Yield and yield component characteristics of three foxtail millet varieties at different planting densities

Foxtail millet varieties were grouped into three based on their yield components in order to study their yield variations and component regularities at different planting densities. The following foxtail millet varieties were experimental materials:“Jigu 26” with yield dependency on both individual and community;“Nilizhuai”,“Liaonong 4” with yield dependency on only individual and “Yugu 5”,“Jigu 14” densely planted varieties with yield dependency on only community. Results show that varieties with individual yield dependency have both yield and yield components such as ear-bearing tiller percentage,single spike weight and single spike grain weight, and their spiking rate and fecundity are sensitive to planting density. For densely planted varieties,yields are sensitive to planting density while single spike weight and single spike grain weight are less sensitive, and ear-bearing tiller percentage and spiking rate are just insensitive. However,“Jigu 26” whose yield depends on both individual and community is insensitive to planting density, though ear-bearing tiller percentage and spiking rate are a bit sensitive, and single spike weight and single spike grain weight are completely sensitive. Single area spikes of all varieties are sensitive to planting density.Yield level of “Jigu 26” which has both individual and community dependency is obviously higher than the other varieties in best planting density condition. This implies that varieties with both individual and community yield dependency have better inherent adaptability, high and stable yield capacity and thus present future breeding direction.