Agro-Morphological and Forage Quality Traits of Some Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Populations Grown Under Şanlıurfa Conditions

The research was conducted to determine the dry matter yield and some quality characteristics of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], a warm-season annual forage grass grown as a summer crop in 2022. In addition to the Yellow witness variety, seven pearl millet populations (9198, 8022, 4903, 9645, 9449, 5455, and Yellow) obtained from ICRISAT were used as the study material. The harvests were carried out during the dough stage of the grains. Although dry matter yield varied among the populations, it was found to range between 2.32 and 3.47 t ha-1. Moreover, forage quality characteristics showed that crude protein content ranged from 6.87% to 9.25%, ADF from 31.11% to 36.69%, NDF from 44.49% to 52.09%, and RFV (Relative Forage Value) from 108.83 to 136.04. Among the populations studied, populations 5455, 9198, and Yellow were superior in terms of dry matter yield, while population 9198 outperformed the Yellow witness variety in terms of forage quality. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the 9198 population could be considered in future breeding programs when yield and quality characteristics are evaluated together for Şanlıurfa province and similar ecological conditions.