Flowering synchronization studies in parental lines of pearl millet hybrid GHB 905

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of staggered sowing and foliar spray of fertilizer on synchronization of parents in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) hybrid GHB 905 at Regional Research Station Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat during summer, 2018. The soil of experiment plot was loamy sand in texture, low in available N and soil organic carbon, high in available P2O5 and K2O. Split plot design was used to layout field plot with nine treatment combinations and four replications. Results revealed that closer synchronization of flowering in parental lines was achieved under sowing of male parent by four days earlier to female and foliar spray of urea @ 2% on male parent at 25 DAS. It was recorded significantly lower days to 50% flowering in male parent (49.25 days) that helped to bridge marginal gap of flowering between parents. It also obtained significantly higher hybrid seed yield (2172 kg/ha) with better quality seed traits.