Effect of growth substances on morpho-physiological traits and yield in pearl millet under rainfed condition

Field experiment was carried out to find out the effect of foliar spray of plant growth retardant substances on different growth parameter of pearl millet under rainfed condition during kharif 2015-17. The results revealed that foliar application of growth regulating substances had significant impact on number of effective tillers, plant height and chlorophyll content. Plant height and chlorophyll content at 70 days after sowing were significantly affected with application of growth regulating substances in all individual years as well as in pool analysis. Results indicated that foliar application of potassium chloride 1.50 per cent at 30-35 days after sowing (tillering stage) and 50-55 days after sowing (post-anthesis stage) for proper vegetative growth and to get higher seed yield and net return. The results also indicated that net return (Rs. 27245 /ha) was maximum with foliar application of potassium chloride 1.50% at tillering and post-anthesis stage along with B:C ratio 1.16.