Response of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and yield of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) influenced by bio-chemical fertilizers

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is the main foodgrain, especially in dry areas of India and Sri Lanka. The grains contain higher protein, fat and minerals than rice, corn, and sorghum. It provides a sustaining diet, especially for people associated with hard work. The effect of biofertilizer (Trichoderma) (TRI) along with farmyard manure (FYM) and chemical fertilizer (urea) with different doses applied to study their effects on photosynthetic characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and yield of three finger millet varieties (‘PRM 1’, ‘PRM 701’ and ‘PRM 801’). The yield attributes, viz grain yield; harvest index and 1 000-grain weight were found enhanced under the influence of FYM+TRI. The varieties ‘PRM 1’ and ‘PRM 701’ have responded to improved seed yield (ca. 60–66%) compared to ‘PRM 801’ (40%). Low nitrogen (12 mg/kg soil) and Trichoderma (0.5 mg/kg soil) have insignificantly favoured seed yield. Normal (24 mg/kg soil) and high nitrogen (36 mg/kg soil) both have up-regulated yield significantly. Optimal Fv/Fm values were observed in all three varieties as influenced by Trichoderma with FYM, with improved chlorophyll content in the leaves, better plant growth and biomass. The higher value for photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, transpiration and stomatal conductance were influenced by FYM+TRI.