Selection of drought adapted genotypes and efficient use of water are among the most important goals in the breeding programs. In order to study drought tolerance of three important species of millets, Proso millet (Panicum miliaseum), Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) were planted in a split-plot design with two irrigation treatments (well watered and 50% of irrigation requirement) and four replications in Birjand Agricultural Research Station, Iran. Deficit irrigation declined yield by reduction of seed number per ear and ear number per plant. This reduction was greater in Proso millet than the other two species. In addition, although, drought stress caused a reduction in WUE of Proso millet, it increased WUE in the other ones. Harvest index also reduced in the presence of drought stress due to of both seed per ear and per plant reduction. Tillering started earlier in Proso millet than the other millets. Although, stem elongation started earlier in foxtail millet than the other millets, but its ear was emerged very late. Water stress caused reduction in the number of tiller and ear, peduncle and ear length and plant height. On the whole, foxtail millet showed the greatest yield in both stress and non-stress conditions.

Keywords