Identification of heterotic effect and combining ability in the hybrids of male sterile and restorer pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Lines

Abstract

Pearl millet, also known as Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br., is regarded as a resilient Nutri-cereal that serves as the primary food staple for a large population within the country. A study was carried out to improve its grain mineral composition through the utilization of line × tester analysis, aiming to ascertain the levels of heterosis, gene action, and combining ability concerning grain yield potential, as well as the presence of grain mineral elements such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Seven CMS lines, in addition to 7 restorers (testers) of pearl millet, were employed for the current investigation. For ten agronomic and two micronutrient characters at 3 locations of the S.D.A.U.; during kharif 2021. All the genotypes were evaluated in RBD replicated thrice in three environments formed by different locations. In the case of most characteristics, notable discrepancies arose due to environmental factors, parental influences, and hybrid combinations, highlighting the considerable variability within the materials. Examination of genetic mechanisms revealed a predominance of non-additive and additive gene effects across different traits. The CMS lines SDMA 1 and pollen parents 15725 R and 16088 R had good general combiners for grain yield per plant and majority of its attributes. The hybrids ICMA 98444 x 16088 R (with an average x good rating), SDMA 1 x 15725 R (good x good), and ICMA 05888 x 15725 R (average x good) were derived from parental lines that exhibited high per se performance. These hybrids showed significant positive Relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and standard heterosis, along with a positive specific combining ability effect for both grain yield per plant and component characters.