Chilling stress effects on growth and development of Panivaragu (Panicum milliaceum L.) genotypes

Temperature stress was the most critical environmental factor that restricted plant growth, impaired physiological and biochemical processes and ultimately reduced productivity worldwide. Cold temperatures, especially low temperatures, significantly reduced seedling growth and extended the flower initiation period (50 - 55 Days After Sowing (DAS)) during the crop growth and development period of Panivaragu (Panicum milliaceum L.). Small millets were drought tolerant in general. Even though it was a drought-tolerant crop, it did not tolerate cold temperatures. When compared with conventional cultivation, total dry matter production was very low at cold temperature. As a result, yield loss was severe. When compared to coarse cereals like wheat and rice, small millets were extremely high in protein, fibre and minerals. The field experiment was conducted with Panivaragu (TNPm 238, TNPm 247, TNPm 255, TNPm 274, TNPm 280 and TNPm 282) at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vazhavachanur, during Rabi season. The Panivaragu genotype TNPm 280 followed by TNPm 282 performed well under low temperature condition with a smaller reduction in plant height (from 44.6 to 41.8 cm). The Panivaragu genotypes TNPm 280 and TNPm 282 recorded greater 1000 grain weight (4.60 g), highest grain yield (1873 kg/ha) and straw yield (1990 kg/ha) compared to other genotypes.