Genetic Mechanisms Associated with Physiological, Nutritional Traits and Grain Yield in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Abstract

One hundred genotypes of pearl millet including three checks were tested during kharif 2024 in an Alpha Lattice design to understand the genetic mechanisms associated in governing the inheritance of grain yield, nutritional (iron, zinc, and protein content in seeds), and physiological traits (harvest index, relative water content, and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading). Higher variability for iron and zinc; moderate variability for grain yield, harvest index, and protein; and low variability for relative water content and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading were recorded. High heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean were noted for iron content, zinc content, grain yield per plant, protein content, and harvest index, indicating predominance of additive gene action, and an early and simple selection would be advisable. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance over percent mean registered for relative water content indicated the operation of additive gene actions and might consistently manifest in future generations, resulting in increased effectiveness of the breeding program. Moderate heritability along with low genetic advance for SPAD chlorophyll meter reading revealed governance of non-additive genes and can be improved by heterosis breeding as simple selection might not be effective.