Effect of agronomic management on oxalate and silica content in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) × napier (Pennisetum purpureum) hybrid

A field experiment was conducted at Rahuri, during 2009–10 to 2010–11 to study the effect of planting material, cutting management and fertilizer levels on growth, yield and quality of bajra or pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] × napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) hybrid. The oxalic acid content in B×N hybrid was not influenced significantly due to different planting material, whereas silica content showed the inconsistent trend. Crop cut at an interval of 45 days registered significantly higher oxalic acid (2.05%) content over cut at 60 and 75 days interval, while significantly lowest silica (2.43%) was observed at 45 days cutting interval on pooled mean basis. Increase in fertilizer levels increased oxalic acid content, whereas decreased the silica content progressively. Application of 150% of recommended dose of fertilizer recorded the maximum oxalic acid (2.01%), while the minimum of silica content (2.23%).