Genetic variability and association analysis for various quantitative characters in local landraces of pearlmillet

The genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance and correlations were studied for ten characters 102 treatments (100 inbreds and 2 hybrid checks). The phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variance indicated that selection may be done for tiller number and grain yield. Plant height, tiller number, ear girth, grain density and 1000-grain weight are positively and significantly associated with grain yield. However, these traits also found positive significant association with each other. Therefore, plant height, ear girth. grain density, 1000 grain weight and particularly tiller number should be given due importance while breeding for higher grain yield.