Effects of Seeding Date and Density on Yield and Agronomic Traits of Millet: A Case Study of Wangu 098 Variety of Millet

[Objectives] To find out the suitable cultivation techniques of Wangu 098 in Nanyang area, speed up the popularization, demonstration and application of Wangu 098, and provide theoretical and practical basis for adjusting the planting structure and realizing the matching of improved varieties and methods. [Methods] The new self-bred millet variety Wangu 098 was used as the material, and the two-factor split zone experimental design was adopted. The effects of different sowing dates and densities on the yield, growth period and agronomic characters of millet were studied. [Results] The interaction of seeding date and density had a great effect on the yield and plant traits of millet. Millet yield was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, panicle length, single panicle weight, panicle grain weight and tiller number. [Conclusions] The reasonable combination of seeding date and density could give full play to the yield potential of millet. According to the experimental results and cultivation experience, the suitable seeding date of millet in Nanyang area is in the first and middle ten days of June, and the best density is about 750 000 plants/ha. However, after June 30, the seeding millet did not tiller, so the density should be increased to more than 900 000 plants/ha to obtain higher yield. In terms of cultivation and management, timely seeding, reasonable close planting, and coordination of vegetative growth and reproductive growth can make the plant tall and strong, panicle long and thick, and improve the yield of millet.