Optimizing Sorghum Yield and Quality: A Study on the Role of Plant Growth Regulators and Micronutrient Management Strategies
Zahida R *
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
R K Agarwal
ICAR-IGFRI-Jhansi, 284 003, India.
Naveen K
CSKHPKV- Palampur, 176 062, India.
B G Shekara
UASB, Mandya, 571405, India.
S Prasad
A.N.D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, 224 221, India.
Sabina N
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
Shabeena M
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
F A Bahar
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
N S Khuroo
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
S Iqbal
Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-K-193201, India.
T Ahnger
Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-K-193201, India.
Raies A Bhat
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kupwara-SKUAST-K, India.
Rakshanda A
Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, SKUAST-K-193201, India.
Z A Dar
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
Sabiya Bashir
Dry land Agricultural Research Station, SKUAST-K-191132, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study assessed the impact of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and micronutrients on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) productivity in four locations viz., Palampur, Srinagar, Mandya, and Ayodhya during Kharif 2020-2021. Twelve treatments, combining PGRs and micronutrients, were evaluated. The best treatment (T10), applying 5 kg Zn and 2 kg B per hectare with a triacontanol (10 ppm) foliar spray at 30 days after sowing, resulted in the highest green fodder yield (493.2 q/ha), dry matter yield (125.6 q/ha), and crude protein yield (10.80 q/ha). It also improved the leaf-stem ratio (0.63), ADF (42.34%), and NDF (63.03%). Economic analysis showed a gross return of Rs. 130,208/ha, net return of Rs. 81,717/ha, and B:C ratio of 2.56. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing sorghum productivity in semi-arid regions through integrated nutrient management, improving both food security and farmer incomes in challenging agricultural environments.
Keywords: Sorghum, plant growth regulators, micronutrients, yield, nutrient management