Yield Of Pearl Millet Research Articles

Assessing Aquacrop model for pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum) under in-situ water conservation in a rainfed semi-arid environment

AquaCrop (v4. 0) model has been commonly used to simulate the crop yield under irrigated environments, but this model has not yet been calibrated and validated for simulating the yield of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) under in-situ water conservation. Thus, a three year (2011−13) field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi with six in-situ water conservation treatments,viz. trench-cum-bund (TCB: 20 cm depth of trench, 20 cm height of bund), bund (30 cm height), ridge-and-furrow (R&F: 15 cm height), skip-row (SR: 3:1) planting, basin-tillage (BT: 45 cm × 45 cm) and control (no-water conservation). Calibration of AquaCrop (v 4. 0) model for pearlmillet grain yield and total soil moisture content was done using experimental data of 2011 and validated separately for 2012 (deficit rainfall year) and 2013 (excess rainfall year) data. For the year (2012), absolute prediction errors of grain yield were 1.7, 8.7, 14.1, 14.9, 3.3 and 7.3% for BT, R&F, TCB, bunds, SR and control, respectively, whereas Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency, root mean square error and coefficient of determination were 0.95, 0.07 and 0.96, respectively during calibration period and 0.73, 0.15 and 0.93 during validation period of deficit year. Thus, model predictions were satisfactoryfor less rainfall (<600 mm) year. Coefficient of determination R2 (0.4 to 1.0) was better for soil moisture simulation during dry-spell periods and for BT practice. The validated AquaCrop model can be used for prediction of pearlmillet yield and soil moisture under different water conservation practices in a semi-arid environment.

Modelling Rainfed Pearl Millet Yield Sensitivity to Abiotic Stresses in Semi-Arid Central Tanzania, Eastern Africa

Drought and heat-tolerant crops, such as Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), are priority crops for fighting hunger in semi-arid regions. Assessing its performance under future climate scenarios is critical for determining its resilience and sustainability. Field experiments were conducted over two consecutive seasons (2015/2016 and 2016/2017) to determine the yield responses of the crop (pearl millet variety “Okoa”) to microdose fertilizer application in a semi-arid region of Tanzania. Data from the experiment were used to calibrate and validate the DSSAT model (CERES Millet). Subsequently, the model evaluated synthetic climate change scenarios for temperature increments and precipitation changes based on historic observations (2010–2018). Temperature increases of +0.5 to +3.0 °C (from baseline), under non-fertilized (NF) and fertilizer microdose (MD) conditions were used to evaluate nine planting dates of pearl millet from early (5 December) to late planting (25 February), based on increments of 10 days. The planting date with the highest yields was subjected to 49 synthetic scenarios of climate change for temperature increments and precipitation changes (of −30% up to +30% from baseline) to simulate yield responses. Results show that the model reproduced the phenology and yield, indicating a very good performance. Model simulations indicate that temperature increases negatively affected yields for all planting dates under NF and MD. Early and late planting windows were more negatively affected than the normal planting window, implying that temperature increases reduced the length of effective planting window for achieving high yields in both NF and MD. Farmers must adjust their planting timing, while the timely availability of seeds and fertilizer is critical. Precipitation increases had a positive effect on yields under all tested temperature increments, but Okoa cultivar only has steady yield increases up to a maximum of 1.5 °C, beyond which yields decline. This informs the need for further breeding or testing of other cultivars that are more heat tolerant. However, under MD, the temperature increments and precipitation change scenarios are higher than under NF, indicating a high potential of yield improvement under MD, especially with precipitation increases. Further investigation should focus on other cropping strategies such as the use of in-field rainwater harvesting and heat-tolerant cultivars to mitigate the effects of temperature increase and change in precipitation on pearl millet yield.

Development of a model estimating root length density from root impacts on a soil profile in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br). Application to measure root system response to water stress in field conditions

Pearl millet is able to withstand dry and hot conditions and plays an important role for food security in arid and semi-arid areas of Africa and India. However, low soil fertility and drought constrain pearl millet yield. One target to address these constraints through agricultural practices or breeding is root system architecture. In this study, in order to easily phenotype the root system in field conditions, we developed a model to predict root length density (RLD) of pearl millet plants from root intersection densities (RID) counted on a trench profile in field conditions. We identified root orientation as an important parameter to improve the relationship between RID and RLD. Root orientation was notably found to depend on soil depth and to differ between thick roots (more anisotropic with depth) and fine roots (isotropic at all depths). We used our model to study pearl millet root system response to drought and showed that pearl millet reorients its root growth toward deeper soil layers that retain more water in these conditions. Overall, this model opens ways for the characterization of the impact of environmental factors and management practices on pearl millet root system development.

The Management Strategies of Pearl Millet Farmers to Cope with Seasonal Rainfall Variability in a Semi-Arid Agroclimate

Rainfed agriculture constitutes around 80% of the world’s agricultural land, achieving the lowest on-farm crop yields and greatest on-farm water losses. Much of this land is in developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where hunger is chronic. The primary constraint of rainfed agriculture—frequently experienced in SSA—is water scarcity, heightened by the unpredictability of season onset, erratic rainfall, as well as the inability of farmers to provide adequate soil and crop management. Farmers react differently to constraints, making a variety of choices—including the timing of planting, type of land cultivation, fertilization, and scattered fields, among many others. Limited information is available on the combined effects of these strategies for improving crop yield and water use efficiency (WUE). An experiment was co-conducted with farmers over four consecutive rainy seasons (2014–2018) in Tanzania, to evaluate these strategies for single and joint effects in improving yield and WUE on rainfed pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.). The treatments used were flat cultivation both without and with microdosing, as well as tied ridging without and with microdose interaction, with different planting dates depending on farmers’ decisions. Results show that farmers react differently to the early, normal, or late onset of the rainy season, and cumulative rainfall during its onset, which affects their decisions regarding planting dates, yield, and WUE. Microdose fertilization increases both the yield and WUE of pearl millet significantly, with greater effects obtained using tied ridging compared to flat cultivation. For low-income smallholder farmers in a semi-arid agroclimate, using tied ridging with microdosing during early planting is an effective response to spatiotemporal rainfall variability and poor soils.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient supply, productivity and soil fertility in Pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

An experiment was conducted for 2 years (2018 and 2019) at Oilseed Research Farm, Kalyanpur, C. S. A. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India to evaluate the effect of nutrient management practices on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br. Emend. Stuntz.). Highest yield was observed in 5t FYM/ha application over control. Each unit increase in N level led to significant increase in growth, yield attributing characters and yield of pearlmillet. The maximum grain yield (24.2q/ha) was recorded with highest N level. Combined inoculation of Azospirillum + PSB increased the growth, yield attributes and yields significantly. The monetary returns were found in similar trends. Application of organic manure and bio-fertilizers resulted in desirable post-harvest soil status with more organic carbon (OC), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potash (K).

English

English

Cattle manure and intercropping effects on soil properties and growth and yield of pearl millet and cowpea in Namibia

ABSTRACTThe impoverished Namibian soils can very well be enriched with nutrients by applying cattle manure, especially when resource-poor farmers are unable to purchase expensive chemical fertilizers. In this study, effects of cattle manure on different cropping patterns, i.e., mono- and mixed-cropping of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were compared across three cropping seasons at manure application rates of 0, 31 and 62 Mg ha−1. The experimental plots were laid out in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. The parameters measured were growth and yield of the crops, soil organic carbon (SOC), total soil N, available soil P, and exchangeable soil K. The SOC was determined by the Black-Walkley protocol, total N by the modified Kjeldahl method, available P by the Olsen method, and exchangeable K by ammonium acetate extraction. Application of 31 Mg ha−1 cattle manure increased SOC, total soil N, available P, and exchangeable K 1.3, 1.2, 1.2, and 1.4 times, respectively, over the control; the respective increase by the addition of 62 Mg ha−1 was 1.7, 1.5, 1.3, and 2.1 times. However, differences between 31 and 62 Mg ha−1 manure were not significant for SOC, total soil N, and available P, except for exchangeable K. Both grain yield and biomass yield of pearl millet increased with the application of 31 Mg ha−1 manure, but declined with the application of 62 Mg ha−1 manure, whereas grain yield and biomass yield of cowpea declined with the addition of 62 Mg ha−1 manure. Both cowpea and pearl millet yielded more when intercropped than when grown as monocultures.

Analysis of Intra and Interseasonal Rainfall Variability and Its Effects on Pearl Millet Yield in a Semiarid Agroclimate: Significance of Scattered Fields and Tied Ridges

Establishing food security in sub-Saharan African countries requires a comprehensive and high resolution understanding of the driving factors of crop production. Poor soil and adverse climate conditions are among the major drivers of poor regional crop production. Drought and rainfall variability challenges are not fully being addressed by rainfed producers in semiarid areas. In this study, we analysed the spatiotemporal rainfall variability (STRV) and its effects on pearl millet yield using two seasons of data collected from 38 rain gauge stations scattered randomly in farm plots within a 1500 ha area of semiarid central Tanzania. The STRV effects on pearl millet yield under flat and tied ridge management were analysed. Our results show that seasonal rainfall can vary significantly for neighboring fields at distances of less than 200 m, which impacts yield. The STRV for daily rainfall was found to be more critical than for total seasonal rainfall amounts. Scattering fields can help farmers avoid total harvest loss by obtaining at least some yield from the areas that received adequate rain. The use of tied ridges is recommended to conserve soil moisture and improve yields more than flat cultivation in semiarid areas.

Determination of intra and inter row spacing on the yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in the dry land areas of Wag Himra, eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Determination of intra and inter row spacing on the yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in the dry land areas of Wag Himra, eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Maximizing pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) productivity and profitability using site specific nutrient management strategy

Field experiment was conducted during kharif 2014 and 2015 at farmers’ field at Panwari village of Agra district (Uttar Pradesh) to study the effect of site specific nutrient management (SSNM) on productivity, profitability and uptake of nutrients by pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R.Br.]. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments and three replications. Results, pooled over two years, indicated that the SSNM led to significant increase in grain and stover yield of pearl millet as compared to the state recommended NPK fertilizers and farmers’ practice. SSNM increased the grain yield of pearl millet by 30.6 and 42.2% over state recommended NPK fertilizers and farmer practice, respectively. The maximum net profits of Rupees 45209/ha with a B:C ratio of 2.71 was obtained from pearl millet under SSNM. The minimum net profits (Rupees 29818/ha) and B:C ratio (2.53) were recorded under farmer practice. Omission of P, K, S and Zn nutrients caused grain yield reductions by 22.4% , 24.0% , 7.4% and 7.0% over SSNM, respectively. The uptake of N, P, K, S and Zn by pearl millet grain and stover in SSNM was higher than that of the farmer’s practice. The protein content and protein yield also improved with various treatments over farmers’ practice and the maximum values for both were recorded under SSNM. The fertility status of soil increased with various treatments and the maximum values of organic carbon (4.0 g/kg), available N (204.5 kg/ha), P (16 kg/ha), K (144 kg/ha), S (22.4 kg/ha) and Zn (0.61 mg/kg) were recorded with 120 kg N+60 kg P2O5 + 90 kg K2O+ 20 kg S + 4 kg Zn/ha over other treatments. Omission of S and Zn caused a reduction in available S and Zn status over their initial values.

Assessing climate change impacts on pearl millet under arid and semi-aridenvironments using CSM-CERES-Millet model.

Climate change adversely affects food security all over the world, especially in developing countries where the increasing population is confronting food insecurity and malnutrition. Crop models can assist stakeholders for assessment of climate change in current and future agricultural production systems. The aim of this study was to use of system analysis approach through CSM-CERES-Millet model to quantify climate change and its impact on pearl millet under arid and semi-arid climatic conditions of Punjab, Pakistan. Calibration and evaluation of CERES-Millet were performed with the field observations for pearl millet hybrid 86M86. Mid-century (2040-2069) climate change scenarios for representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5 were generated based on an ensemble of selected five general circulation models (GCMs). The model was calibrated with optimum treatment (15-cm plant spacing and 200 kg N ha-1) using field observations on phenology, growth and grain yield. Thereafter, pearl millet cultivar was evaluated with remaining treatments of plant spacing and nitrogen during 2015 and 2016 in Faisalabad and Layyah. The CERES-Millet model was calibrated very well and predicted the grain yield with 1.14% error. Model valuation results showed that there was a close agreement between the observed and simulated values of grain yield with RMSE ranging from 172 to 193 kg ha-1. The results of future climate scenarios revealed that there would be an increase in Tmin (2.8 °C and 2.9 °C, respectively, for the semi-arid and arid environment) and Tmax (2.5 °C and 2.7 °C, respectively, for the semi-arid and arid environment) under RCP4.5. For RCP8.5, there would be an increase of 4 °C in Tmin for the semi-arid and arid environment and an increase of 3.7 °C and 3.9 °C in Tmax, respectively, for the semi-arid and arid environment. The impacts of climate changes showed that pearl millet yield would be reduced by 7 to 10% under RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 in Faisalabad and 10 to 13% in Layyah under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for mid-century. So, CSM-CERES-Millet is a useful tool in assessing the climate change impacts.

Response of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) to plant population in the semi-arid environments of Nigeria

Low planting densities and use of unimproved varieties contribute to the low yields of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in Nigeria. Field experiments were conducted during the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons, to evaluate the response of pearl millet varieties to varying plant hill population in semi-arid environments of Nigeria. Year, variety and plant hill population had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on days to 50% flowering, grain and stalk yields. With exception of Sosat-C88 at 8,889 hills ha-1, the grain and stalk yields of pearl millet varieties were found to be significantly higher at higher hill populations than lower hill populations in both locations. Plant chlorophyll content (SPAD) at 21 DAS (days after sowing) was higher and significantly correlated with grain yields in Minjibir than value at 42 DAS. Similarly, leaf area index (LAI) at 42 DAS was significantly correlated with grains than at 63 DAS. Increasing hill population to 13,333, 26,667 and 53,333 hills ha-1 increased grain yield by 5.8, 5.3 and 4.5% in Minjibir and by 14.3, 18.7 and 10.1% in Gambawa respectively compared to 8,889 hills ha-1. Similarly, stalk yields increased with increased plant hill population, which ranged from 6 to 23% at Minjibir and 11 to 15% at Gambawa over 8,889 hills ha- 1. Sosat-C88 was found to produce higher yield across the different hills population than the other varieties tested with mean yield gained by 17% in Minjibir and 19.3% in Gambawa over local variety. Results suggest no blanket recommendation for the hill population across the varieties; GB8765 attained an optimal yield at a population of 13,333 hills ha-1 in both locations beyond which grain yield decline. Sosat-C88 produced an optimum yield at lower population of 8,889 hills ha-1 at Minjibir and higher population of 26,667 hills ha-1 at Gambawa while local variety an optimal yield was stable at 26,667 hills ha-1 in both locations.

Yield trends and changes in soil fertility in a long term pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system managed with organic, inorganic and integrated sources of nutrients

The present study was carried out to evaluate the yield trends and soil fertility under long term field experiment at soil research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. Results showed that average grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br) across the experimentation period was higher under integrated application of organic manures along with 150 kg N+30 kg P2O5/ha through chemical fertilizers as compared to application of recommended dose of nutrients through chemical fertilizers alone (150 kg N+60 kg P2O5/ha). Lowest grain yield of both crops was observed when organic manures applied alone. Positive yield trend of both the crops was observed under all the nutrient management practices. The highest soil organic carbon (SOC) (1.14%) was recorded with the application of farmyard manure (FYM) followed by pressmud and poultry manure. Build-up of organic carbon ranged from 0.016 to 0.037%/year with application of FYM, poultry manure, pressmud as a component of integrated nutrient management. Highest amount of humic acid-C (HA-C) and fulvicacid-C (FA-C) (0.40 and 0.21%, respectively) was observed with application of 7.5 Mg pressmud along with 150 kg N+30 kg P2O5 /ha. Integrated nutrient management (INM) showed superiority on better grain yield of pearl millet and wheat in these alluvial soils of Haryana.

IDENTIFYING FARMERS’ PREFERENCES AND CONSTRAINTS TO PEARL MILLET PRODUCTION IN THE SAHEL AND NORTH-SUDAN ZONES OF BURKINA FASO

SUMMARYThe low yield of pearl millet largely due to the low adoption of improved varieties substantiates the application of client-oriented plant breeding for pearl millet. Hence to enhance adoption, new varieties must correspond to farmers’ preferences and respond to the constraints prevailing in the production environments, participatory rural appraisals were conducted in two agro-ecological zones (Sahel and North-Sudan) to determine farmers’ preferences in the choice of varieties and to identify constraints to pearl millet production. The study revealed that the major production constraints are hierarchically drought, Striga, head miner, bird and downy mildew. Compact panicle, large grain size and non-bristle panicle were the most preferred traits in pearl millet across agro-ecological zones. Very long panicle and early maturity crop cycle were more preferred in the Sahel zone whereas, in the North-Sudan zone medium panicle length and medium maturity cycle were more preferred by farmers. Traits largely rejected by farmers were small grain size, narrow, loose and bristled panicle. Very few investigations were done to understand the raison of the low adoption of improved technologies in pearl millet. This study identified the major criteria of new pearl millet variety adoption by farmers. It is expected that breeding program must integrate these criteria in new pearl millet variety profiling to enhance adoption.

Effect of parboiling on decortication yield of millet grains and phenolic acids and in vitro digestibility of selected millet products

Parboiling is a common method used in rice processing to improve milling yield and physicochemical properties. The current study evaluates parboiling as a pre-treatment step in millet decortication and its impact on phenolic profile and in vitro digestibility of two traditional millet products, steam-cooked couscous and porridge, made from pearl (Pennisetum glaucum) and proso (Panicum miliaceum) millets. Parboiling increased decorticated yield of pearl and proso millet by 37% and 28% respectively. It resulted in significant (P < 0.05) rise in free and bound phenolic contents and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of the millet products. This method significantly (P < 0.05) changed starch digestion fractions of both products thereby reducing expected glycemic index (eGI) while the in vitro protein digestibility of products decreased by 14–17%. Parboiling could be an effective way to improve millet decortication yield as well as produce millet products with higher phenolic acids antioxidant activity and lower GI.

English

A field experiment was carried out during to study the effect of nutrient levels and plant growth regulators on growth and yield of pearl millet during rabi 2016 at TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Ten treatments with nutrient levels and plant growth regulators were imposed with three replications using RBD. All the growth and physiological parameters were recorded accordingly. The plant growth regulators (PGRs) have potential for increasing crop productivity under environmental stress. Growth regulators are chemical substances which can alter the growth and developmental processes leading to increased yield, improved grain quality or facilitated harvesting. Nutrient levels and plant growth regulators application had significant influence on growth parameters of Pearl millet. The significantly highest plant height, total number tillers, leaf area index, dry matter production and chlorophyll index was recorded with T7 - 125% RDF* + Foliar application of NAA @ 40 ppm at 20 and 40 DAS.

Nutrient release dynamics from decomposing organic materials and their mulching-effect on pearl millet yields in a low-input Sahelian cropping system

Organic material inputs for increased crop yields are insufficient in the Sahelian West Africa. There is a need for diversifying organic amendment sources for improved nutrient supply in low-input cropping system. The 2-year study aimed to (1) explore the rates of mass losses and nutrient release dynamics from Acacia tumida prunings (AT) and millet straw (MS) under field conditions, (2) assess termite’s contribution to the decomposition of AT and MS, and (3) ascertain the mulching-effect of these organic materials on pearl millet yields. The study was conducted in Niger using field experiment and litterbag methodology and the data modelled using single exponential decay equations. Under field conditions, mulching with AT and MS increased millet grain yield by 35 and 33%, respectively compared to control. The harvest index (HI) in 2014 increased by 21% compared to that obtained in 2013 with the highest HI being recorded for the AT mulched treatment. The results from litterbag experiment indicated a greater dry mass losses from MS decomposition in 2013 whereas relatively higher mass losses were recorded from AT decomposition in 2014. The differences in mass losses among the organic materials could be related to the interaction of soil moisture dynamics and termites’ population which are positively correlated with mass losses. The contribution of termites to the decomposition was estimated to be 36% for MS and 8% for AT. In 2013, at 126 days after litterbags placement, the amounts of N, P, and K released from MS were 16, 1, and 25 kg ha−1 of initial nutrient applied, respectively compared with the 22, 1, and 23 kg ha−1 recorded from AT treatment. During the same period in 2014, the total amounts of N, P and K released from MS were 15, 0.6, and 29 kg ha−1, respectively compared to the 32 kg ha−1 of N, 1 kg ha−1 of P, and 29 kg ha−1 of K released from the AT treatment. The intrinsic organic material quality could explain markedly the variation in nutrient released among the organic material. These results indicate that Acacia tumida prunings have a potential to provide nutrient through mineralization for enhanced crop yield in the Sahel.

Response of pearl millet (&lt;i&gt;Pennicetum glaucuml&lt;/i&gt;.) to experimental mutagenesis in the Guinea Savannah agro-ecology of Ghana

Irradiation techniques were applied to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on growth and yield of pearl millet (Pennicetum glaucum L.) during the cropping seasons of 2014 to 2016 in Nyankpala, Ghana. Seeds of pearl millet were irradiated with gamma rays at 100, 200 or 300 Gy. The irradiated and some unirradiated control seeds were planted in 2014 in a randomized complete block design with four replications. At harvest, all M1 seeds for respective gamma ray doses were harvested and advanced to M2 generation during the 2015 cropping season. Mutant lines with desirable agronomic traits from the M2 generation were advanced to M3 during the 2016 season. Result of screening the M3 mutant lines indicated that mutagenesis followed by selection produced desirable agronomic characteristics. Number of productive tillers was the yield component mostly associated with total grain yield. The mutant lines especially those from the 100 and 200 Gy doses of gamma rays recorded significant improvement in earliness, number of productive tillers, seed weight and total grain yield. The early maturing and high yielding mutant lines are being evaluated in multilocational trials for possible release as varieties for northern Ghana.Keywords: Pearl Millet, Growth, Grain Yield, Gamma Irradiation, Induced Mutation

Prediction of effective climate change indicators using statistical downscaling approach and impact assessment on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) yield through Genetic Algorithm in Punjab, Pakistan

Climate change involves long term changes in climate including increase in temperature, elevated CO2 and uneven distribution of rainfall quantity and periodicity. Though daily mean temperature (Tmean) is considered a widely useful index of assessment of climate change, averaging can obscure some of the variations expected in diurnal temperature range (DTR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of DTR relative to Tmean as a metric for predicting millet yield using a combination of a historical dataset (1980–2010) and two climate model (MIROC5 and GFDL) projections for 2017–2046 under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 across two different environments (arid, Layyah and semi-arid, Faisalabad) of Punjab, Pakistan. Provincial datasets of pearl millet yields were collected and checked for an empirical relationship between Tmean, DTR and crop yield. The mean of projections showed increasing DTR relative to baseline in both environments. Projected Tmax and Tmin were highly correlated (0.90–0.99) for both environments and climate models. MIROC5 predicted Tmax and Tmin well and GFDL performed efficiently in predicting precipitation by 2046. The data also showed more hot days in future decades and erractic rainfall pattern by 2046 in both environments. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) appeared to be a good approach to assess climate change impact on pearl millet yield in Punjab, Pakistan, predicting negative yield impacts (11–12%) due to future warming. We suggest broadening tests of this method to other cases around the world, with similar climate regimes.

Deciphering Yield Sustainability of High Yielding Pearl Millet Varieties in Arid Environment

Pearl-millet yield in arid zone vary from being 4 times of long-term average yield due to variations in rainfall. Thus, it is difficult to assess sustainable yield levels and manure and/or urea needed to sustain them. A long-term field experiment (1993–2013) was conducted and results were statistically inferred for above purpose. 80% variation in annual grain yield could statistically be attributed to rainfall and 10% to manure/urea and even this response was not significant in all the years. 20 kg urea-N significantly increased grain yield in five out of 21 years whereas 5 ton manure + 40 kg urea-N increased it in 17 years. Grain yield of pearl-millet cultivated without any manure/urea-N decreased at the rate of 44.9 kg ha−1 year−1. 20 and 40 kg urea-N ha−1 and 2.5 ton manure retarded this decline however 2.5 tons of manure + 20 kg urea-N, reversed this trend. 5.0 ton manure + 40 kg urea-N ha−1 increased grain yield by 33.3 kg ha−1 year−1 and maximum grain production over 21 years was also recorded in this treatment. 2.5 ton manure + 20 kg urea-N ha−1 was selected to provide highest food security. This is also supported by sustainable yield index.