Evaluation of the productivity of two improved species of millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) in a context of cultural updating at Ferkessdougou

Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is a resilient crop and healthy food. In Côte d'Ivoire, it has been confronted with numerous constraints of various kinds, notably low production. To achieve this objective, a study was carried out to update the sowing calendar in order to optimize production. To this end, an on-station test was carried out on two millet species (FM16 and FM78) with four sowing dates spaced two weeks apart, from June 15 to July 30, 2024. Sowing was carried out at a spacing of 0.80 m × 0.40 m and started at two plants per plot ten days after sowing. The plants were fertilized with a chemical fertilizer (NPK 14-18-18) at a dose of 200 kg/ha per micro-dose (10 and 30 days after sowing). Growth, development, and production features were assessed. Results showed that growth density was highest (10.70/15) at the second date (D2), as was yield (1.50 t/ha) for the FM16 variety. For FM78, growth density was best at D2 (12.72/15) and yield (1.38 t/ha) at D4. The study thus proposes two new sowing dates to improve millet productivity and help combat food insecurity. The adoption of these new dates offers growers the opportunity to optimize their production. Key words: Pennisetum glaucum, sowing calendar, yield, Côte d'Ivoire.