Evaluation of heterosis through combining ability in pearl millet I. single crosses

Genotypes belonging to four diverse groups, A-, T-, R- and W-series, of pearl millet were diallel-mated and evaluated in three generations, F₁A, F₁B and F₂. Based on the information over a number of yield components, the parents were classified as High (H) or Low (L) general combiners. The method of classification was found stable. The frequency of occurrence of heierotic crosses was more in HL than in HH or LL. Experimental evidence for the presence of high heterosis without dominance or their interactions was obtained. Diversity in parental general combining ability was found necessary for realising heterosis in addition to genetic divergence. The possibilities of sustaining the heterosis observed in HH were counterbalanced by the low frequency of heterotic crosses occurring in it. A number of parents, crosses and concepts were identified for breeding for yield.