Genetic Analysis of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br] Lines for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits

This investigation was conducted to study combining ability along with inheritance of grain yield and its component traits in 36 hybrids of pearl millet which were generated through line × tester mating design using 12 male sterile lines and 3 restorers as parental material at IIMR, Hyderabad during kharif, 2022. These hybrids were evaluated in randomized block design with 3 replications during kharif, 2022 and summer, 2023 at IIMR, Hyderabad. In results, both GCA and SCA variances were found significant for majority of characters. The ratio of GCA and SCA variance indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for all the characters studied except for panicle length and panicle width. GCA effects revealed that parents like 274A, 269A, 04999A and 260A (female) and 123R (male) were good general combiners for grain yield and some contributing characters. On the basis of SCA effects the crosses namely 252A × 124R, 843-22A × 124R, 843-22A × 132R, 242A × 123R, 264A × 132R and 274A × 123R were identified as superior for grain yield and related traits over the seasons. Therefore, it is advised that these parents and hybrids be used in the creation of fruitful hybrids as well as for population growth.