Study on genetic variability, heritability and correlation in pearl millets germplasm

Abstract

An evaluation of 34 germplasm of pearl millet for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean along with the association of grain yield with component traits was performed. The ANOVA showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating the presence of sufficient variability in the experimental material. The PCV were slightly higher than GCV indicating little influence of environment on the expression of characters. High PCV and GCV were recorded for all the characters. High heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean for ear girth, protein content and seed density suggested the prevalence of additive gene action in their inheritance indicating the selection based on these traits to be quite effective. The traits, number of effective tillers per plant, ear length, ear girth and seed density showed positive association with grain yield for which indirect selection can be made in future breeding programme to enhance grain yield.