Evaluation of pearl millet varieties for adaptation to the semi-arid agro-ecology of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Field trials were conducted at the Manga Agricultural Research Station near Bawku in the Upper East Region to evaluate nine genotypes of Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] for adaptation to the Sudan Savanna agro-ecology of northern Ghana. The varieties are: Arrow, Bongo Short Head, Bristled millet. SOSAT-C88, Tongo Yellow, GB 8735, ICTP 8203, B9_Tabi and Manga Nara a local check (farmers’ variety). The experiment was established as a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. All standard agronomic practices and data collection as recommended for Pearl millet production in Ghana were adhered to. The results indicate highly significant (P<0.001 differences among years and genotypes for all the traits recorded. The local variety Manga Nara was the earliest to reach 50% flowering; whilst SOSAT-C88 was the latest. Downy mildew incidence at 30 days after sowing was least on SOSAT-C88 and ICTP 8203 and highest on the farmers’ variety. At maturity downy mildew incidence was highest on Tongo Yellow. Bristled Millet produced the tallest plants whilst Manga Nara, Bongo Short Head and GB 8735 produced the shortest plants. Bongo Short Head produced the broadest spikes whilst B9_Tabi gave the longest spikes. Pearl millet harvest indices were generally low with Arrow and ICTP 8203 producing the highest and GB 8735; Bongo Short Head and the farmers’ variety the lowest. ICTP 8203, SOSAT-C88 and Bristled Millet recorded higher grain yields than the other genotypes evaluated. The farmers’ variety, GB 8735 and B9_Tabi recorded the lowest grain yields compared to the trial mean. SOSAT-C88 produced superior straw yield compared to the other genotypes whilst Tongo Yellow; the farmers’ variety, Arrow and GB 8735 produced appreciably lower straw yields. ICTP 8203, SOSAT-C88 and Bristled Millet were the most efficient whilst the farmers’ variety was the least efficient in rainwater capture and use