Grain micronutrients, yield and their components in pearl millet: A genetic study Kumar Mithlesh1,2,*, Patel M. P.1,3, Rani Kirti4, Patel M. S.5,3 1Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, C. P. College of Agriculture, S.D. Agricultural University, S.K. Nagar-385 506 (Gujarat), India 2Present Address: AICRN on Potential Crops, ARS Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur-342 304 (Rajasthan), India 3Pulses Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, S.K. Nagar, Gujarat, 385 506, India 4ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Regional Station, Jodhpur-342 003 (Rajasthan), India 5Centre for Crop Improvement (CCI), S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385 506 (Gujarat), India *E-Mail: mithleshgenetix@gmail.com
Online Published on 22 January, 2024. Abstract The biofortification of pearl millet, a prime staple crop around the world with increased grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentrations is part of continuing attempts to fight micronutrient deficiency. The goal of the current study was to examine heterosis, heritability, genetic advancement and inbreeding depression (ID) for yield, and associated features in pearl millet or bajra [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. The majority of crosses with days to 50% flowering, maturity, and plant height showed negligible inbreeding depression and significant heterosis in the desired direction. Yield and other associated characteristics demonstrated significant average heterosis and heterobeltiosis, along with severe inbreeding depression. The presence of additive gene effects for grain Fe and Zn content was shown by the lower value of better parent and relative heterosis in F1s and the absence of inbreeding depression in F2. Majority of the characteristics had moderate to high heritability and low to average genetic advance. Crosses, 30127 × J 2556 for maturity; 30725 × ICMB 05333, J 2454 × 30348 and 30843 × ICMB 98222 for height of plants; 30727 × J 2523, ICMB 99222 × ICMB 08222, 30127 × J 2556, and 30843 × ICMB 98222 for panicle diameter; 30727 × J 2523 and 30725 × ICMB 05333 for seed yield/plant; J 2372 × 30610, ICMB 99222 × ICMB 08222, and 30843 × ICMB 98222 for test weight/1000 grain weight; 30843 × ICMB 98222 and ICMB 99222 × ICMB 08222 for Fe content; 30727 × J 2523, J 2372 × 30610, J 2454 × 30348, 30127 × J 2556, 30843 × ICMB 98222, ICMB 99222 × ICMB 08222, and ICMB 10444 × ICMB 97222 for Zn content showed average to high heritability (broad sense) associated with high to medium genetic advance (GA) that can be improved through selection. Top Keywords Biofortification, Pearl millet, Heterosis, Heritability, Inbreeding depression. Top |