Variability and genetic parameters for agronomic traits in the heterotic gene pools of pearl millet

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to analyze the genetic variability parameters such as genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability, expected genetic advance and genetic advance as percent of mean for ten agronomic traits among ninety heterotic gene pools of pearl millet. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation. Low, medium and high estimates of broad sense heritability were found in different characters under the study. High heritability coupled with low expected genetic advance as percentage of mean was observed for trait test weight is the evidence that this plant trait was under the control of non-additive genetic effects for inheritance of this trait. Therefore, this trait can utilize for hybrid development in pearl millet.