Effect of sowing dates on seed yield and seed quality of Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link)

For the investigation of the effect of sowing dates on seed yield and seed quality of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link). The field experiment was undertaken during summer season of the year 2024 with two sowing dates S1: 9^th MW (29^th Feb. 2024) and S2: 11^th MW (16^th Mar. 2024) as the main plot treatment and 12 barnyard millet genotypes along with two checks as the sub plot treatment. First sowing date S1-9^th MW (29^th February 2024) recorded highest (146.98 cm) plant height than second sowing date S2-11^th MW (16^th March 2024) (136.66cm). The genotype KIBMG-22-09 (V₅) had significantly higher plant height (157.67cm). Significant varietal differences were found in characters viz. days to 50 per cent flowering in barnyard millet genotypes when sown on second sowing date S2-11^th MW (16^th March 2024) required significantly less (63.31 days) number of days to 50 per cent flowering. Number of days required to maturity follows same trend. Number of tillers per plant was significantly influenced by date of sowing and genotypes. The highest number of tillers (7.22 per plant) was recorded in genotypes KIBMG-22-09 (V₅), which was followed by genotypes KIBMG-22-11(V₈) (6.93 per plant). The genotypes KIBMG-22-09 (V₅) recorded significantly highest grain yield in first sowing date S1-9^th MW (29^th February 2024) (27.05 q ha^-1). The grain yield recorded by the genotype KIBMG-22-09 (V₅) for second sowing date S2-11^th MW (16^th March 2024) was 19.86 q ha^-1. The genotypes KIBMG-22-09 (V₅) recorded significantly highest fodder yield in first sowing date S1-9^th MW (29^th February 2024) (80.30 q ha^-1).