Variability and path analysis in white grain pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.].

Abstract

An eight parent full diallel consisting of Indian (5) and African (3) inbreds of white grain pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), revealed adequate variability for all the traits studied. Magnitudes of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) (39.50%) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) (24.83%) were highest for grain yield. Days to 50% flowering recorded highest (77 .48%) heritability estimates. The minimum differences between GCV and PCV for days to 50% flowering, plant height, test weight, and grain number per square centimetre indicated less environmental influence and was reflected in high heritability estimates for these traits. All the component traits exhibited significant correlations with grain yield except grain number per square centimetre. Ear girth, test weight, fodder weight, and days to 50% flowering exhibited high correlation coefficients and high direct effects in the desired direction and were considered important in selecting for high grain yield.