Analysis of genetic variability and correlation among traits in exotic germplasm of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

The 27 accessions of pearl millet of African origin were studied during kharif 2013 and 2014 in a randomized complete block design in the hot arid climate of Rajasthan. The study was conducted to assess the magnitude of presence of genetic variability and associations among characters namely, grain yield per plant (gm.), number of tillers per plant, plant height (cm), panicle length (cm), panicle diameter (cm), number of leaves per plant, days to 50% flowering and test weight(gm.). The result showed that genetic variability was present among the accessions for all studied characters. The estimated PCV (%) and GCV (%) were high for all characters. The broad sense heritability (%) and genetic advance (% of mean) estimates were also high for all studied characters. The number of tillers per plant, panicle length (cm), panicle diameter (cm) and days to 50% flowering had positive and significant genotypic, phenotypic and environmental correlation coefficients with grain yield per plant. The presence of genetic variability, high heritability and genetic advance and association with grain yield of number of tillers per plant, panicle length (cm), panicle diameter (cm) and days to 50% flowering amenable them for selection and enhancement of grain yield.