Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Himasree B, Hemalatha S, Sumathi V, Sudhakar P, Nagamadhuri KV and Karunasagar G

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted during kharif, 2019 on sandy loam soils of S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati. The experimental design was spilt-split plot and replicated thrice. Three different times of sowing of little millet (II FN of June (T₁), I FN of July (T₂) and II FN of July (T₃)), three methods of establishment (Broadcasting (M₁), Sowing at 30 cm × 10 cm (M₂) and transplanting 20 days old seedlings (M₃)) and three nitrogen levels (20 kg N ha^-1 (N₁), 30 kg N ha^-1 (N₂) and 40 kg N ha^-1 (N₃)) were allotted to main plots, sub plots and sub-sub plots respectively. Results indicated that little millet sown during II FN of June (T₁) resulted in taller plants, higher number of tillers m^-2, maximum leaf area and higher drymatter production while all these parameters were at their minimum values with II FN of July (T₃) sowings. With regard to methods of establishment, maximum values of the growth parameters were observed with the transplanting method of establishment (M₃) and the minimum values were obtained with the broadcasted (M₁) crop. Application of 40 kg N ha^-1 (N₃) recorded higher stature of growth parameters whereas lower values were found with the application of 20 kg N ha^-1 (N₁). Interaction effect of transplanting method coupled with the application 40 kg N ha^-1 significantly influenced number of tillers m^-2 and drymatter production at harvest.