Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc Application on Growth and Yield Attributes of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under Rainfed Condition

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif season 2012 at the Agricultural Farm of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur to study the effect of phosphorus and zinc application on growth, yield attributes and yield of pearl millet. On experimental data basis significant improvements were recorded in growth attributes as plant height, number of tillers per plant and dry matter accumulation and yield attributes as pod length, grain and straw yield and harvest index of pearl millet. Phosphorus and zinc level significantly increased the plant height, the maximum plant height (73.83, 165.27, 167.93 and 170.33 cm) was recorded due to application of 30 kg phosphorus and 20 zinc kg ha-1 at 25, 50, 75 DAS and at maturity stage. The maximum (2066.67 & 4443.23 kg ha-1) grain and straw yield recorded with application of 30 kg phosphorus and 20 kg zinc ha-1 while minimum (1599.33 &3256.67 kg ha-1) were recorded in control, respectively. The application dose of 30 kg phosphorus and 20 zinc kg ha-1 treatment have shown 15%, 6% and 23 % increase in grain yield over 10 kg phosphorus and 20 zinc kg ha-1, 20 kg phosphorus and 20 zinc kg ha-1 and control, respectively.