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Gujarat is ranking third in area under Bajra crop as compare to all other states of India. Thus bajra is an important crop for the state of Gujarat. Realizing this importance, Government of Gujarat had started the bajra research scheme in the year 1962 keeping  Jamnagar as the main station. Besides four sub station are also provided viz., Mahuva in Bhavnagar district, Kothara in Kutch district, Sardar Krishinagar  in Banaskantha district and Anand in Anand district.

            Since the establishment of bajra research station at Jamnagar, a great headway had been made and as a result of research efforts in bajra crop, the average normal yield of farmers fields of  310 kg/ha (1961) has gone high up to 1183 kg/ha (2004-05). This has become largely possible because of development of bajra hybrids and its extensive use on farmers fields.

            The Jamnagar Station has been proved to be the most suitable selection for conducting the research in bajra crop, as under Jamnagar conditions, it is possible to raise three different crops of Bajra during one year viz., Kharif,  Pre-rabi and Hot weather. Thus helping in generation advancement breeder seed production under time isolation  and testing the material in short time.

Multidisciplinary work on pearl millet involving disciplines of Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Physiology, Seed Technology and Biochemistry is in progress under the coordinated as well as state project at Jamnagar. Besides, seed technological research on seed technology under the coordinated project and DUS project on castor are also operating at Jamnagar. Evaluation and testing of varieties/hybrids of oil seeds is also in progress under the state oil seed project. In Brief, the main mandate research activities of the Millet Research Station, J.A.U., Jamnagar are presented as under;

(1)

Development and evaluation of early, medium duration, disease and pest  resistant
hybrids of pearl millet  suitable for different agro-ecological zones  of the country and 
Gujarat under different growing seasons.

(2)

Development and use of diversified downy mildew resistant restorer lines, cytosterile lines and maintainers with various CMS sources of pearl millet.

(3)

Development of appropriate seed production technology for newly released  Pearl
                  millet hybrid .

(4)

Collection and maintenance of Pearl millet germplasm.

(5)

Varietal characterization of castor, Sesamum, pearl millet etc.

(6)

Research on improvement and evaluation of seed quality and seed production technology of seed crops. 

(7)

 Identification and assessment of environmental stress resistance/tolerance of pearl
millet hybrids/parents.

(8)

Breeder seed production of parental lines of pearl millet.

(9)

 To accomplish the  agronomic practices and operations, fertilizer management, weed management, moisture conservation techniques, cropping system and cropping sequences of the rainfed/irrigated (summer/pre-rabi) pearl millet to improve and increase grain and fodder  yield.

(10)

The mandate of plant protection aspects for Bajra crop are mainly on screening of different Bajra varieties against major insect pest and diseases. Development of resistant Bajra lines against major pest and diseases, management of major pest and diseases through chemical and other cultural control measures and monitoring and survey of major pests and diseases of Bajra  crop including activity of store grain pests in storage.

(11)

Evaluation of newly developed varieties/hybrids of oilseeds(groundnut,castor, Sesamum, mustard).

(12)

Trainings, FLDs on seed production and pearl millet hybrids.

Thrust areas :

1.

To conduct location specific research on priority areas in arid, semi-arid zone vis-a-vis collection and utilization of genetic resources for development of high yielding hybrids with wide adaptability.

2.

To identify early maturity high yielding disease, pest and bird resistant hybrids for different  agro-ecological situations.

3.

Diversification of male sterile lines to over come narrow genetic base of cultivated hybrids through development of downy mildew resistant  CMS lines in  A5 and A4 sources.

4.

Production of parental breeder seeds as per state and national indents.

5.

Screening of Pearl millet hybrids, parents and varieties for their resistance to  various diseases viz., downy mildew, ergot, smut, rust and blast.

6.

Control of diseases using plant products, bio agents and new fungicides.

7.

Application of tissue cultures  for in vitro selection of downy mildew resistance and for studying various patho types of  Sclerospora graminicola.

8.

Evaluation of  newly developed hybrids for drought tolerance.

9.

Testing of combining ability of male sterile and inbred lines for developing new bajra hybrids.

10.

Research on fertilizer requirement of newly released hybrids,  moisture conservation techniques etc.

11.

Research on  moisture conservation techniques for early maturing hybrids under rainfed condition.

12.

Fertilizer requirement of different intercropping systems keeping Pearl millet  as
a main crop.

13.

Development of IPM module for the control  of ear head worms (Heliothis arrmigera)

14.

 Study on incidence of store grain pests infesting bajra grains.

15.

 Breeding for quality improvement in bajra.

16.

Variety characterization, lab as well as field study for newly released  and    
      promising hybrids of pearl millet.

17.

Studies on seed technology aspects viz., seed production and certification ,
      seed physiology, storage and testing , seed health and seed entomology.

18.

Application  of biotechnology, tissue culture and protoplast techniques for development of inbr ed, Male sterile lines and the restorer lines which can be used for making high yielding, drought, salinity and disease resistant hybrids.

19.

Breeding for dry fodder quality improvement in dual purpose hybrids of pearl
      millet.

Package of Practices of Kharif Pearl Millet

Pearl millet is an important cereal crop of Gujarat. It is grown in 9.4 lac ha (2004-'05) of land, out of which 7.4 lac ha is under kharif and 2.0 lac ha is under summer cultivation. This crop is more tolerant to drought situation as compared to other cereal crops. Hence, it is largely grown under kharif rainfed conditions in the state.
          In terms of area, Gujarat occupies third rank after Rajasthan and Maharashtra in the country. The average productivity of pearl millet grains in the state was 1494 kg/ha during 2004-'05. For higher yield of Pearl millet, the following aspects should be followed.

1

LAND REQUIRWMENT

Generally, Pearl millet is grown on poor soil. It can be grown on light to medium heavy soils also. For good yield, medium black, goradu and loamy soils are favorable

2.

CLIMATE

Pearl Millet can afford wide range of climatic conditions as compared to other cereals. It is grown in light to medium rainfall areas of the state. Except Dangs and valsad districts the pearl millet is grown in all districts. It is also grown during kharif , summer and semi rabi seasons. In kharif, it requires humid and medium temperature during growth period of the crop. At the time of flowering heavy rain fall affects the pollination and reduces seed setting resulting in low yield.

3.

SOWING TIME 

-On receiving optimum precipitation. Early sowing enhances the yield   and reduces the   
        attack of insect-pest and diseases.

-If on set of monsoon is delayed beyond the 15 July, early maturing   drought resistant          
        hybrid GHB-538 and GHB-719 should be   preferred.

4.

Selection of hybrids :: Recommended hybrids of the pearl millet :  

Farmers are recommended to grow recently released downy mildew resistant pearl millet hybrids are as under.

   (A)

GHB-558 :-

The parents of this hybrid are 94555A and J-2290. GHB-558 also have an attractive seed colour and shape, thicker and long ear head with luring appearance, lodging resistant and also gives high fodder yield of the best qualities.  It produces grain and fodder yield of 4738 kg/ha and 9950 kg/ha respectively in summer. During kharif it gives average 2825 kg/ha grain yield and 8700 kg/ha dry fodder. It also gives sweeter taste of rotla. The hybrid is recommended for assured rainfall pearl millet areas of the country.

(B)

 GHB-577:-

       This hybrid has been developed from cross combination of JMSA-101(Female) and J-2405(Male) at Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar and released in the year 2003 for kharif cultivation in the states viz; Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, M P, U P, and Delhi of  Zone 'A'. It requires 73 to 77 days to maturity (medium early). GHB-577 possesses higher yield potentiality (3256 kg/ha grain and 6209 kg/ha dry fodder), attractive seed colour, appealing long earhead, acceptable seed size, high resistant to downy mildew and good rotla quality. 

(C)

GHB-538:-

To cater the needs of farmers growing pearl millet on low and scanty rainfall and also to enable multiple cropping under irrigated areas Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar has developed a short duration variety- GHB-538. It is coming from the crosses between a female 95444-A and a male J-2340. It has been identified and released at National level for cultivation in scanty rainfall areas of Zone A1 (Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana). GHB-538 has also been recommended for cultivation in all the kharif Pearl millet growing areas of Gujarat state as a early maturing hybrids in place of MH-169. GHB-538 is highly resistant to downy mildew and tolerant to stem borer and shoot fly. Further, it is highly drought resistant as its parents are proven drought resistant lines. It produces on an a average 2786 and 5339 kg/ha grain and dry fodder respectively, which is 27 % and 12% higher than popular early check MH-169.

D)

GHB-719: 

Predominant contribution in development and release of early maturing (70 to 74 days), drought resistant, downy mildew resistant, shoot fly and shoot borer tolerant high yielding hybrid GHB-719. The hybrid GHB-719 has displayed average 8.9%, 16.98% and 9.5 % grain yield and 10.6%, 27.7% and 3.7 % dry fodder yield increase as compare to early checks ICMH-356. HHB-67 and GHB-538 at National level in scanty rainfall areas of the country and was released at National level for cultivation under kharif rainfed condition in scanty rainfall areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Hariyana.

(E)

GHB-744

This hybrid has been developed from cross combination of ICMA-98444(Female) and J-2340(Male) at Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar and released in the year 2007 for kharif cultivation in the states viz; Rajasthan, Gujarat, Hariana, M P, U P, and Delhi of Zone 'A'. It requires 76 to 80 days to maturity (medium early). GHB-744 possesses higher yield potentiality (3000 kg/ha grain and 6800 kg/ha dry fodder), attractive seed colour, appealing ear head, acceptable seed size, high resistant to downy mildew and good rotla quality.

(F)

GHB-732

This hybrid has been developed from cross combination of ICMA-96222A (Female) and J-2340(Male) at Millet Research Station, JAU, Jamnagar and released in the year 2007 for kharif cultivation in the states viz; Rajasthan, Gujarat, Hariana, M P, U P, and Delhi of Zone 'A'. It requires 80 to 85 days to maturity (medium late). GHB-732 possesses higher yield potentiality (3100 kg/ha grain and 7000 kg/ha dry fodder), attractive seed colour, appealing medium long ear head, acceptable seed size, high resistant to downy mildew and good rotla quality.

5.

Preparation of Land:

i)   One ploughing and 2 to 3 harrowing
ii)  10 tone/ha manure/compost should be mixed in soil at the time of   land preparation.
iii)  45 cm or 60 cm distance should be kept between two rows.

6.

Sowing Method :

i)  

Seed rate :  4.0 kg/ha for normal conditions and 6.0 kg/ha for saline and saline alkaline soils.

ii)

Distance :   45cm or 60 cm between two rows and 10 to 12 cm should be   kept between
                    two plants.

iii)

Sowing method : Sowing should be carried out by seed drill at 4 cm depth   in the row on
                               receiving the good precipitation.

iv)

Plant population: 1.5 to 1.75 laces plants per ha in kharif.

7.

Basic and top dressing fertilizers and method of fertilizer application :

i) 

Manure/compost: 20 cartload manure/compost should be mixed in soil  while land preparation

ii)

Chemical fertilizers:

Top dressing of Nitrogen should be applied after weeding and thinning operation at the time of proper moisture.

8.

After care:

i) Thinning: 
    About 12-15 days after sowing, thinning should be done keeping 10-12 cm distance between plants  
    within row.

ii) Trans planting :
     To maintain the proper plant populations thinned healthy plants be trans planted in the gaps during
     the appropriate moisture conditions.

iii) Weeding and interculturing  :
      Fifteen days after germination hand weeding should be carried out. 2 to 3 interculturing operations
      should be done from 10 days after germination to dough stage of the crop to control the weeds and
      to improve the physical condition of the soil

iv) Irrigation:
      Generally the crop is grow under rainfed condition during kharif however,  in situation of long dry
      spell,1 to 2 life saving irrigations increase the   production.

v) Plant protection :
     There is special recommendation for the plant protection in hybrid bajra. If necessary following
     measures should be taken for maximum yield.

1.

 Diseases ::

a)

Downy mildew :
> Downy mildew resistant varieties should be used.
> Seed treatment with apron 35 SD 6 gm / kg or redomil 8 gm/ kg.

b)

Smut ::
> There is no effective chemical measure for this disease.
> Sowing should be done after seed treatment with fungicides for disease control.

c)

Ergot ::
Seed used for sowing should be free from sclerotia of fungi. A 20 % salt solution has been found most effective for separating sclerotia and sclerotial fragments from seed. Seed treatment with thirum @ 3g /kg seed.

d)

 Rust ::
 For effective control of rust, two sprays of 0.2 % mancozeb or zineb at 15 days interval from the initiation of disease is recommended.

vii)    2. Insects ::

a) White grub :
     This pest is mainly seen in Middle and North Gujarat region. Control measures are as under.
 > Furrow application of phorat 10 G @ 25 kg/ha before sowing.
 > Use of light trap in the initiation of monsoon for attracting adult of    insect  which   can be destroyed
    after collection.

b) Shoot fly and stem borer:
> Infestation of shoot fly and stem borer is observed after sowing for that spraying of Endosulfan 0.07%
   (20ml/10lit.) or Quinalphos 0.05%  20ml/10lit.) of Triazaphos  0.04% (10ml/10lit.) @ 600 lit./ha at 15 
   days after sowing. If necessary second spray of same pesticides after 15 days should be done.
> Keeping high seed rate i.e. 5 kg/ha and removal of the plant with   dead heart' at the    time thinning
   are effective for good control.
> Spraying of Methyl parathion 2% or Malathion 5% dust @ 25 kg/ha  at   15 days after sowing for the
   control of  Shoot fly and stem borer  should be done.
> Nimark : Control of shoot fly with plant bio-pesticides Nimark @ 30ml/10lit. at 10,20 and 30 days after
   sowing is effective.
> Neem oil : Two sprays of neem oil 0.05% and 4g soap in 1 lit. water at 10 and 20   days after sowing  
   is recommended for the effective control of  shoot fly.

viii) Extra care :

Control measures should be taken to protect the crop from birds and rats.

9.

HARVESTING:
 The Pearl Millet crop can be harvested as early as 25-30 days after full stigmatic stage to derive maximum yield and protein content. The losses due to adverse environmental factors are also avoided. Blackening of hilum region served as a good morphological marker of physiological maturity.

10.

PRODUCTION:
 GRAIN: 200-3000 kg / Ha

Fodder: 6000-7000 Kg./Ha

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY OF SEMI RABI-SUMMER PEARL MILLET

Pearl millet is an important cereal crop of Gujarat. It is grown in about 9.0 lac ha (2004-'05) of which kharif crop is taken in 7.5 lac ha.   and summer crop is take in 1.50 lac ha. Besides bajra cultivation is gaining more and more importance under pre-rabi season in the costal areas of Junagadh, Amreli, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.  The productivity of summer / pre-rabi imparted crop is two and half times higher  than the kharif pearl millet cultivation. The area under pre-rabi Bajra cultivation of the state is estimated to be above 20 thousand  hectors. In terms of area under summer season Gujarat occupies the first rank in the country. To a drive higher grain as well as dry fodder yield the following aspects should be followed. 

1. Time of sowing ::
 i) Summer crop should be sown during the month of February when temperature increases after the
    winter season. In any case the sowing of summer crop should be completed before the 15^th March.

ii) The appropriate time of sowing for pre-rabi bajra is 15 ^th  September to 10^th October. Delay in
    sowing time may leads to the poor seed setting due to low temperature during the period of  anthesis
    and fertilization.  

(2) Selection of hybrids::  Recommended hybrids of the pearl millet :

Farmers are recommended to grow recently released downy mildew resistant pearl millet hybrids are as under. 

(3)   

preparation of land ::

1. One ploughing and 1-2 harrowing
2. 10 tone FYM/compost should be mixed in soil at the time of land preparation.
3. Open the furrow at 45 cm row distance.

(4)

  Sowing  ::

 i)  Seed rate : 4.0 kg/ha for normal conditions and   6.0  kg/ha for saline  and saline Alkaline soils.

ii) Distance :   45cm or 60 cm between two rows and  10 to 12 cm should be kept  Between two plant.

iii) Sowing method  :
►   Apply  seed treatment with 200 gm Azotobactor ABA_1 or Azospirillum ASA-1 (10⁸  live cell/gm) to
       reduce the nitrogen requirement to 50 % .

► Sowing should be carried out by seed drill at 4 cm depth in the row on receiving the good 
     precipitation.

►   Summer pearl millet can also be shown by transplanting of 20-30 days sapling to obtained higher   
       yield.
              When transplanting of sapling is adopted, the roots of sapling should be dip in the solution of 
       Azospirillum culture (4 packets / ha.  in 15 liter of water)  for 15-20 min. before planting to reduce
       the nitrogen dose to 40 kg/ha.
                Also apply 50 % Gypsum requirement as per soil test every year or 100 % Gypsum as per
       soil test at alternate year in saline or saline-alkaline soil of costal area of Saurashtra region during
       land preparation and blend with soil before sowing of bajra.

iv) Plant population: 1.75 to 2.00 laces plants per ha in summer and  pre-rabi.

Basic and top dressing fertilizers and method of fertilizer  application ::

i) Manure/compost : 10 tone  manure/compost should be mixed in soil while  land preparation.
ii) Chemical fertilizers:    

Top dressing of Nitrogen should be applied after weeding and thinning operation at the time of proper moisture.

After care ::

a) Thinning:

     About 12-15 days after sowing, thinning should be done keeping 10-12 cm distance between plants
     within row.

 b)  Trans planting :
      To maintain the proper plant populations thinned healthy plants be trans planted in the gaps during
       the appropriate moisture conditions.

c)   Weeding and interculturing  :
       Kept the field weed free up to 45 days after sowing through 3 hand weeding at 15 days interval 3
      interculturing operations should be done, start from 10 days after germination to dough stage of the
      crop to control the weeds and to improve the physical condition of the soil. In the situation of labour
      shortage, chemical weed control through pre-emergence spraying of Atrazine @ 0.5 kg/ha in 500
      liter of water should be carried out to overcome weed problem.

d)  Irrigation:

-Generally 8 to 10 irrigations are sufficient at an interval  of 8 to 10 days.

- For  pre-rabi crop required 6 to 8 irrigations at the interval of  10 to 12 days..

►        Specified to Agro climatic zone :

In middle Gujarat 10 irrigation are to be apply. 1^st irrigation should be apply at 10 days after sowing and remains at interval of 7 days.  

►        In North Saurashtra Agro climatic Zone 11 irrigation are to apply at 6-7 days interval.

e) Plant protection ::
    There is no special recommendation for the plant protection in hybrid bajra. If necessary following
     measures should be taken for maximum yield.

i)  Diseases ::

    a) Downy mildew :

          - Downy mildew resistant varieties VIZ., GHB-558, GHB-538,  GHB-577, GHB-744 and GHB-719
            should be used.

         - Seed treatment with apron 35 SD 6 gm / kg or redomil MZ-72 @ 8 gm/ kg seed .

      b) Smut ::

         - There is no effective chemical measures for sumt.

         - Sowing should be done after seed treatment with fungicides thirum 3 g/ kg. seed for disease  
            control.     

      c) Ergot ::

         - Seed used for sowing should be free from sclerotia of fungi. A 15 % salt solution has been found
           most effective for separating sclerotia and sclerotial fragments from seed. Seed treatment with
           thirum @ 3g /kg seed
 
      d) Rust :

         - For effective control of rust, two sprays of 0.2 % mancozeb or zineb (2.5 g./kg. seed) at 15 days
           interval from the initiation of disease is recommended.
 

      e) For effective control of blast disease, two sprays of carbendazim 1 g. / 1 liter  water at  15 days 
          interval from the initiation of disease is recommended. 

ii)

 Insects :

a) White grub : This pest is mainly seen in Middle and North Gujarat region. Control measures are as
                          under.

       - Furrow application of phorat 10 G @ 25 kg/ha before sowing.

       - Use of light trap in the initiation of monsoon for attracting adult of  insect   which can be destroyed
          after collection.

b) Shoot fly and stem borer :

       - Infestation of shoot fly and stem borer is observed after sowing for that spraying of Endosulfan 
         0.07% (20ml/10lit.) or Quinalphos 0.05% (20ml/10lit.) of Triazaphos 0.04% (10ml/10lit.) @ 600
         lit./ha at 15 days after sowing. If necessary second spray of same pesticides after 15 days should
         be done. For the management of shoot fly  plant protection measures should be initiated at ETL
         of 8% shoot fly infection level.

      - Keeping high seed rate i.e. 5 kg/ha and removal of the plant with 'dead heart' at the time thinning
        are effective for good control.

      - Spraying of Methyl parathion 2% or Malathion 5% dust @ 25 kg/ha  at 15 days after sowing for the
         control of  Shoot fly and stem borer should be done.

      - Nimark : Control of shoot fly with plant bio-pesticides Nimark @ 30ml/10lit. at 10,20 and 30 days
        after sowing is effective.

      - Neem oil : Two sprays of neem oil 0.05% and 4g soap in 1 lit. water at 10 and 20 days after
        sowing is recommended for the effective control of  shoot fly.

(7)

 Extra care :: Control measures should be taken to protect the crop from birds and rats

(8)

HARVESTING ::
           The Pearl Millet crop can be harvested as early as 25-30 days after full stigmatic stage to derive maximum yield and protein content. The losses due to adverse environmental factors are also avoided. Blackening of haulm region served as a good morphological marker of physiological maturity.

9)

Production: 

 Summer          Grain: 4000 to 5000 kg/ha

                      Fodder:            7000 to 8000 kg/ha

Semi Rabi       Grain: 3500 to 4000 kg/ha

                     Fodder:            5000 to 6000 kg/ha

Research recommendation for farmers/scientific community

1. PLANT BREEDING :

The first commercial hybrid of pearl millet HB-2 was released from this station in 1966 followed by a blockbuster hybrid HB-3 in 1968 which resulted in a significant surge in the productivity of pearl millet. A Number of hybrids were released since than and the recent releases have always  been complemented by the suitable agro-production techniques and required physiological and plant protection studies.
Hybrid Released by MRS, JAMNAGAR

SEED TECHNOLOGY :

(a) Seed Production & Certification:

1.      Recommended the isolation distance of 200 M and 500 M for certified and foundation seed plots in pearl millet.

2.      Recommended to adopt 2 : 6 and 2 : 8 male : female planting ratio in bajra seed production plot.

3.      Appropriate time for sowing summer bajra is 15^th February to 15^th March for optimum production.

4.      Staggered sowing of non-synchronized parental lines in bajra hybrid seed production is useful and effective.

5.      Stigma remains receptive up to 4 days in pearl millet. There is no difference in seed setting if pollination is done with 5 hours starvation.

6.      Either 30 or 40 cm spacing and recommended or normal dose of fertilizer is appropriate for A & R lines and hybrid seed production of bajra.

7.      Identification manual in pearl millet hybrids and their parental lines.

8.      Seed production of Pearl millet hybrid is profitable with cost : benefit ratio of

      1 :1.62.

9.       Recommended the isolation distance of 300 M & 600 M for certified and foundation seed plots in Castor.

10.   Seed production of castor hybrid is profitable with cost : benefit ratio of 1 : 1.88.

11. Positive correlation was found in ODV identified in STL with GOT in field in Mung and
      Uridbean.

(b) Seed Physiology, Storage & Testing:

12. For groundnut, the pre-sowing seed hydration (16-18 hrs) and drying at room temperature to normal moisture content of seed followed by dry dressing with Thirum @ 0.2 per cent is effective for rapid and uniform field emergence and establishment.

(c) Seed Entomology:

             13.  The multiplication trails on the effect of phosphine on seed viability and vigour revealed that
                    there was no any adverse effect of four repeated fumigations with aluminum phosphide @
                    3 gm/cu. m. at one month interval on seed germination of pearl millet. Treated seed
                    remained protected from infestation during the experiment period.

14.  Deltamethrin 2.8 EC @ 1 ppm (0.04 ml/Kg seed) can be used for the treatment of pearl millet and mung bean seed to protected it from infestation.

15.  Deltamethrin 2.8 EC is computable with Vita vex / thirum and can be used in combination for seed treatment if required.

16.  Repeated fumigation (up to 4 times) with aluminum phosphide @ 1-3 tablets (3 g. each) per cu. m. space with 7 days exposure was found safe for seeds of Groundnut.

17.  A very high degree of positive correlation has been found between pair (s) of Pulse beetle and number of adults emerged after first generation and percent seed damage. Hence, live insect should not be allowed in Pulse seed lots. One pair of  bruchid (pulse beetle) can cause injury to pulse seed above the IMSCS of 1%, so, pulse seed should be kept free from any pulse beetle.Diflubenzuron 2 ppm (8 mg. 2.5 wp / kg seed) an IGR and Deltamethrin 1 ppm (40 mg.of 2.5 wp / kg seed) were found compatible with carbandazim and thirum as seed protectants.

18.  Plastic jar or polythene bag was found superior in maintaining bajra seed viability.

19.  No adverse effect of fumigation on seed viability was found where four fumigations applied.

20.  Bifenthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide was found as effective as Deltamethrin as seed protectants.

21.  As earlier concluded, one pair of Rhyzopertha dominica  (lesser grain borer) was sufficient to cause injury to cereal seed above IMSCS of 0.5%, therefore, seeds are required to be kept free from insects.

22. Development of resistance in major storage insect-pests against Malathion, DDVP, Deltamethrin, fenitrothion, and phosphine was confirmed at various NSP centers.

23.  As earlier concluded, repeated fumigation with phosphine up to 3 g/cu. m. was found to be safe for seed at all the NSP centers under different agro-climate conditions.

24. Emamectin benzoate @ 2 ppm, Lufenuron @ 5 ppm and Spinosad @ 2 ppm all, belonging
      to newer group of insecticide, where found as effective as Deltamethrin @ 1 ppm and
     provide good control of storage insects infesting pearl millet and mungbean seed under
     North Saurashtra agro climatic conditions without impairing seed viability

25.Deltamethrin @ 1 ppm (40 ml/kg seed) seed treatment still holds an effective control
     measure of storage insects under North Saurashtra agro-climatic conditions  with low insect
     incidence and good germination

            26. Commercially available neem products, such as Neem India @ 5 ml/kg seed, provided 
                  effective control of storage insects infesting infesting pearl millet and mung bean seeds
                  without impairing their germination. Seed treatment with Neem Oil @ 5 ml, Neem India 2.5
                 &5  ml, Econeem @ 2.5 & 5 ml/kg seed were also found effective against pulse beetle         
                 infesting mungbean.

3. 

1.Hybrid bajra GHB-1399 should be grown with row spacing of 45 cm and intra row spacing of 22 cm.
   The crop should be fertilized with 80 kg N/ha for getting higher yield. (1979)

2.  Hybrid bajra should be fertilized with 80 kg N/ha in two split i.e. ½  nitrogen at the time of sowing as
     basal dose and ½ nitrogen after one month of sowing as top dressing. (1981)

3.The farmers of North Saurastra Agro-climatic Zone growing summer bajra are advised to apply 120
   kg N  and 60 kg P2O5 / ha to get an additional yield of grain about 1200 kg/ha and 350 kg/ha over no
   nitrogen and phosphorus application respectively.(1990)

4. A higher yield of 2400 kg/ha can be obtained under North Saurastra Agro-climatic condition by
   keeping the bajra fields weed free up to 45 days after sowing through three hand weeding at interval
   of 15 days after sowing . (1990)

5. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro climatic Zone growing hybrid  bajra  GHB-32 are advised to
    apply 120 Kg N /Ha and 20 Kg P2O5 /Ha.   For marginal farmer, thedose will be at 80 Kg N and 20
    Kg P2O5 Ha.  (1992).

6. The farmers of AES –III of North Saurashtra Agro climatic Zone growing Kharif hybrid Bajra GHB –30
    after Rabi Wheat Lok –1 are advised to apply 100 % of recommended dose of fertilizers for
    maximum economic return. The marginal farmers can adopt 100% recommended dose for hybrid 
    bajra  GHB –30 and 50 % recommended dose for Wheat Lok-1 in bajra –   wheat cropping system
    (1993).
 

7. The farmers of North Gujarat Agro climatic zone growing hybrid bajra GHB – 30 ( Kharif 0 are
    advised to sow hybrid bajra crop at 30 cm. or 45 cm spacing between two rows maintaining 10 cm
    distance between plant to plant within row by thinning (1994).

8. The farmers of Middle Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone growing hybrid bajra (GHB-30) in kharif are
   advised to apply  nitrogen @ 80 kg/ha to obtain higher yield and maximum net return (Rs. 11468/ha).
   Application of Phosphorus is not needed if its soil status is high i.e. above 50 kg  P2O5/ha. (1994)  

   
9.  The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro climatic Zone sowing  hybrid bajra in    Kharif  can benefited
    by giving  one or two irrigation , if  irrigation facility exist can apply 120 kg n /ha and 40 kg P2O5 /ha
    for higher  yield and maximum economic return (1994).        
 

10. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro climatic Zone sowing hybrid bajra during Kharif season are
     advised to apply 80 Kg N /ha ( NICBR –  1: 7.3 ) and 40 Kg P2O5 /ha with 60 cm row spacing
     (1997).

11. The farmers of South Saurashtra Agro climatic Zone growing hybrid bajra during Kharif season are
      advised to apply 120 Kg N/ha (NICBR  -!: 4 ) and 20 Kg P2O5 /ha with 60 cm row spacing (1997).  

12. The farmers of North Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone growing hybrid Bajra during summer are advices
      to apply 160 kg nitrogen and 60 kg phosphorus per hectare with 45 cm row spacing to obtained
     highest yield and  net return (2001).

13 The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing hybrid bajra in Kharif season are
     advised to thin bajra crop at 15 days after sowing and split dose of 50”% Nitrogen at 20-30 days
     after sowing to get higher      production (2002). 
 

14  The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing Garlic  (GG-2) in Rabi season are
     advised to apply 50 kg Nitrogen and 50kg phosphorus per hectare to obtain higher yield and net
     return (2002).
 

15   The farmers of Middle Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone - III growing hybrid bajra  GHB-316 during
      summer are advised to sow the crop at 45 cm spacing (between row) and to apply 120 kg nitrogen
      and 40 kg phosphorus per hectare to obtain higher grain yield and net return. (2003).
 

16  The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone growing bajra(kharif) - mustard (rabi) crop
      sequence are advised to apply 100% RDF + 10 t FYM /ha to bajra crop and only 50% RDF to
       mustard crop to obtain higher net return of the sequence. (2005)      

17. Efficacy of multi-micronutrient formulation in improving pearl millet crop production The farmers of
     North Saurashtra agro climatic zone growing Kharif bajra (var. GHB-558) on soil deficient in        
    available Fe and Zn are advised to follow soil application of FeSO₄@ 15 kg/ha and ZnSO₄ @ 8
    Kg/ha or micronutrient mixture grade having Fe-2 %, Mn-0.5 %, Cu-0.2 % and V-0.5 % equivalent of
    Govt. notified grade-V of soil application @ 20 Kg/ha at the time of sowing to get higher yield and net
    return, Alternatively, farmers are advised to spray 1 % foliar grade of multi micronutrients having Fe 4
   %, Mn 1 %, Zn 6 %, Cu0.5 % and V 0.5% equivalent of Govt. notified grade-IV (for Fe and Zn
   deficiency) at 20,30 and 40 DAS.(2007).

18. The farmers of North Saurashtra Agro-climatic Zone (AES-X) growing hybrid pearl millet (GHB-558)
      in summer are advised to give 13 irrigations each of 40 mm depth at 6-7 days interval for obtaining
      higher yield and net return. Under limited water availability , they are advised to give 11 irrigations
     each of  40 mm depth at 7-8 days interval. .(2007).

4.

A. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FARMERS
1)                  “To assess physiological maturity in Bajra.” ( 1990) – State level

The Pearl millet crop can be harvested as early as 24 days after full stigmatic stage to derive maximum yield and avoid losses due to adverse environmental factors. Blackening of hilar region served as a good morphological marker.

1) “Contribution of different leaves to grain yield in Pearl millet.” (1991) – State level

The leaves in the upper half portion of Pearl millet plant rendered major contribution to grain yield. In their absence the lower  ones compensated the grain yield to some extent.

2)   “Studies on growth and development in Bajra.” ( 1995) – State level

 Harvest index and biomass are major determinant of grain yield in pearl millet depending on the moisture. Under ample moisture condition the predominance shifted towards biomass while under scarcity condition towards harvest index. Accordingly the breeding objectives should be laid.  

3)  “Utilization of Inbreds selected for high biomass and harvest   index in hybrid development
      and utilization of Inbreds derived from drought screening in hybrid building.” ( 1998) –
     State level

Good combining abilities for grain yield and the economic heterosis    were associated with the good combining abilities for harvest index and biomass and the heterosis for harvest index and biomass respectively, mutually compensating each other depending on the moisture condition. The Inbreds and male sterile lines performing better for different moisture conditions were identified.

 4)     “Initial evaluation for photosensitivity in Pearl millet.” ( 1999) – State level

  In general Pearl millet exhibited a quantitative short day response.    Individual lines were identified and categorized for their response to photoperiod, which is necessary for synchronization of flowering between two parents in commercial hybrid seed production programme. Time to flower (early or late) did not show any specific reaction with photoperiodic response (1999)

 5) “Multilocation testing of Pearl millet lines for drought response.” ( 2003) – State level

Hybrids/populations for varying rainfall conditions are identified which may further be tested for specific environments, and/or they or their parental material may be utilized for strategic breeding programmes for target environments. The performance under stress condition was mostly associated with drought escape either by late flowering or early flowering habit. Higher yielders under severe terminal stress were mostly associated with harvest index and under ample moisture condition with dry matter. Dry matter and harvest index were over all the major players. In general hybrids yielded more than the populations.

6) “The share of main and side tillers to grain yield in pearl millet  genotype.” ( 2003) – State level

Under ample moisture/moderate terminal moisture stress condition the major contribution to the total grain yield was by the main culm – on an average 65 %, while tillers contributed to a tune of 35 %. The contribution of latter may still reduce under severe terminal stress condition. Under mid-season moisture stress condition there was a shift in the magnitude of share where main culm contribution was reduced to an average of 55% while side tillers contribution increased to an average of 45%. Flowering was positively associated with grain yield under ample moisture/moderate terminal stress condition. The grain yields were mainly associated with the dry matter under these sufficient moisture/moderate terminal moisture stress/mid-season moisture stress conditions. Particularly under ample moisture /moderate terminal moisture stress seasons the grain yields were strongly associated with leaf area index (LAI) Overall there was a mutual compensation between main culm and side tillers. The highest yielder under these situations was GHB-558, which had highest dry matter, leaf area index (LAI) and tiller number.

7)   “Identification and assessment of drought resistance in Pearl  millet” (2004) –State level and All India level          

Yield potential (yield under potential environment of assured moisture conditions) cannot serve as selection criterion for drought resistance in pearl millet. Harvest index observed under any routine trial (without conducting any special moisture stress trial) can serve as the most dependable criterion of

drought resistance. Drought susceptibility index (DSI) can be regarded as the direct selection criterion for drought resistance. Under terminal moisture stress condition the yield performance is associated with high harvest index, low DSI, less plant height, early flowering, low transpiration rate, high diffusive resistance and high relative water content. Under ample moisture condition the yield performance is associated with high dry matter, more height, normal flowering, high transpiration rate, low diffusive resistance, high threshing percentage, high test weight and high leaf area

      8) “Testing of male sterile (B) and inbred line of pearl millet against drought.’ ( 2005) –State
      level and All India level

      The male sterile (B) line 95444 B and inbreds J-2340 and J-108 were assessed to be drought resistant which can be used for the development of drought resistant hybrids. The drought resistance in pearl millet was associated with high harvest index, relative water content, threshing per cent, early flowering and low drought susceptibility index, particularly under terminal drought stress condition.
(Drought resistant/tolerant lines were identified under NATP, based on these lines a drought resistant hybrid GHB 538 was released at All India Level). 

9)   “Identification of pearl millet lines for thermo tolerance at germination and seedling stage” (2005) – All India level

      For evaluating thermo tolerance at seedling stage, most consistent and reliable physiological parameters are shoot dry weight, leaf elongation rate and chlorophyll stability index. The hybrid GHB-526 released for summer season is thermo tolerant as indicated by high shoot dry weight, leaf elongation rate and low chlorophyll stability index. Because of this quality it flourishes well in the summer season.

A) Recommendation for Farming community

1) For the control of shootfly & stem borer anyone of the insecticides as mentioned below is recommended at 15 days after germination at given concentration against each insecticides.

Methyl-o-demeton 0.05%,       ICBR 1: 3.06        Endosulfan 0.07% ,        ICBR 1:1.98

      Quinalphos 0.05%,                 ICBR 1:1.38         Fenitrothion 0.05%,                 ICBR 1:1.35

       ( 14 th ppsc ,May 1982 ,Junagadh )

2) For the control of shootfly & stem borer , the treatment of higher seed rate of bajra at the time of sowing of 5 Kg/ha and removal & destruction of deadheats recorded the highest ICBR i.e. 1:7.80 and hence , it is recommended for the control of shootfly & stem borer of bajra crop.( 14 th ppsc , May 1982 , Junagadh ).

3) For the control of shootfly & stem borer , Methyl parathion 2 % dust @ 20 Kg/ha applied at 15 days after germination was found effective ( 23 rd ppsc , May 1987 , S.K.Nagar ).

4) Three sprayings of Neemark 0.3 % (ICBR 1:3.80 ) or Triazophos 0.04 % ( ICBR 1:3.70 ) at 10 , 20 & 30 days after germination of bajra effectively control the shootfly. ( 28 th ppsc , April 1993 , Anand ).

5) The dusting of Malathion 5 % dust @ 25 Kg/ha ( ICBR 1:9.40 ) or two sprayings of neem oil 0.05 % with soap @ 4 gms / lit. of water ( ICBR 1:8.70 ) or two sprayings of endosulfan 0.07 % ( ICBR 1:6.30 ) at 10 & 20 days after germination is recommended for the control of bajra shootfly. ( 28 th ppsc , April 1993 , Anand ).

6) Green gram or pegion pea taken as an intercrop in bajra in the ratio of 2:1 is found to reduce the incidence of shootfly and Helicoverpa armigera and it gives an equivalent bajra yield of 2568 Kg/ha and 2540 Kg/ha ( ICBR 1:5.8 & 1:1.30 ) respectively  as compared to the sole crop ( 2318 Kg/ha ). ( 28 th ppsc , April 1993 , Anand ).

7) To initiate plant protection measures against bajra shootfly , ( Atherigona approximata ) , Economic Threshold Level of 8.00 % infestation is determined for North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone. ( 37 th ppsc , April 2002 , Anand ).

8) For the control of garlic thrips two sprayings of Endosulfan 0.05 % ( ICBR 1: 29.20) or Phosalone 0.05 % ( ICBR 1: 18.73 ) or Dimethoate 0.03 % ( ICBR 1: 33.44 ) is recommended at 30 & 60 days after germination of the crop particularly for  North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone ( 29 th ppsc , April 1994 , Anand ).

9)   Farmers of north Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone growing sesamum ; are advised to take plant protection measure starting from 28 days after sowing (DAS) for control of leaf roller and 42 days for gall fly. Moreover, the farmers are further advise to take care that the  leaf roller infestation is found more when there is more rainfall / rainy days and gall fly infestation is more when there is low rain / dry period.   (2006)

B) Recommendation for Scientific community

1) GHB-30 hybrid bajra grains were found tolerant to Tribolium castaneum in the storage. ( 23 rd ppsc , May 1987 , S.K.Nagar ).

2) Spraying the extracts of mint leaves , neem seed kernels (NSKS) & neem leaves @ 5 % at 10 & 20 days after germination are found effective against bajra shootfly , Atherigona appriximata . ( 37 th ppsc , April 2002, Anand).

3) In garlic crop considerable loss in yield was recorded due to thrips infestation. The loss in yield due to thrips infestation was found upto 11.11 per cent in  North Saurashtra Agro-climatic zone ( 34 th ppsc , April 1999 , Anand ).

4) During survey it was found that on Chickory crop different sucking type pest viz. , aphid , jassid , thrips & whitefly were observed attacking the crop. The population of aphid & whitefly was recorded highest in number during January & February. While , thrips & jassid population was moderate to low through out the season ( 31 st ppsc , April 1996 , Anand

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Plant pathology:

       A. Farmers Recommendation:

1. Sowing of bajra immediately or up to Eight days after the sufficient precipitation (i.e. On set of monsoon) reduces specifically the incidence of downy mildew as well as ergot and smut diseases and in turn increases the grain and fodder yield significantly. This recommendation thus increases the income without any extra cost. Sowing beyond 15^th, July observed to increase the incidence of all these diseases and reduces the grain and fodder yield significantly and hence late sowing should be discouraged. (1982)

 For the effective control of bajra rust, two sprays of 0.2 % mancozeb (ICBR 1:3.48) or Zinab 0.2 % (ICBR 1: 2.90) at 15 days interval, commencing from the beginning of the diseases is recommended. (1991)

For the controlled of blast diseases of pearl millet, two sprays of carbendazim 0.05% (ICBR 1:3.85) or one gram per one litter at 15 days intervals from the initiation of the disease are recommended. (2005)

    B. Recommendation for Scientific community :

One spray of 0.3% Metalaxyl-redomil MZ-72 prove effective in reducing the downy mildew of bajra. (1991)

One spray of Ziram (cumin L) @ 0.2% at protogyny stage proved effective in reducing the ergot disease of bajra. (1994)

Seed treatment with redomil MZ-72 @ Eight gram per Kg. Followed by two sprays of redmil MZ-72 @ two gram per litter at 25 and 35 DAS significantly reduced downy mildew disease of pearl millet. (1997)

Higher rain fall of 305 -846 mm with 11 to 20 rainy days during initial stage of pearl millet crop enhanced 68 to 82 percent downy mildew incidence, while high rain fall during latter stage of the crop retarded 25 percent secondary and systemic infection of the diseases.(1998)

 Infrastructure

Multidisciplinary work on pearl millet involving disciplines of Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Physiology, Seed Technology and Biochemistry is in progress under the coordinated as well as state project at Jamnagar. Besides, seed technological research on seed technology under the coordinated project and DUS project on castor is also going on at Jamnagar. Evaluation and testing of varieties/hybrids of oil