Optimizing Millet Yield Using Planting Dates and Harvest Frequency with Genotypic Variation for Sustainable Production and Land Degradation MitigationOptimizing Millet Yield Using Planting Dates and Harvest Frequency with Genotypic Variation for Sustainable Production and Land Degradation Mitigation

Al-essawi, Hussein Kzar

doi:10.36531/ijds.2026.170377.1120

	Optimizing Millet Yield Using Planting Dates and Harvest Frequency with Genotypic Variation for Sustainable Production and Land Degradation MitigationOptimizing Millet Yield Using Planting Dates and Harvest Frequency with Genotypic Variation for Sustainable Production and Land Degradation Mitigation
IRAQI JOURNAL OF DESERT STUDIES
Volume 16, Issue 1 - Serial Number 16, July 2026, Pages 43-50 PDF (1.91 M)
Document Type: Research Paper
DOI: 10.36531/ijds.2026.170377.1120
Author
hussein kzar al-essawi^*
University of Baghdad/College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences/Department of Field Crops
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted during the 2023-2024 growing season at Al-Raed Research Station in Iraq to evaluate the effect of planting dates and harvest frequency on forage and grain yields of millet varieties. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nested subplots and three replicates. The treatments included three planting dates (March 15, March 30, and April 15), three harvest frequencies (no harvest, one harvest, and two harvests), and three varieties (ICM 177004, Ashana, and Wad Al-Bashir). The results showed that planting on March 30 significantly increased the number of branches, spike density, and chlorophyll content, while early planting (March 15) increased plant height and the number of days required for flowering. Harvesting frequency also significantly affected growth, with double harvesting reducing plant height and increasing chlorophyll content. The Wad Al-Bashir genotype showed superior performance compared to the other genotypes for most of the studied traits. The findings indicate that optimizing planting date and mowing frequency plays a crucial role in improving both forage and grain yield of millet. Planting on March 30 combined with appropriate mowing management achieved the best overall performance, while the Wad Al-Bashir genotype demonstrated superior adaptability under the studied conditions. These results highlight the importance of integrated agronomic practices to maximize millet productivity.
Keywords
millet crop; sowing date; mowing; genotype performance; forage yield

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