Genetic variability, heritability and association of grain yield characters in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L)

The extent of genetic variability and correlation for grain yield and its attributing characters in forty nine parental lines of pearl millet were evaluated at Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad during 2017 rainy season. Wide genetic variability coupled with high heritability and genetic advance as percent mean was reported for grain yield per plant and 1000 seed weight indicating the association of additive gene action in expression of these traits and hence selection for these traits would be effective. Grain yield showed a significant positive correlation with plant height and ear length, while path analysis revealed that selection for characters viz. days to maturity, seed diameter, ear width and plant height will have positive influence on grain yield per plant. Selection of traits plant height, days to maturity, ear length and ear width will help in yield improvement in pearl millet.