Performance of pearl millet hybrids and their relationship with weather parametres under rainfed conditions of low altitude plains of N-W Himalayan region

The present study was mainly aimed at examining the suitability of released pearl millet hybrids under rainfed areas of Jammu region in the low altitude N-W Himalayan plains. The major challenge was to persuade the farmers about the benefits of growing millets and the suitability of the crop for this area. Field experiments were conducted with twenty (20) pearl millet hybrids in randomized block design replicated thrice at Advanced Centre for Rainfed Agriculture (ACRA), SKUAST-J, Rakh Dhiansar, J&K UT in kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020. The results obtained from the experiments revealed that pearl millet hybrid GHB 732 recorded significantly higher grain and biological yields along with grain and biological heat use efficiencies. Various agrometerological indices viz., GDD, HTU, PTU and PTI calculated for the various pearl millet hybrids. The parametres like plant height, panicle length, panicle diameter, test weight and days to 50% flowering had a positive and pronounced significant effect on grain yield of pearl millet hybrids. The maximum temperature during 50% flowering stage of pearl millet showed a positive relationship with grain yield of the crop. Significant negative relationship noted between minimum temperature at physiological maturity of pearl millet hybrids with grain yield. The linear and positive relationship between heat use efficiency (HUE) at 50% flowering with grain yield and total dry matter production was noted with 66 and 76% accuracy. Hybrids namely GHB 732, GHB 744, HHB 223, PB 1705 and XMT 1497 are well suited under rainfed conditions of the Jammu region and can also withstand the harsh climatic conditions. The well suited hybrids are recommended for the rainfed conditions of low altitude plains of N-W Himalayan region, otherwise no hybrids were recommended particularly for this area.