Effect of seed soaking treatments in late sown finger millet under rainfed condition

摘要

Finger millet, a C4 plant, is an important grain crop in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. It has a high production potential of 4-5 t ha~(-1) under optimum conditions. However, the actual yield levels achieved are far below its potential because finger millet is predominantly sown in July (normal sowing) and August (late sowing). Rainfall recorded during July, August, September and October 1998 were 51.5 mm, 25.4 mm, 28.0 mm and 30.0 mm respectively. Late sown crop experiences water stressat early growth stages. Even short period of stress at seedling stage markedly reduce the leaf area, chlorophyll content, and ultimately yield (Seshidar et al. 1978).