*Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, 848125
Among six important cheena (Panicum miliaceum L.) varieties, RAU-M1 was found to be relatively more responsive, and BR 7 least responsive to Zn application with RAU-M2, RAU-M5, RAU-M6 and MS 4872 falling between them. The per cent response to grain yield at 5 kg Zn/ha ranged from 15 (BR 7) to 57 (RAU-M1). The total yield (grain+straw) difference among the varieties was larger in no zinc treatment than at 5 kg Zn/ha level. Variety BR 7 which was found to be the least responsive to Zn application, accumulated more Zn in its tissues than RAU-Ml under no Zn treatment. Application of Zn @ 5 kg Znjha brought about 29% increase in Zn concentration in grain of variety RAU-Ml and only 13% in BR 7. The per cent increase in total Zn uptake was highest in RAUM1 (222%) and lowest in BR 7 (28%).
Zinc response, Panicum miliaceum germplasms, varietal difference,calcareous soil
