VARIABILITY PARAMETERS STUDIES FOR GRAIN YIELD AND YIELDCONTRIBUTING TRAITS IN PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br.)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The present investigation was undertaken to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, character association and path coefficients for grain yield and eight yield-contributing traits in twenty-three genotypes of pearl millet evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications at ARSS, Nagaur during [Kharif 2025]. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the traits studied, namely days to 50% flowering (DF), days to maturity (DM), plant height (PH), number of productive tillers per plant (NPT), panicle length (PL), panicle diameter (PD), test (1000-seed) weight (TSW), fodder yield (FY) and grain yield (GY), confirming the presence of substantial exploitable variability. Phenotypic coefficients of variation were marginally higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation for all traits, indicating a comparatively limited role of the environment in trait expression. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percentage of mean was recorded for test weight, panicle diameter and days to 50% flowering, suggesting predominance of additive gene action and the scope for effective improvement through direct selection. Genotypic correlation analysis showed that grain yield was significantly and positively associated with number of productive tillers per plant, days to 50% flowering, fodder yield. Path coefficient analysis identified fodder yield as the trait exerting the highest positive direct effect on grain yield, followed by plant height and days to maturity. The results suggest that selection based on these traits would be more rewarding for genetic improvement of grain yield in pearl millet.
Source: PLANT ARCHIVES
Institution: Agriculture University, Jodhpur
Language: English
Topic: Genetics and Plant Breeding
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204270101