Combining Ability For Grain Quality Traits in Pearl Millet

Sufficient genetic variability was observed for the quality parameters, i.e. crude protein, soluble protein, total lipids and fatty acids of pearl millet grain from a study of 12 × 12 diallel cross. Additive gene effect was predominant for them. Maternal effects were observed for fatty acids only. The combining ability of the parents differed for different quality parameters, lntermating of the parents for further quality improvement was suggested. The estimates of sca effects were generally low, indicating lesser scope for exploitation of heterosis.