Simple linear regression analysis of climatic variables on the yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br.) in Jigawa, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out to assess the effects of some selected climatic variables (rainfall, maximum and minimum air temperature,  relative air humidity as well as sunshine duration) on the yield of pearl millet in three local government areas of Jigawa State. The  experiments were conducted over 2016 and 2017 planting seasons at the experimental farm of Federal University, Dutste located at 110 42’ N, 90 34’ E [FUD], Bilyaminu Usman Polytechnic, Hadejia located at 120 48’ N, 100 01’ E (BUPH) and College of Education, Gumel  located at 120 62’ 90 38’ E (COEG]) Jigawa State. The Experiment was laid on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated  thrice, in each of the three locations, the total of 25m by 18m experimental area were splits into plots size of 5m2 with 1mtr distance  between and within replicate to the study the effects of five climatic variables viz; rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and sunshine hour on the yield of pearl millet. Data collected were subjected to simple linear regression analysis at 5%  probability level. The results revealed that contributes 40% to the development of tillers, relative humidity contributes 45% to spike length  and sunshine hours 47% to the yield per hectare. At Gumel it was revealed that maximum temperature contributes about 51% to  the number of tillers, relative humidity 58% to yield per plot and the sunshine hour contributes about 68% to the yield per hectare. At  Hadejiya the results shows that relative air humidity contributes 51% while maximum air temperature 41% and 46% respectively.