Identification of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) germplasm with unique popping quality in the national genebank collections of India

Popping is an important trait that can add to commercial value of pearl millet for utilization as nutrition rich and low cost popped snacks. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and identify possible donor for this novel trait in Indian pearl millet germplasm conserved in the national genebank. The study revealed sufficient variability for this trait in the landraces as well as improved genotypes. Positive association between expansion ratio and pop size suggested feasibility to develop germplasm combining both the attributes. The identified promising accessions (IC283734, IC283908 and IC283744) for the popping trait may be utilized in future breeding programme for introgression of popping trait into elite cultivars.