Influence of foliar application of iron on pearl millet growth, yield and economics under dryland condition

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapur during kharif 2015, 2016 and 2017 in medium black soil. The experiment was designed in a split plot design comprising three pearl millet hybrids as main plots (GHB-558, 86 M 88 and Kaveri super boss) and four levels of FeSO4 foliar application (control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% of Fe) in sub plots. Kaveri super boss has recorded higher seed weight per plant (27.28 g), test weight (12.74 g), grain (2335 kg ha-1), dry fodder (4109 kg ha-1) yield and was on par with 86 M 88. Foliar application of FeSO4 at 0.75% has reported significantly higher grain (2268 kg ha-1) and dry fodder yield compared to control. Interaction of Kaveri super boss with 0.75% FeSO4 foliar application reported highest grain yield (2491 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs. 19,169) and B:C ratio (2.45) and was on par with 86 M 88 + 0.75% FeSO4 foliar application.