Abstract

The tenai culture TNAU 196 is a derivative of the cross involving CO 5 x ISE 248 and was developed in the Department of Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It is a high tillering variety maturing in 85-90 days. The crop can be grown under rainfed conditions during kharif and rabi seasons and also suitable for summer season under irrigated condition wherever such condition exists. The panicle is long measuring 29 cm with densely packed grains. The grain is bold with attractive yellow colour. Extensive trials conducted from 2000 to 2004 in the Millet Breeding Station, other research stations of TNAU and farmers' holdings revealed its high yield potential and wide adaptability. It is capable of giving a mean grain yield of 1855 kg/ha while the National check SIA 326 has recorded 1477 kg/ha. In these trials, the local check CO 6 recorded 1554 kg/ha of grain yield. As compared to checks, TNAU 196 has registered an increase of 25.6 per cent over SIA 326 and 19.37 per cent over CO 6 in respect of grain yield. It is suitable for rainfed condition. In addition to higher yield potential, this culture also shows good grain quality with higher protein content of 13.62 per cent and calcium content of 0.35 per cent than the variety CO 6 in which protein and calcium contents were 11.62 per cent and 0.33 per cent respectively. In view of the high grain yield, grain quality and resistance to rust the culture TNAU 196 was released as new variety CO 7 for Tamil Nadu state during 2005.

Keywords: Tenai, Foxtail millet, TNAU 196, CO (Te) 7