Path coefficient analysis in local pearl millet germplasm for grain minerals and agronomic characters

Path coefficient analysis for grain minerals and quality traits affecting grain yield was accomplished in 61 indigenous germplasm lines of pearl millet. Maximum direct effect on grain yield was contributed by crude fat content which is positive and highly significant (P < 0.01) followed by number of productive tillers (P < 0.01), hundred grain weight and panicle length (p<0.05). The rest of the yield attributes showed moderate to low positive direct effect on grain yield plant⁻¹. Productive tillers per plant, panicle length, 100-grain weight and crude fat content had positive and significant indirect effect on grain yield. These results interestingly showed that either higher grain yield or seed weight often have higher crude fat content which increased the feed value in poultry farms. It was also noted that, breeding for high grain minerals as well as other quality characters did reduce the yield potential of the cultivars.