Weed-competition effects on proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.): implications for the farmers

Abstract

Climate resilient proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is viable option to mitigate increasing abiotic stresses due to climate change and food security in the long run. An experiment was conducted at research area of MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan in 2019 to evaluate the impact of weed competition on growth and yield of proso millet. Proso millet variety Upea was sown in the last week of February 2019 with 20 cm row to row spacing using 5 kg seed per acre. Experiment was comprised of treatments of weeds competition period for viz; zero competition, competition for 2 weeks after emergence (WAE), competition for 3 WAE, competition for 4 WAE, competition for 5 WAE and competition for full season. Result indicated that maximum number of weeds (plants m-2) were noted when weeds competed with proso millet for full period. Increase in total weed-dry weight was recorded when allowed the weeds to compete with crop for whole season. Highest plant height (16.18), 100-grain weight (74.72 t ha-1), crop dry matter and chlorophyll contents (16.62 t ha-1) were noted where, weeds were kept weed free throughout whole season. Highest economic yield of crop was observed where weeds were competed with crop for five weeks after emergence, and it was statistically similar with control. Maximum yield and yield components were recorded from C2 (competition for 2 weeks after emergence) was provided significant results. Likewise, highest grain yield (1890 kg/ha) were recorded under C2. Farmers should remove weeds from proso millet in two to three weeks after emergence. Extension agents should persuade farmers for the post emergence control in first 2-3 weeks of the crop.