Combining ability analysis for grain yield and quality traits in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract

Combining ability analysis performed using 15 parental lines and their 54 hybrids in pearl millet in L x T mating design. The magnitude of SCA variances was higher than the GCA variances for all the characters, which indicated predominance of non-additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits and it was further supported by less magnitude of σ2 gca / σ2 sca ratios. Based on general combining ability (gca) effects, none of the parent was good general combiners for all the characters. Among females, JMSA-9904 was good general combiner for grain yield per plant and protein content. Whereas, male parent J-2507 was good general combiner for grain yield per plant, Fe content and Zn content. The heterotic hybrid ICMA-96333 x J-2512 had recorded high sca effects for grain yield per plant and exhibited positive significant sca for Zn content. The hybrid ICMA-96333 x J-2510 was recorded high and favourable sca effect for Fe content (50.12) and Zn content (44.07). In case of protein content, hybrid JMSA-9904 x J-2538 was exhibited high positive sca effect, this cross also recorded positive sca effect for Fe content, Zn content and grain yield.

Keywords

• pear millet
• combining ability
• gca
• sca
• fe and zn content