Deciphering heterosis and inbreeding depression of grain yield, its contributing traits and quality parameters from parents, hybrids and segregating generations in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract

The present investigation pertaining to study of heterosis and inbreeding depression for grain yield, its contributing traits and quality parameters in ten morphologically diverse parents were taken to produce F1 hybrids and its subsequent segregating generations. Cross 98222 B × 15550 R, 1202 B × 16317 R and 05888 B × 16066 R showed positive and significant relative and better parent heterosis along with negative and significant inbreeding depression for grain yield per plant. Crosses depicted high heterosis followed by low inbreeding depression indicates the presence of non-additive type of gene action. Higher and lower mean of F2 than mean of F1 indicated presence of additive gene action and non additive gene action, respectively. In case of negative characters, crosses with significant and negative heterosis as well as significant and positive inbreeding depression is more desirable for early flowering, short plant height, early maturity and low tannin content in pearl millet.