Combining ability studies for grain yield and component traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract

The experiment was conducted with 56 hybrids which were generated through L × T mating design using 8 lines and 7 testers as parental material along with 2 standard check hybrids and evaluated in RBD with 3 replications during kharif 2016 season at ARS, Bikaner to study combining ability along with inheritance of grain yield and component characters of pearl millet to identify suitable parents and desirable hybrid combinations. Analysis of variance exhibited significant differences among the hybrids for all the characters. Mean sum of squares due to lines were significant for all the characters. While the mean sum of squares due to testers was significant for all the characters except no. of effective tillers and biological yield per plant which signifies that testers were diverse for these characters. The interaction effects were found to be significant for all the traits except grain yield/ plant, biological yield/plant and harvest index. It is concluded from the present investigation that the crosses JMSA 20042 × BIB 19 followed by ICMA 97111 × BIB 16, ICMA 93333 × BIB 31 and ICMA 843-22A × BIB 4 were identified as potential crosses for commercial exploitation of heterosis in pearl millet as these crosses exhibited highest magnitude of standard heterosis and sca effects. Thus, these hybrids can be commercially exploited through heterosis breeding programme after testing in multi locational trial for wide spread cultivation in arid part of western Rajasthan for increasing production and productivity of pearl millet.