Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Three-Way Top-Cross Hybrids to Enhance Production of Forage with Improved Quality in Pearl Millet (<i>Pennisetum glaucum</i> (L.) R. Br.)
oleh: Shashi Kumar Gupta, Ponnaiah Govintharaj, Ruchika Bhardwaj
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2022-09-01 |
Deskripsi
Three-way top-cross hybrids of pearl millet were evaluated along with a popular single- cross check hybrid (PAC 981) for forage yield and quality traits under a multi-cut (three cuts) system across multiple years, seasons and sites in India. Total green forage yield (TGFY) varied from 36 to 53 t ha<sup>−1</sup>, and two hybrids outyielded the check hybrid for both total dry forage yield (TDFY) and forage quality (CP; Crude protein, and IVOMD; In vitro organic matter digestibility) traits. A set of promising three-way top-cross hybrids evaluated along with a set of promising open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) and top-cross hybrids for forage-related traits over two years under a multi-cut system revealed that the mean TDFY of three-way top-cross hybrids was higher than the mean TDFY of top-cross hybrids, followed by OPVs. Also, three-way top-cross hybrids had higher/or at par forage quality traits such as CP and IVOMD in comparison to other types of cultivars. TDFY had no correlation with CP and IVOMD across cuts in three-way top-cross hybrids, indicating that forage quantity and quality traits can be improved independently of each other. Overall, three-way top-cross hybrids were found to be a better pearl millet cultivar option than other types of cultivars.