Adaptability of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)R.Br) varieties in the semi-arid kKitui County of Kenya

Abstract

Cereals are important crops grown and consumed globally, regionally and locally. However, world cereal yields have declined due to frequent droughts, erratic and unreliable rainfall especially in sub-saharan Africa. Pearl millet accounts for almost half of the global production of the millet species. Therefore, identifying high yielding pearl millet genotypes with farmer preffered traits and adapted to drought stress is key for food security. The objective of the field study was to determine the adaptability of pearl millet varieties for the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Field experiments were carried out in South Eastern Kenya University. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth and yield parameters were collected over the three seasons. The data were analyzed statistically and means were compared at 5% level of probability. The results indicated that genotype PVS-PM 1005 recorded significantly (P<0.05) for grain yield compared to other five genotypes. The average grain yield ranged from 835kgha -1 (Kimbeere) to 1453kgha -1 (PVS-PM 1005). There was a significant and positive correlation between grain yieldha -1 and days to emergence (0.5366), days to anthesis (0.641), days to flowering (0.0098), height (0.0685), Spike length (0.0145), tillers per plant (0.385) and 1000 grain weight (0.01533). The study therefore recommends PVS-PM 1005, PVS-PM 1006 and PVS-PM 1003 for seed bulking and distribution to farmers. In overall, the hybrids out yielded the landraces for grain productivity. The study confirmed that even under well managed, but rainfed, arid zone environments, current hybrids offer farmers more advantage over their traditional landrace.