Exploring genetic variation for morphological and biochemical traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]
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Date
2021-07
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
In present investigation, 50 pearl millet genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design with two replications at experimental field of Bajra section, CCS HAU, Hisar during kharif (Rainy) 2020. Analysis of variance showed that mean sum of squares due to genotypes were highly significant for all the characters studied, indicated the presence of sufficient genetic variability. Higher estimates of PCV than corresponding GCV, thereby, revealing that there is slight influence of environment on different traits. Estimates of GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of mean were high for the traits viz., grain Ca content, grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant, number of productive tillers/plant, grain Mg content revealed importance of additive gene action and these traits could be exploited through simple recurrent selection procedure. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with dry fodder yield/plant, plant height, 1000-seed weight and panicle length suggests that direct selection of these characters will be effective for improvement of grain yield in future breeding programmes. Grain Ca and Mg content exhibited negative and non-significant correlation coefficient with grain yield/plant indicates that grain minerals can be improved without compromising on grain yield/plant. Higher magnitude of correlation coefficients between Ca and Mg content, suggest that both these traits can be simultaneously improved. The path coefficient analysis showed the maximum positive direct effect on grain yield by dry fodder yield/plant followed by plant height, panicle length, panicle diameter and grain Ca content. Therefore, in order to increase grain yield, effective selection can be accomplished for the characters having high direct effects. The germplasm lines viz., HMC-94-2, GP-69, GP-80, GP-70 and HMC-283 with high grain yield/plant (>30g) along with moderately high grain Ca (>160 mg/kg) and Mg (>1600 mg/kg) content were identified in present study. These high yielding germplasm lines with moderately high level of minerals confirm the possibility of simultaneous improvement of both type of characters in pearl millet.