Effect of Foxtail Millet Cultivars on Yield and Yield Attributes under Different Sowing Windows

The investigation conducted at the Agronomy Farm, College of Agriculture, Pune, during the Kharif season of 2022 focused on the "Effect of foxtail millet cultivars on yield and yield attributes under different sowing windows." The study employed a split-plot design with sixteen treatments and three replications, involving four sowing dates (26 MW, 28 MW, 30 MW, and 32 MW) and four foxtail millet varieties (SiA 3156, SiA 3085, Suryanandi, and Renadu). The soil, a clay loam with slightly alkaline pH, low nitrogen, medium phosphorus, and high potassium levels, received RDF 60:30:30 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1 at sowing. The investigation monitored various growth parameters, including plant height, number of tillers, number of functional leaves, and dry matter accumulation, at different growth stages. The study revealed that early sowing at 26 MW significantly influenced plant height, number of tillers, and dry matter production, favoring greater vegetative growth. The Renadu variety consistently exhibited superior performance in plant height, tiller count, and dry matter accumulation compared to other varieties. Days to 50% flowering and maturity were significantly affected by both sowing dates and varieties, with early-sown crops taking more days to reach these stages. Grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index were influenced by sowing dates and varieties, with the combination of the Renadu variety and 26 MW sowing exhibiting the highest grain yield and straw yield. Renadu also displayed a superior harvest index, emphasizing its suitability for optimal growth and yield. The study recommends sowing foxtail millet on 26 MW or 28 MW, particularly with the Renadu variety, for achieving maximum growth and yield during the Kharif season. The findings highlight the significance of considering both sowing windows and foxtail millet varieties to optimize production in the given agro-climatic conditions of Pune, Maharashtra.