Adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) to coastal New South Wales. 3. Comparative productivity of pearl-millet cultivars and a Sudan grass-sorghum hybrid.

Ferraris, R. and Norman, M.J.T. and Fussell, L.K. (1974) Adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) to coastal New South Wales. 3. Comparative productivity of pearl-millet cultivars and a Sudan grass-sorghum hybrid. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, 14 (71). pp. 777-784.

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Abstract

In trials at Camden in 1971-3, an early-maturing (cv. Tamworth) and a late-maturing (cv. Katherine Pearl) pearl millet and a sorghum-Sudan grass hybrid (Sudax SX-11A) were cut at 30 cm above ground at 3- or 6-week intervals. Total DM yields and CP content were similar for all 3 cultivars. CP content was lowest and total DM yields were greatest with the 6-week cutting interval. In a 2nd trial, cutting frequency was kept constant at 3-week intervals and cutting height was maintained at (a) 30 cm, or (b) above the average apical meristem height until the boot stage and then at 30 cm. Total DM yields were greatest in Sudax (7.65 t/ha) and lowest in Tamworth (5.55 t). Regrowth yields generally decreased with time, though in Katherine Pearl a relatively high late-season yield was obtained with (b). CP content was generally highest in Sudax (17.9-21.2%). Estimated OM digestibility in vivo was only slightly affected by cutting regime or by cultivar but showed severe mid-season depression and a significant negative correlation with mean minimum temperature during the regrowth period. Removal of apical meristems reduced rate of regrowth, Sudax being least affected because of the substantial contribution of secondary tillers to regrowth.

Item Type: Article
Author Affiliation: Department of Agronomy and Horticultural Science, Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Subjects: Plant Production
Divisions: Millet
Depositing User: Mr B Krishnamurthy
Date Deposited: 26 May 2012 06:05
Last Modified: 26 May 2012 06:05
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/EA9740777
URI: http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/5766

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