Adaptation of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) to coastal New South Wales. 2. Productivity under defoliation

Abstract

The three pearl millet cultivars, Katherine Pearl, Tamworth and Tiflate, representing mid-season and late-season types, were grown at Camden, New South Wales (34¦S). Crops were planted in November and December and subjected to cutting at heights of 10, 30 and 50 cm, at three- and six-weekly intervals, beginning six weeks after sowing. Harvested forage dry matter yield, both total and late-season, was highest under a lenient cutting regime. Late productivity was higher in late maturing varieties. The effect of delayed planting was to increase the yield and quality of late harvests, but not total yield. The yield of the hybrid Tiflate was low. Total harvested forage plus final stubble averaged 11,000 kg ha dry matter for the three cultivars. Forage quality, as assessed by leafiness, protein and organic matter digestibility, was high. With the exception of digestibility, quality was improved by intensive cutting. Late-season digestibility was insensitive to cutting treatment. Varieties differed little in quality attributes. Early dry matter content of all varieties was low, and could adversely affect animal productivity. The results indicated that for the realization of high, well distributed yields concomitant with quality, a tall stubble of about 30 cm, frequently harvested, was desirable. For late productivity, the use of a late-maturing variety can offset the effect of late planting.