Comprehensive assessment of productivity interrelations and indicators of quality of millet seeds

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine optimal conditions for harvesting millet seeds in Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine that would provide maximum yield of high-quality seeds. Implementation of this goal was done by determining and analyzing of multifactor relationships of forming high-yielding seed sowing of millet, by optimizing ways of its mowing and threshing and conditions that would ensure improvement of sowing qualities and yielding properties of seeds using the method of correlation pleiades. The two-factor field experiment involved the following grading factors: A (seed ripeness degree in panicle) 25–30%, 45–50, 65–70 (control) and 85–90% of seeds reached the full maturity phase; B (duration of softening rolls) direct harvesting and in three, six (control) and nine days after mowing. The sowing quality of seeds formed on mother plants was tested in laboratory conditions in autumn of the harvest year and sowing next year (the first seed progeny) with threshing by occurrence of 65–70% of seed maturity in panicle. As a result of the research it was found: 1. Between yield of maternal plants and millet plants of the first seed offspring there is a direct correlation of medium strength. 2. Between yield of maternal plants and laboratory and technological indicators of seed quality there are strong correlations that are associated with it through the integrated quality indicator of seed material and millet output. 3. The integrated quality indicator and separately each of the studied laboratory parameters of seed material quality on high level influence the formation of grain yield of plants of the first seed offspring.