Combining ability analysis and gene action studies in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R Br.]

Abstract

The experiment was conducted with 48 hybrids which were developed through line x tester mating design using four male sterile line and twelve restores as parental material along with two hybrids as standard checks, viz., Aadishakti and 86 M 86. The parents, hybrids and two standard checks were evaluated during Kharif, 2016 season for 10 characters. Significant differences were observed for all the ten characters studied. Among the females, DHLB-25A was found best general combiner for grain yield and had significant GCA effects for six other characters. For earliness, DHLB-21A was good general combiner as it had significant GCA effects. The lines, DHLB-22A, DHLB-23A were good general combiner for grain iron content (ppm). Among male parents, S- 16/105, S-16/85 and S-16/93 were found to be good general combiner for most of the characters under study. The cross DHLB-21 x S-16/107 was the best specific combiner for grain yield per plant followed by DHLB-25A x S- 16/109 and DHLB-25A x S-16/93. The cross combination DHLB-22A x S-16/109 was the best specific combiner for grain iron content (ppm) followed by DHLB-23 x S-16/89. They produced significant and desirable SCA effects for most of the traits studied, including potential for exploiting hybrid vigour in breeding programme.

Keywords

• pearl millet
• gca
• sca
• gene action
• grain yield
• grain iron content.