain yields, grain Zn concentration and grain Zn uptake. The largest Zn agronomic efficiency (AEZn) was realized when Zn was applied at 1.5 kg ha−1 for both crops. Application of Zn was profitable (VCR >1) for growing finger millet and soybean in Bungoma and Siaya during long rains and short rains. We recommend applying Zn along with N, P and K fertilizer in Zn-depleted soils to increase finger millet and soybean yields.

On Farm Performance of Finger Millet Varieties in Dera District of South Gondar Zone

Finger millet is an important food security crop and beneficial for human health. This study aimed to evaluate the on farm performance of the finger millet varieties in Dera district. The study took place in Korata Kebele and assessed grain yield and farmer feedback. The performance differences between the Necho variety (the demonstrated variety) and the farmers&amp;apos; variety were evaluated. Recent 10 years&amp;apos; grain yield data from the Dera district agriculture office was used to analyze the growth rates of area coverage, production, and productivity in the district using the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). Furthermore, the performance of the Necho variety was compared to its potential and farmer variety using the technology gap, extension gap, and technology index. From 2014 to 2018, the annual growth rate of area coverage and productivity in Dera district declined by 1.6% and 1.7% per year, respectively. Moreover, from 2019 to 2023, the average annual growth rate of area coverage, production, and productivity decreased by 0.75%, 2.6%, and 3.4% per year, respectively. The technology index for the Necho variety in the production seasons of 2021, 2022, and 2023 was -4%, 16%, and 36%, respectively. The higher value in the 2023 season indicated a decline in the performance of the Necho variety compared to the farmer variety. This decline was attributed to the occurrence of blast disease. To address this issue, it is recommended to practice early planting and use recommended fungicides (Natura 250EW and Tilt 250EC). The district agriculture office must ensure easy accessibility of these fungicides in the market for farmers to utilize.

Effect of halo priming on germination and growth parameters of finger millet, little millet, and barnyard millet under osmotic stress

Seed priming has gained attention as a sustainable approach to improve crop performance. Halopriming, in particular, has shown promise in enhancing germination, growth, and stress tolerance. This study aimed to assess the effect of halopriming on the growth of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) variety CO(Ra) 15, little millet (Panicum sumatrense) variety ATL 1, and barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) variety CO(KV) 2 in osmotic conditions. The experiment used different salt solutions with 0, 1, and 1.8 g/L NaCl concentrations. In Hp1 (halo priming 1) finger millet variety CO(Ra) 15, 100% seed germination was observed in normal conditions. In Hp2, the little millet variety ATL 1 has shown 100% seed germination under osmotic stress with a concentration of 1 g/L NaCl (S1). In Hp1, barnyard millet variety CO(KV)2 showed 100% seed germination under osmotic stress with a concentration of 1.8 g/L NaCl (S2). Various growth parameters were recorded, and results showed that the barnyard millet variety Co (KV)2 and the little millet variety ATL 1, both under the Hp1 category, demonstrated the longest shoot lengths of 7.3 cm and 5.85 cm respectively under salt stress (S1). Furthermore, In Hp 1 finger millet variety CO(Ra) 15 recorded the highest root length of 12.25 under salt stress (S2). Vigour Index showed that Hp1 showed positive results regarding the germination percentage and seedling growth of finger millet variety CO(Ra) 15 and little millet variety ATL 1. This study suggested halopriming is an effective technique for promoting sustainable agriculture, especially in areas affected by salinity stress.

Effect of fermentation on nutrient composition, antinutrients, and mineral bioaccessibility of finger millet based Injera: A traditional Ethiopian food

Finger millet, like other cereals, contains high amounts of antinutrients that bind minerals, making them unavailable for absorption. This study explores the effect of traditional fermentation on nutritional, antinutritional, and subsequent mineral bioaccessibility (specifically iron, zinc, and calcium) of finger millet based Injera. Samples of fermented dough and Injera prepared from light brown and white finger millet varieties were analyzed for nutritional composition, antinutritional content, and mineral bioaccessibility following standard procedures. With some exceptions, the proximate composition of fermented dough was significantly affected by fermentation time. Compared to unfermented flour, the phytate and condensed tannin content significantly (p < 0.05) decreased for fermented dough and Injera samples. A strong decline in phytate and condensed tannin content was observed in white finger millet Injera as fermentation time increased, compared to light brown finger millet based Injera. The mineral bioaccessibility of Injera prepared from finger millet and maize composite flour increased with fermentation time, leading to a significant increase in bioaccessible iron, zinc, and calcium, ranging from 15.4–40.0 %, 26.8–50.8 %, and 60.9–88.5 %, respectively. The results suggest that traditional fermentation can be an effective method to reduce phytate and condensed tannin content, simultaneously increasing the bioaccessibility of minerals in the preparation of finger millet based Injera.

Crop-weather relationship of finger millet varieties under varying environments at Keonjhar, Odisha

Crop-weather relationship of finger millet varieties under varying environments at Keonjhar, Odisha

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) enhancement through genomic resources and breeding methods: current implications and potential future interventions.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an essential staple crop in many regions of Africa and Asia, valued for its nutritional content and resilience in challenging agro-ecological conditions. The enhancement of finger millet through genomic resources and breeding methods represents a promising avenue for addressing food and nutritional security. Current efforts in this field have harnessed genomic technologies to decipher the crop's genetic diversity and identify key traits related to yield, disease resistance, and nutritional content. These insights have facilitated the development of improved varieties through selective breeding, accelerating the crop's adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In the future, continued advancements in genomics and breeding methodologies hold the potential to further enhance finger millet's resilience, nutritional value, and productivity, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers. This review article synthesizes the current state of research and development in finger millet enhancement through the integration of genomic resources and innovative breeding methods. The utilization of these insights in selective breeding has already yielded promising results in developing improved finger millet varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers and consumers. Moreover, this article discusses potential future interventions, including the continued advancement of genomics, precision breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices. These interventions hold the promise of further enhancing finger millet's adaptability to changing climates, its nutritional quality, and its overall productivity, thereby contributing to food security and improved livelihoods in finger millet-dependent regions.

Farmer-preferred traits and variety choices for finger millet in Uganda

Finger millet is a climate-resilient crop providing food and nutrition security and income In Uganda. However, the current productivity of finger millet in farmers’ fields is low and among other factors, this is due to the poor adoption of improved varieties. With this study we aim to identify and profile varietal traits preferred by finger millet farmers and consumers in Uganda. We specifically focus on how these traits vary among women and men in the Ugandan finger millet value chain. We collect data using semi-structured questionnaires among 170 households growing millet in Bushenyi, Lira, and Nwoya districts, and we triangulate questionnaires replies with qualitative information from 11 focus group discussions and 3 key informant interviews. Using descriptive statistics and probit regression models, we find that the majority of the farmers (97%) prefer growing landrace varieties of finger millet compared to only 3% growing improved varieties. The most preferred varieties were Kaguma in Bushenyi, Ajuko Manyige in Nwoya, Kal Atar, and Okello Chiba in Lira. Farmers’ choice of variety depends on a combination of traits including agronomic, marketing, and consumption traits. Gender, marital status, education levels, and occupation are the major socio-demographic factors that influence specific preferences related to finger millet variety. This study lays a foundation for designing a gender-responsive finger millet product profile to guide the development and release of new varieties by the finger millet crop improvement program.

Effect of Nitrogen on the Performance of Finger Millet in Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha, India

An experiment was conducted to find out performance of finger millet varieties to different levels of nitrogen under rainfed condition in kharif season of 2019 to 2021 at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Semiliguda, Koraput, Odisha, India. Four varieties of finger millet (Kalua, OEB- 602, Bhairabi and Arjun) and three different nitrogen levels (40, 60 and 80 kg/ha) along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The varieties were taken in the main plots and different nitrogen levels were assigned to the sub plots. The results revealed that highest number of tillers (6.1/hill), fingers (8.3/ear head), finger length (8.8 cm) along with maximum grain yield (2491 kg/ha), net return (Rs. 39464 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.94) were obtained with finger millet variety Arjun followed by Bhairabi. The application of 80 kg N/ha gave highest number of tillers (5.7/hill), fingers (7.7/ear head), finger length (8.4 cm) and grain yield (2399 kg/ha) with highest net return (Rs. 36237 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.86). From the present investigation, it can be concluded that finger millet variety Arjun can be grown with application of 80 kg N/ha along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium for maximum yield and economic return.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SELECTED FINGER MILLET CULTIVARS (ELEUSINE COROCANA L) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS IN THREE DIFFERENT FORMS OF FRESH, COOKED AND MALTED CONDITION

Finger millets one of the major millet has rich amount of dietary fibre and protein. It is a poor man’s crop and it satisfies the hunger of the physically active people of low income. This study of estimation of minerals is done with selected 7 finger millet cultivars of freshly harvested PR-202, Dhalamandia, Bhalumandia, Suvarnamukhi, Vegavathi, KMR-204 and CFMV-2 from ICAR-IIMR field. The selected finger millet cultivars were tested for its protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, carbohydrates, energy value iron, zinc and calcium content in all 3 forms of raw, cooked and sprouted form. The mc, %wb ranged between 11.96 to 37.86%±3.91 in raw selected finger millet cultivars and in cooked millets, the mc ranged between 16.27 to 58.48%±5.59 and in sprouted millet, 17.74-34.26%. Raw finger millet cultivars range in protein content from 5.58% to 9.48%±1.32, in cooked it is 7.76% to 9.80%±0.82, in sprouted it is 6.34 to 9.11±1.09. Sprouted protein is less from cooked by 18.3%, cooked protein is highest among all three forms of protein being tested in the selected varieties of finger millet and is 28.09% higher than the raw millets from raw to sprouted the protein increase is 11.99%. The raw millet fat content is more than cooked by 21.43%, cooked is more in fat than sprouted by 54.55% increase in raw to sprouted is 64.29%. The fat calorific value of the selected 7 cultivars ranges between in raw, 12.6-25.2 kcal/ kg ±4.08, cooked, 9.90-18.90± 3.12 kcal/kg and sprouted 4.50-19.80± 5.02 kcal/kg. The fat calorific value is less followed by cooked and then raw. This may be due to either leaching of fat soluble or due to complex ion formations with other macro molecules. The decrease in ash content is in 2.92%, this may be due to decrease in organic matter in the cooked millet sample. The increase in ash content of raw to cooked is 53.28%, raw to sprouted is 35.04%, cooked to sprouted the decrease is 28.09%. The decrease in carbohydrate is 10.16%±6.28. Raw millet carbohydrate is 35.07-69.32%± 15.41, cooked millet ranges between 38.41-62.28%±8.75, sprouted millet ranges between 29.05-45.04 %±6.14, raw to cooked is 8.70%, raw to sprouted is 17.16%, cooked to sprouted is 24.37%. Raw to cooked millets energy values decrease is 6.4%, cooked to sprouted increase is 8.05% and raw to sprouted is 1.78%. The percentage iron leaching is least in Dhalamandia variety and more in Suvarnamukhi variety. In sprouted form, the iron content had increased by 36.40% in Dhala -mandia variety, Zinc content is increased by 13.58% in PR-202 variety. The average zinc content is highest in raw,1.48mg/g (KMR-204)±0.11 followed by sprouted 1.36 mg /g (KMR-204)±0.13 and then in cooked, 1.04 mg/g(KMR-204)± 0.10. Calcium content in raw grain ranges from 242.1 mg/g (Bhalumandia)±6.56-288.96 mg/g (Vega -vathi)±6.56, in sprouted condition ranges from 237.75 mg/g ±11.06, (KMR-204) to 320.84 mg/g, (PR-202)±11.06 and in cooked condition ranges from 207.88 mg/g±9.17, (CFMV-2) to 267.74 mg/g±9.17, (PR-202).

Adaptation Trial of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) Varieties in East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia Industry

Developing improved varieties with high yield and wide adaptation is one of the major objectives. This indicates that there are some localities which are not fully addressed to satisfy the need for maximizing yield, using high yielder, disease resistant and early maturing variety of the crop is very important. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the main cropping season of 2018 and 2019 at Chelenko ATVET Collage and Boko Agricultural Research sites in Meta and Fadis Districts (Woredas), respectively, with an objective to select adaptable, high yielder, early maturing and disease resistant or tolerant varieties across moisture stressed areas of eastern Oromia, Ethiopia. The treatments consisted of eleven released finger millet varieties including standard check were used as planting materials. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The combined mean analysis of variance revealed that highly significant difference (P &lt; 0.01) for days to maturity, plant height, finger per plant, finger length and grain yield whereas, significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) were observed for days to 50% flowering, effective tiller per plant and thousand seed weight. The earliest days to flowering were observed on Tesema variety with 84.33 days but there was no significantly different with other tested varieties. The results showed that Mereb was the earliest in terms of maturity taking only 126.9 days. The results of combined mean values indicated that, Aksum (3090 kgha-1) followed by Gute (2807 kgha-1) were found to be high yielding finger millet varieties whereas, Mereb (2103 kgha-1) was identified as the least seed yielding variety as compared to all tested varieties. These results depicted that across location Aksum variety was significantly higher grain yield advantage by about 11.11% over standard check followed by Gute. Therefore, Aksum and Gute varieties were showed consistency over locations in this study and recommended to demonstrate with production packages in Meta and Fedis districts and similar agro ecologies.

Post‐attachment resistance to Striga hermonthica in finger millet (Eleusine coracana)

AbstractFinger millet is a highly nutritious and climate‐resilient cereal crop. Despite its importance, finger millet productivity in East Africa trails other cereals due to several biotic and abiotic factors, including the parasitic weed, Striga hermonthica. Striga spp. are noxious parasitic weeds whose damage can result in 100% yield losses in sub‐Saharan Africa. The objective of our study was to determine differences in post‐attachment responses of a selection of genotypes. We germinated finger millet in Petri dishes, transferred them to rhizotrons and infected the roots with Striga that had been pre‐conditioned for 7 days at 30°C and subsequently pre‐germinated using GR24. Histological analysis was done on three distinct genotypes to determine the host–pathogen interactions. The attachment of Striga onto the host was observed 3 days after inoculation. LESK10, a wild genotype, and OKHALE1 (cultivated) consistently supported fewer Striga plants after inoculation, while GBK029646A, a cultivated finger millet, consistently supported the highest. Histological analysis recorded an incompatible reaction in both OKHALE1 and LESK10 and a compatible reaction in GBK029646A as early as 3 days after infection. Our results suggest the likely existence of novel resistance in crop wild relatives that will be valuable for developing durable resistance to Striga in elite finger millet varieties.

Potential for yield and soil fertility improvement with integration of organics in nutrient management for finger millet under rainfed Alfisols of Southern India.

Finger millet (Eluesine coracana L.) is gaining importance as a food crop with the increasing emphasis on nutritional aspects and drought resilience. However, the average productivity of the crop has stagnated at around 2,000 kg ha-1 in India. Recently released nutrient responsive high yielding varieties are reported to respond better to application of fertilizers/manures. Further, substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic manures to maintain sustainable yields and improve soil health is gaining attention in recent years. Therefore, identifying the appropriate rate and source of nutrition is important to enhance the productivity of finger millet while improving the soil health. A field experiment was conducted during two rainy seasons (July-November, 2018 and 2019) to study the response of finger millet varieties to chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) on growth, yields, N use efficiency, N uptake and on soil properties. Two varieties MR-1 and MR-6 were tested with four nutrient management practices viz., unamended control, 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF; 40-20-20 kg NPK ha-1), 50% RDF + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) as FYM and 100% RDN as FYM. Among the varieties, MR-6 outperformed MR-1 in terms of growth, yield, N use efficiency and N uptake. The yield enhancement was up to 22.6% in MR-6 compared to MR-1 across the nutrient management practices. Substituting FYM completely or half of the fertilizer dose increased the growth and yield of finger millet compared to application of chemical fertilizers alone. Similarly, the average biomass yield, ears m-2, grain yield, total N uptake and N use efficiency in response to nutrient management practices followed the order of 100% RDN as FYM > 50% RDF + 50% RDN as FYM > 100% RDF. The soil organic carbon, available N, P, K, and S improved by 25.0, 12.9, 5.7, 6.1, and 22.6%, respectively in the plots under higher rate of FYM application (8 Mg ha-1) compared to plots under chemical fertilizers alone. We conclude that substituting chemical fertilizers either completely or by up to 50% with organic manures supplies adequate amounts of nutrients, improves the yield of finger millet, economic returns, and soil properties.

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

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.