Effect of sowing date on 'grain and fodder production of barnyard millet (Echinochloa crus-galli ssp' utilis) at high altitudes

Abstract

A study was conducted during 1996-97 on the effect of sowing date on grain and fodder production among 21
selected lines of barnyard millet [Echinochloa crus.galli (L.) p, Beauv. ssp utilis] cultivars at an altitude of 2 100 m
above mean sea-level on 3 sowing dates in April, May and June respectively. Sub-optimal temperature during vegetative
period at sowing date in April and May delayed the initiation of flowering. On the contrary, an early tennination of
growing season and prolong duration of grain filling was observed in June sowing at an exposure to low atmospheric
temperature at post-floral growth of crop. Cultivars sown in April gave maximum grain and fodder yield. Correlation
and path analysis suggested that sowing condition in April was more effective for greater exploitation of both grain and
fodder yield of cultivars Under high hill condition.