Performance of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) varieties as influenced by nitrogen rates and fungicide level in Northern Guinea and Sudan Savanna, agro-ecologies of Nigeria

Abstract

Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi to determine the effect of fungicide and nitrogen rates on pearl millet varieties during 2014 cropping season. A randomized complete block designed was used to evaluate two pearl millet varieties (Super sosat and PEO5984): fungicide treatments (Untreated and Metalaxyl-treated) and four nitrogen rates (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg N/ha), each replicated three times. The results showed that pearl millet growth and yield parameters were significantly higher for PEO5984 than Super sosat. Percentage establishment score were not affected by pearl millet variety while plant height was greater for Super sosat. Similarly, Number of pannicles per plot while pannicles length/plant and panicle weight per plot were higher with Super sosat variety. For 1000-grain weight, number of pannicles per plant and grain yield per hectare were significantly higher for PEO5984 variety compared with Super sosat. Increase in N-rates significantly increased growth and yield/ha of millet. In-case of fungicide, untreated seeds with matalaxyl recorded lower values than treated seeds. Thus, pearl millet PEO5984 treated with matalaxyl in combination with 60 kg N/ha proved beneficial and enhanced the productivity of the system in Northern Guinea and Sudan Savanna of Nigeria.