Estimation of standard heterosis for grain yield and yield components in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

Abstract

Ten CMS lines were crossed with six testers in a line x tester design to study the extent of heterosis in pearl millet for yield and its component traits. Heterosis was observed in both directions for most of the characters. The standard heterosis for grain yield per plant ranged from -18.42 to 355.96 per cent. Highest and significant positive standard heterosis for grain yield per plant was recorded in ICMA 04999 x BIB-76 (355.96) followed by JMSA 20042 x BIB-40 (315.26), ICMA 04999 x BIB-40 (300.7) and ICMA 04999 x BIB -65 (294.91). Among 60 hybrids studied, eighteen hybrids namely RMS 6A x BIB-65, RMS 7A x BIB-40, RMS 7A x BIB-75, RMS 21A x BIB-186, ICMA 832-22 x BIB- 65, ICMA 832-22 x BIB- 186, ICMA 92777 x BIB- 66, ICMA 971111 x BIB- 186, ICMA 93333 x BIB- 66, ICMA 93333 x BIB- 75, ICMA 93333 x BIB- 186, ICMA 04999 x BIB- 65, ICMA 04999 x BIB- 76, ICMA 04999 x BIB- 186, JMSA 20042 x BIB- 40, JMSA 20042 x BIB- 65, JMSA 20042 x BIB- 66 and JMSA 20042 x BIB- 76 were selected as best crosses since they expressed high standard heterosis for many of the traits studied for high grain yield.