Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis of cytoplasmic male sterile, male fertile lines and hybrids of pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.]

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] is one of the staple food and fodder crop of the drought-prone semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Assessment of available genetic diversity and broadening genetic base of parental lines, identifying biotic, abiotic stress resistant genotypes and mapping of QTLs etc through the use of molecular markers will certainly supplement the conventional breeding programme. Keeping this in view, the present study was undertaken to characterize different cytoplasmic male sterile, restorer lines and hybrid of pearl millet. ISSR analysis was carried out for the 12 pearl millet genotypes using five ISSR primers. The results indicated each genotype generated unique banding profiles. High levels of diversity were observed among the genotypes studied at the loci analyzed as evident from JSVs of 0.29–0.96. Molecular characterization could be important in studying the grouping of parents rather than predicting the potential of hybrid combination. The results of the present study may have great usage in pearl millet breeding programmes.