Maximizing seed and fodder production in Cenchrus species through foliar spray of growth promoters

An experiment was conducted during 2011 to 2013 at Western Regional Research Station (ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute), Avikanagar, Rajasthan, for evaluating the effect of foliar spray of different growth-promoters on seed yield and quality in Cenchrus species. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with 3 replications under rainfed condition. Foliar sprays of 3 growth-promoters, thiourea (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%), GA₃ (50, 100 and 150 ppm), KNO₃ (2, 4 and 6%) were applied at panicle-initiation stage on ‘IGFRI 3108’ cv. of buffel grass (C. ciliaris L.) ‘CAZRI 392’ cv. of birdwood grass (C. setigerus Vahl). In C. ciliaris, foliar spray of 0.5% thiourea, 100 ppm GA₃ and 4% KNO₃ increased seed yield by 39, 31 and 50% respectively, over the control. Similarly, in C. setigerus application of these growth-promoters at the same concentration showed increment in seed yield by 46, 39 and 60%, respectively, over the control. Proportion of spikelets with seed increased significantly by 0.25% thiourea, 50 ppm GA₃ and 2% KNO₃ by 12, 18 and 24%, respectively, in C. ciliaris, while in C. setigerus 0.5% thiourea, 100 ppm GA₃ and 4% KNO₃ found optimum dose that increased proportion of filled seed by 26, 20 and 31% respectively. The foliar application significantly increased germination and seedling length. Dry fodder yield increased by 0.50% thiourea, 100 ppm GA₃ and 4% KNO₃ with high magnitude, viz. 30, 49 and 41% and 40, 47 and 47% in C. ciliaris and C. setigerus respectively.