Optimization of seed rate and planting geometry for genotypes of browntop millet (Brachiaria ramose L.)

Abstract

A field study was conducted during Kharif 2020 at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hanumanamatti, Haveri,Karnataka, India, under rainfed condition in red sandy loamy soil. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot designwith three replications. The treatments comprise three planting geometry (30, 45 and 60 cm row spacing) in main plots, twogenotypes (Dharwad local and IIMR Y II) in sub plots and three seed rates (5, 7.5 and 10 kg ha-1) in sub-sub plots. Plantinggeometry of 45 cm row spacing recorded significantly higher growth parameters like, number of tillers per meter row length(157.56), leaf area (447.13 cm2 plant-1), dry matter production (15.02 g plant-1) and yield attributes like number of effectivetillers per m2 (333.08), ear head length (15.1 cm), grain yield (624.2 kg ha-1), straw yield (1370.1 kg ha-1) and economicvalues as compared to 30 cm row spacing, which was on par with 60 cm row spacing. Genotypes had no significant effecton growth, yield parameters and yield. However, genotype IIMR Y II recorded higher growth attributes, yield attributes,grain yield (575.4 kg ha-1), straw yield (1297.6 kg ha-1) and economic values when compared to Dharwad local. Amongdifferent seed rates, seed rate of 7.5 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher number of tillers per meter row length (153.88), leafarea (443.21 cm2 plant-1), dry matter production (14.49 g plant-1), number of effective tillers per m2 (327.43), ear head length(15.07 cm) grain yield (585.6 kg ha-1), straw yield (1321.8 kg ha-1) and economic value than the rest of the seed rates.Interaction effect of planting geometry, genotypes and seed rates were found non-significant.