Finger Millet Yield Research Articles

English

An experiment was conducted to study the adaptability and genotype × environment interaction of finger millet varieties in the north eastern part of Ethiopia. Eight finger millet varieties and a local check were tested at Sirinka, Kobo, and Jari in 2013 and 2014 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with three replicates. The result showed that the year 2013 was relatively better than 2014 for finger millet yield. Variety Bareda ranked first in terms of yield at Sirinka both in 2013 and 2014 (SR13 and SR14), and Kobo in 2013 (KB13). Variety Tadesse ranked first at Jari in 2013 (JR13); however, both the local check and Gute ranked first at Jari in 2014 (JR14). Except at JR14, the local check ranked second in all the environments. The Additive Main-effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis showed that the best fit model was AMMI1 and it explained 68.54% of the genotype × environment interaction. Genotypes Bareda, the local check and Gute had higher grain yield in that order. Similarly, environments SR13, JR13 and KB13 had above average grain yield. Varieties Tadesse and Padet had small interaction effect; however, Bareda and Gute exerted relatively higher interaction effect. Similarly, environment SR13 contributed minimum interaction effect; whereas KB13 and JR13 contributed higher interaction effect. Genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) biplot identified the local check, Bareda and Gute as more desirable varieties. Based on the overall performance and adaptability of the finger millet varieties across environments, Bareda could be recommended for production at Sirinka and Kobo, whereas the local check could still be used at Jari.    Key words: Adaptability, additive main-effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), Eleusine coracana, G × E interaction, genotype and genotype × environment (GGE).

Simulating effect of climate change on finger millet (Eleusine Coracana) yield under selected tillage practices and soil fertilizers inputs in semi-arid lower Eastern Kenya

The current study, conducted in semi-arid Machakos and Kitui Counties of Kenya, simulated effect of climate change (CC) on finger millet yield under different soil fertilizer inputs (SFI), tillage practices (TP) and projected CC scenarios using the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. A randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement was employed. Main plots were TP; oxen plough-OP, ridges and furrows-RF with SFI; Farm yard manure-FYM, Triple super phosphate-TSP + Calcium Ammonium Nitrate-CAN (TSP+CAN) and no fertilizer input as split-plots. The CC scenarios considered were; Current Rainfall (R0) and Temperature (T0) provided the baseline, R1 (R0+10% increase in rainfall), R2 (R0-10% decrease in rainfall), T1 (T0 + 20C) and T2 (the combined effects of 10% decrease in rainfall and 20C increase in temperature (-10%+20C). Significantly (P≤0.001) higher finger millet yields were obtained in TSP+CAN treated plots compared to FYM and control in both Kitui (with higher yields) and Machakos. Comparatively, finger millet yields were well simulated with moderate RMSE (1.04, 0.94) values in OP and RF in Kitui and low values (0.18) in OP in Machakos). Simulated finger millet yields mirrored measured yields, and were higher in Kitui (RF) than Machakos (OP) with TSP+CAN recording highest simulated yields compared to FYM and control. R1 (R0+10% rainfall) registered significantly high finger millet yields under OP and RF with application of TSP+CAN in both sites. The lowest finger millet yields, across sites were noted in T2 (-10% rainfall+20C), in decreasing order; TSP+CAN; FYM and control under OP and RF. Finger millet yields measured and simulated, insitu and across CC scenarios, indicated that application of TSP+CAN under conservation tillage practices (RF in Kitui and OP in Machakos) consistently gave superior yields compared to FYM and control. In the event of change of climate favouring increased rainfall (R1), finger millet grown under RF and OP with application of TSP+CAN may have the potential to adapt to climate change and enhance food and nutritional security. Further studies, mainly focusing on moisture conservation and breeding of drought tolerant crops, are nonetheless recommended to generate possible CC adaptation strategies under R2, T1 and T2 possible climate change scenarios in semi-arid regions of Kenya.

Influence of conservation tillage and nutrient management practices on performance of rainfed finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) in Alfisols

A field experiment was consecutively conducted in two seasons during kharif 2014 and 2015 at AICRP for Dryland Agriculture centre, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka on Alfisols (sandy clay loam) to study the influence of conservation tillage and nutrient management practices on yield, soil fertility, economics and energetics of rainfed finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.). Conventional tillage recorded significantly higher grain and straw yields (3041 and 4687 kg/ha), rain water use efficiency (4.78 kg/ha-mm), total N, P and K uptake (67.89, 21.15 and 55.26 kg/ha, respectively), nutrient use efficiency with higher net energy returns, energy use efficiency and energy productivity, along with higher net returns and B: C ratio (93991 MJ/ha, 16.38 and 0.497 kg/MJ, 54082/ha and 3.77 respectively,) as compared to minimum and zero tillage. Among different nutrient management practices, application of 100% recommended NPK + 7.5 t FYM/ha has given significantly higher grain and straw yields (3030 and 4685 kg/ha), rain water use efficiency (4.76 kg/ha-mm), total N, P and K uptake (67.22, 20.72 and 53.71 kg/ha, respectively), nutrient use efficiency with higher soil available nutrients after harvest, higher net energy returns, energy use efficiency and energy productivity along with higher net returns and B: C ratio (92650 MJ/ha, 13.62 and 0.413 kg/MJ, 50228/ha and 3.14, respectively) as compared to other nutrient management practices.

Yield and economics of finger millet with establishment methods under different planting geometry and nutrient source

Field experiment was conducted at University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru to assess the performance of finger millet under different methods of establishment, planting geometry and nutrient sources on growth, yield and economics. The study comprised of two methods of establishment (direct sowing and transplanting), three planting geometry (30 × 10 cm, 30 × 30 cm and 45 × 30 cm) and two sources of nutrients (N1: RDF (50: 40: 37.5 kg NPK/ha) and N2: FYM on N equivalent basis) laid in RCB Design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. Significantly higher parameters viz., leaf area of 1892 cm2/hill, total dry matter production/hill of 40.77 g/hill, grain yield of 2671 kg/ha, straw yield of 4745 kg/ha, cost of cultivation of 33767, gross returns of 106552 and net returns of 72786 were recorded in transplanting method. The wider spacing viz., 45 × 30 cm and 30 × 30 cm has recorded higher leaf area (2194 and 1832 cm2/hill, respectively), total dry matter production of 38.68 and 40.73 g/hill, respectively, whereas, higher grain yield (2737 kg/ha), straw yield (4849 kg/ha), cost of cultivation ( 33659), gross returns ( 110484), net returns ( 76825) were recorded with recommended spacing (30 ×10 cm). Significantly higher growth parameters viz., leaf area of 1934 cm2/hill, total dry matter production/hill of 39.74 g/hill, grain yield of 2701 kg/ha, straw yield of 4901 kg/ha, gross returns of 108242 and net returns of 78326 were recorded with application of recommended dose of FYM 7.5 t/ha + RDF (50: 40: 37.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha).

Weed dynamics in conservation agricultural systems as influenced by conservation tillage and nutrient management practices under rainfed finger millet

Weeds are major threats for loss of yield in any cropping system. Especially in conservation tillage systems, it is a basic necessary requirement to keep the weed population below their threshold levels to realize optimum grain yields. Managing weeds in conservation tillage systems are very essential to optimize crop production. Hence, to study the effect of conservation tillage practices on weed dynamics, soil weed seed bank and their distribution, a field experiment was conducted under rainfed finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) on Alfisols for two consecutive seasons during 2014 and 2015 at All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, India under split-plot design with three main plots (different tillages) and five sub-plots (different nutrient management). Conventional tillage has recorded significantly higher grain and straw yield of finger millet (3.04 and 4.69 t/ha, respectively) due to effective control of weeds as evidenced by lower total weed density and dry weight observed (13.7 no./m2, 8.0 g/m2 at 30 DAS and 23.9 no./m2, 9.0 g/m2 at 60 DAS) along with higher weed control efficiency (92.5–93.2% in 2014 and 93.3–93.8% in 2015) and lower weed index (7.6–10.3%) due to lower number of weed seeds observed during 2014 (12.3, 19.5 and 4.6/kg soil at 15, 30 and 60 days, respectively) and 2015 (11.3, 17.6 and 4.1/kg soil at 15, 30 and 60 days, respectively as compared to minimum tillage (2.60 and 4.03 t/ha, respectively). Whereas, zero tillage has recorded significantly lower grain and straw yield (2.09 and 3.24 t/ha, respectively) due to poor weed control as observed by higher soil weed seed bank. Among different nutrient management practices application of 100% recommended NPK + 7.5 t FYM/ha yielded significantly higher grain and straw yields (3.03 and 4.68 t/ha, respectively) over other nutrient management practices. Wherein, the soil weed seed bank was not significantly influenced by nutrient management practices and their interactions with the tillage.

Impact of Tank Silt on Soil Fertility-A Study in Mysuru District

A de-silting programme of Dorekere tank was undertaken in Piriyapatna taluk of Mysuru district in 2012–13. This study was undertaken in 2014 to assess the impact of de-silting on the tank and of silt application on the farmers’ fields. A total of 32 soil samples were analyzed of which one was control and 6 were from the tank bed. The remaining 25 samples were drawn from fields of farmers who had applied silt in the year 2012–13. Tank silt had average 68%, 25% and 7% silt, clay and sand, respectively. Application of silt to farm lands had increased the silt content from 45% to 49% whereas clay and sand contents had reduced marginally from 30% to 29%, and from 25% to 22%, respectively, leading to improved soil porosity and moisture holding capacity. The average pH of soils applied with silt was 7.27, with 0.17 ds/m EC and 0.49% OC, indicating no significant impact on soil physical parameters. The analysis also revealed there was no reduction in the quantity of fertilizers used by farmers. However, the major crop tobacco showed better vegetative growth, though the curing issues reduced income from tobacco. There was 20 to 25% higher yield of finger millet and dolichos apart from more fodder yields and increased revenues. Tank rehabilitation, thus, had improved the tank storage capacity, crop yields and revenues. Building farmers’ awareness about the method of silt application and soil test-based nutrient application would ensure better results for further improving soil fertility and sustainability of farming.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Varieties on Tillering Habit, Growth Rate and Yield of Finger-Millet

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Varieties on Tillering Habit, Growth Rate and Yield of Finger-Millet

The Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Yield of Two Contrasting Soybean Varieties and Residual Nutrient Effects on a Subsequent Finger Millet Crop

The problems of low soil fertility resulting from continuous monocropping, crop residue removal and limited fertilizer use represent key challenges to produce surplus food for the ever increasing population of Ethiopia. However, the practices of crop rotation and integrated sources of fertilizer uses could potentially improve soil fertility and productivity. In 2012 and 2014, soybean with different trials consisting of two soybean varieties (Boshe and Ethio-ugozilavia), three levels of farm yard manure (FYM) (3, 6 and 9 t/ha) and three phosphorus levels (8, 16 and 24 kg P ha−1) were combinedin2×3×3factorialarrangements. Twosoybeanvarietiesreceivingnofertilizerapplication followed by finger millet receiving a recommended rate (20 kg P/ha) were included. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In 2013 and 2015, finger millet was planted on each soybean plot as per previous treatment arrangements to evaluate the effect of the precursor crop (soybean) and integrated fertilizer application on yield performance of the subsequent finger millet. Soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus before planting and after crop harvest of soybean in each year showed treatment differences. Both precursor crop and fertilizer application had a positive effect on soil fertility status and, hence, improved the performance of the subsequent finger millet. On the other hand, since the rainfall amount and distribution were different in the 2012 and 2014 seasons, the response of soybean varieties to applied fertilizers was significantly affected, and the correlation between soybean yield and annual rainfall was strongly positive. Use of an early maturing soybean variety (Boshe) with the lowest rates of organicandinorganicfertilizersgavesignificantlyhigheryieldin2012(shortrainyseason)compared with other treatment combinations. In the 2014 cropping season, however, ‘Ethio-ugozilavia’ showed greateryield performancewith the combinedapplication of3 t FYM/haand 1616kg PP/ha followed by 3 t FYM and 88 kg P/ha. Hence, it is recommended to use the ‘Boshe’ variety under a short rainy season and under a low soil fertility status, while variety the ‘Ethio-ugozilavia’ can be used under goodrainyandsoilfertilitymanagementconditions. Consideringresidualeffects,theuseoftheearly maturing soybean variety as a precursor with 3 t FYM/ha and 8–16,816 kg P/ha during the short rainy season could enhance the yield of the subsequent finger millet. On the other hand, the use of the late maturing soybean variety as a precursor with higher organic fertilizer rates (6–9 t FYM/ha) resulted in a significant yield increase of the subsequent finger millet. The use of a late maturing variety of soybean with lower rates of organic manure resulted in a finger millet yield comparable to farmers’ practice, indicating that this option can be adopted by smallholder farmers who cannot produce sufficient organic manure. This study showed that planting of finger millet after a soybean precursor crop even without fertilizer application could give better yield and economic benefits as it saves 70–85% of chemical fertilizer costs compared to the farmers’ practice.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) grain yield and yield components as influenced by phosphorus application and variety in Western Kenya

Finger millet is one of the potential cereal crops that can contribute to the efforts of realization of food security in the Sub-Saharan Africa. However, scientific information available with regards to improving soil phosphorus supply and identification of P efficient varieties for the crops potential yield is limited. In order to investigate the effects of P levels on yield components and grain yield On-station field experiments were conducted in two sites of western Kenya during the long and short rain seasons of 2015. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangement with four levels of P (0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg P2O5 ha-1 and three finger millet varieties (U-15, P-224 and a local check-Ikhulule) and the treatments replicated three times. The increase of phosphorus levels significantly (P≤0.05) increased the grain yield over the control up to 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 during the long rain seasons and 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 during the short rain seasons in both sites. Interactions at P≤0.05 were revealed on the grain yield where improved variety P-224 at 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 produced the highest grain yield of 4.74 t.ha-1 in Alupe and 4.77 t.ha-1 in Kakamega and the consistent results suggest that the combination is highly recommended. Therefore the use of judicious and proper rates of P fertilizers can markedly increase the grain yield of finger millet in western Kenya.

Physiological Parameters, Leaf Nitrogen Content and Grain Yield of Finger Millet as Affected by Different Sources of Organic Manures under INM in Comparison with RDF

Finger millet was grown under three year old Melia azedarach in red sandy loam soil with different management options viz., application of farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha-1, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (40:20:20 NPK kg ha-1) alone, and in conjunction with 75% RD N with 25% N through FYM, Vermicompost, Poultry manure; also with biofertilizers @ 5 kg ha-1Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with finger millet alone as sole cropping with 100% RDF. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. Higher physiological parameters and grain yield of rice was recorded with the INM practice followed by recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) treatment. Among the organic treatments, higher grain yield of finger millet was recorded with sole crop on par with 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure (2405 kg ha-1) and 100% RDF (2393 kg ha-1). The lowest grain (1583 kg ha-1) was found with control FYM @ 10 t ha-1 i.e., farmers practice. Similar trend was observed for all the physiological parameters recorded and harvest index of the rice crop. From the present investigation, it can be inferred that, among nutrient management practices tested, 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure and 100% RDF in agri-silviculture system was better for realizing higher grain yield and physiological parameters apart from sustaining better soil nutrient status on sandy loam soils of Southern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

Statistical Assessment of Sustainability of Finger Millet Yield through Rainfall and Soil Fertility Variables using Regression and Principal Component Models in Rainfed Semi-Arid Alfisol

ABSTRACTField experiments were conducted in farmyard manure (FYM) and maize-residue (MR) blocks during 1984–2011 with the objective of identifying a superior treatment for attaining maximum finger millet yield and soil fertility at Bangalore. The treatments tested in the FYM block were Control; FYM@10tha−1; FYM@10tha−1 + 50% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK); FYM@10tha−1 + 100%NPK; 100%NPK; and in the MR block, Control; MR@5tha−1; MR@5t ha−1 + 50%NPK; MR@5tha−1 + 100%NPK; 100%NPK. FYM@10t/ha + 100%NPK gave a maximum mean yield of 3207 kg/ha in the FYM block, while MR@5t/ha + 100%NPK gave 2548 kg/ha in the MR block. Regression and principal component (PC) models of yield were developed through soil fertility and rainfall variables to assess the treatments. Maximum yield predictability of 60% and 65% under regression, and 76% and 75% under the PC model were observed for the FYM and MR blocks, respectively. FYM@10t/ha + 50%NPK was superior, with maximum gross returns of Rs.41286/ha and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 2.27 in the FYM block compared to MR@5t/ha + 100%NPK (gross returns of Rs.34530/ha and BCR of 2.09) in the MR block with maximum soil fertility, and are recommended for adoption under semi-arid Alfisols.

Influence of alley copping system on AM fungi, microbial biomass C and yield of finger millet, peanut and pigeon pea

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of spacing of tree species on native AM fungi and microbial biomass C in the soil in an alley cropping system. The treatments comprised of 3 spacings (4, 8 and 12 m) as main plots, two perennial leguminous plant species (Gliricidia—Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena—Leucaena leucocephala) as subplots and three field crops (finger millet—Eleusine coracana, peanut—Arachis hypogea and pigeonpea—Cajanus cajan) as sub–sub plot treatments laid out in a split–split plot design with four replications. Growing finger millet, pigeonpea and peanut in between Leucaena supported mycorrhizal parameters like spore numbers and infective propagules of AM fungi in the rhizospheric soil compared to those grown in between Gliricidia. The microbial biomass C in soil was more in all the three alleyed crops grown in between Gliricidia. Spacing of 12 m between trees supported all the microbial parameters studied (except mycorrhizal spore numbers) and also the yield of finger millet, pigeonpea and peanut. Growing finger millet as an alley crop in between Gliricidia spaced 12 m apart considerably improved the yield of finger millet.

Zinc dynamics in an Alfisol as influenced by levels of farm yard manure

Field experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil at Shimoga, Karnataka, India to study the influence of FYM application on dynamics of zinc in an Alfisol under fingermillet (Eleusine coracana L.) crop. Three levels of FYM viz., 7.5, 15.0 and 22.5 t/ha with and without recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) were evaluated for the purpose. Changes in available (DTPA extractable) and different fractions of Zn in soil were monitored. Application of FYM at all levels, with or without fertilizers, caused significant (p<0.05) increase in DTPA-Zn, the effect being more pronounced at higher levels. Maximum DTPA- zinc (0.97 mg/kg) in soil was observed in the treatment RDF+FYM@ 22.5 t/ha. Increase in level of FYM application increased the water soluble, sorbed, easily reducible manganese bound, carbonate bound and organic bound fractions of Zn significantly (p<0.05), but decreased residual fractions in soil compared to that of RDF and absolute control treatments. All the fractions except residual one had positive and significant correlation with each other indicating the existence of a dynamic equilibrium among them. DTPA-Zn was positively and significantly (p<0.01) correlated with soil OC, WS, SORB, ERMn, CA, OM and Fe and Alox fractions (r= 0.683,0.603,0.683,0.702,0.777,0.678 and 0.476 respectively) in soil. The treatment receiving RDF+FYM @ 22.5 t/ha excelled over others with respect to grain and straw yield (3.028 t/ha and 1.890 t/ha respectively) of fingermillet. Thus, keeping in view the availability of Zn in soil and yield of fingermillet, FYM @22.5 t/ha supplemented with RDF was found to be the superior one.

Effect of Organic Manure and Crop Residue Based Long-Term Nutrient Management Systems on Soil Quality Changes under Sole Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) and Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) – Finger Millet Rotation in Rainfed Alfisol

ABSTRACTA long-term experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on soil quality and its relation to finger millet yield under two predominant crop rotations viz., groundnut–finger millet and finger millet monocropping in hot moist semiarid rainfed Alfisol soils in South India. Two experiments were laid out separately for each cropping system in a randomized complete block design with five treatments individually with FYM and maize residue-based combinations viz., Control (T1), FYM @ 10t ha −1 or Maize residue (MR) @ 5t ha −1 (T2), farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10t ha −1 or Maize residue (MR) @ 5t ha −1 + 50% RDF (Recommended Fertiliser Dose) N, P2O5 & K2O (T3), FYM @ 10t ha −1 or Maize residue (MR) @ 5t ha −1 + 100% RDF N,P2O5 & K2O (T4), Recommended N, P2O5 & K2O (T5). Thus, four sets of nutrient management systems were evaluated. The results showed that farm yard manure or maize residue application in combination with recommended dose of fertilizer significantly improved the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties compared to control and application of inorganic fertilizers alone. Based on evaluation of 19 soil quality parameters under each of the four nutrient management systems, the common key soil quality indicators emerged out were: organic C (OC), available nitrogen (N), available sulfur (S), and mean weight diameter (MWD) of soil aggregates. A significant correlation between the finger millet yield and the relative soil quality indices (RSQI) indicates the importance of soil quality in these semiarid Alfisol soils. The results and the methodology adopted in the present study could be of importance in improving the soil quality not only for the region of the study, but also in other identical soils and cropping systems across the world.

Effect of Phosphate Levels on Soil Rhizosphere Nutrient Balances and Finger Millet Yield

Soil infertility is one of the main factors leading to low finger millet production in the semi-arid tropics of Kenya. About 50-80% of P applied as fertilizer is adsorbed by soil and the amount of P needed to achieve maintenance of its adequate status and influence on other soil properties has not been well documented. An on-station experiment was therefore conducted at the KALROKiboko research station during the 2014 long and 2015 short rain seasons to investigate the influence of phosphorus rates on soil rhizosphere chemical properties and yield of three finger millet varieties. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in factorial arrangement and replicated three times. There were four P levels (0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg ha-1 P2O5) and three varieties (U15, P-224 and local check-Kat FM1). Phosphorus application reduced the soil pH significantly for both seasons with the 37.5 kg ha-1 P2O5 rate eliciting the greatest pH from 9.26 to 7.90 (1.36 units) during the long rain season. As expected, soil phosphorus increased with the highest rate with 11 ppm during the long rain season and 9 ppm for the short rains. The organic carbon increased by 0.28% for the long rain season on the 25 kg ha-1 P2O5 rate while the highest rate increased total N by 0.05%. The 25 kg ha-1 P2O5 rate and U-15 indicated the highest yield for both seasons with a maximum of 3.71 t ha-1 realized during the short rain season. Monitoring change in soil nutrient status is important for prescribing P fertilization in order to maintain or replenish soil fertility. The application rate of 25 kg ha-1 P2O5 led to the optimal yields under the improved variety and hence the study recommends this rate.

Tillage and nitrogen management effects on weed seedbank and yield of fingermillet

Field and pot culture studies were conducted at Bengaluru to study the influence of three tillage practices, viz. conventional tillage (3 ploughings + 3 inter cultivations), reduced tillage (2 ploughings + 2 inter cultivations) and minimum tillage (1 ploughing + 1 inter cultivation) and three nitrogen management practices, viz. 100% N through Urea, 100% N through integrated supply (50% N through urea+ 25% N through FYM+ 25% N through Glyricidia) and 100% N through organic source (50% N through FYM+ 50% N through Glyricidia) on live weed seedbank and yield of fingermillet (Eleusine coracana L.) under rainfed pigeonpea-fingermillet system in Alfisols. The results showed that conventional tillage reduced the infestation of Borreria articularis, Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus rotundus compared to other tillage practices. However nitrogen management practices didn't influence live weed seed bank significantly. Among tillage practices, conventional tillage recorded significantly higher fingermillet yield (3.03 t/ha) compared to other tillage practices and among nutrient management practices integrated supply of N recorded higher yield of 2.67 t/ha compared to other nutrient management practices. More live weed seeds were distributed in upper 10 cm soil depth in minimum tillage whereas in conventional tillage live weed seed distribution was more or less uniform in the soil profile studied.

Changes in available nitrogen, grain yield and nutrient uptake under varied levels of nitrogen applied to different nitrogen fertility gradient strips in finger millet crop

Field experiment was carried out at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) to study the effect of graded levels of nitrogen to soils with different nitrogen fertility gradients on growth and yield of Finger millet (GPU 28) and its soil properties during Kharif 2010 and 2011. Treatment comprised of T, (Absolute control), T2 [RDF(Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) + FYM (Farm Yard Manure)], T3 (RDF alone), T4[125% RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) + RDPK (Recommended Dose of PK) + FYM)], T5 (125% RDN + RDPK), T6 (150% RDN + RDPK + FYM), T7 (150% RDN + RDPK) and artificially created five nitrogen fertility gradient strips from very low N fertility gradient strip to very high N fertility gradient strip (No to N4). Soil application of T4 recorded maximum yield (29.56 qha1) as compared to other treatments. With respect to gradient strips maximum grain yield of (31.47 q ha1) was recorded in very high nitrogen fertility strip (N4) followed by soil treatment with T6 (150% RDN + RDPK + FYM). Increased doses of N application in this soil condition did not benefit the crop and yield remained lower. The maximum NPK uptake was observed on T4 (125% RDN + RDPK + FYM) application irrespective of fertility gradient strips and was followed by application of treatment T6 (150% RDN + RDPK + FYM)

Real Time Contingency Measures to Cope with Rainfall Variability in Southern Karnataka

Real time contingency practices viz., selection of varieties, date of sowing, method of crop establishment, soil and moisture conservation practices were demonstrated in the Chikkamaranahalli cluster villages, Bengaluru rural district of Karnataka during 2011 to 2014. Selection of long duration variety (MR-1) for July sowing, medium duration (GPU-28) for August 1st fortnight and short duration (GPU-48) for August 2nd fort night performed better. In-situ conservation moisture through opening of conservation furrow between paired rows of pigeonpea under finger millet + pigeonpea (8: 2) and groundnut + pigeonpea (8: 2) recorded significantly higher yields (2749 kg/ha and 1347 kg/ha, respectively) compared to farmers’ practice. Among different methods of establishment in finger millet, transplanting recorded significantly higher grain yield (2461 kg/ha) and sowing of finger millet using modified bullock drawn seed drill recorded significantly higher yield (2417 kg/ha) compared to conventional method of broadcasting.

Weed management in rainfed finger millet

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2014 at Experimental Farm, Hawalbagh, Almora, to know the effect of weed management practices on weed index and grain yield of rainfed finger millet. All the weed control measures significantly reduced total weed dry weight and weed index as compared to that of weedy check. Manual weeding at 20 and 40 DAS (5.6 g/m2) significantly lowered the total weed dry weight followed by manual weeding at 20 DAS (7.4 g/m2). Weed dry matter recorded in weed wiper treated plots were at par with pre-emergence pendimethalin at 1 kg/ha and post-emergence 2, 4-D at 1 kg/ha. Apart from weed free check highest weed index was found in manual weeding at 20 and 40 DAS (82.0%) followed by manual weeding at 20 DAS (68.5%). Grain yield was significantly higher in hand weeding twice (2200 kg/ha) followed by weeding once (2.02 t/ha). The highest B: C ratio was in manual weeding at 20 DAS (1.39).

Effect of Hydrolysis Reaction Time on the Reducing Sugar Yield of Acha (Digitaria exilis) and Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana) Starch for Bioethanol Production

The effect of hydrolysis reaction time on the reducing sugar yield of Acha (Digitaria exilis) and Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) starch for bioethanol production was studied. The starches were extracted from the feedstocks by wet and dry milling methods. They were gelatinized at slurry concentrations of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mL/g for Acha and slurry concentrations of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 mL/g for finger millet. They were then hydrolyzed using malted barley as enzyme at enzyme concentrations of 0.1g/g to 0.3g/g at durations ranging from 1½ - 3½ h. The results showed that for the two starches studied, none achieved highest reducing sugar yield at 1½ - 2½ h. The optimum fell largely between 3 to 3½ h. Overall results indicate that reducing sugar quantity is largely dependent on slurry concentration (mL/g) of starch, hydrolysis reaction time and even temperature.