Combining ability and gene action analysis for yield and its components in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

A line x tester analysis using twenty two lines and six testers was carried out to study the combining ability and gene action for grain yield and yield components of pearl millet. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that the mean squares due to lines were found to be highly significant for all the characters under study. In case of testers significant differences were obtained for all the characters except for number of productive tillers/Plant where as the mean squares due to line x testers were found significant for all the characters except for 1000 seed weight which indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic variances in the expression of these characters. Among the lines, L20 (610034), L14 (610023), L17 (610031), L5 (610009), L6 (610011), L9 (610017), L1 (610001), L2 (610004), L8 (610016), L21 (610038) T5 (640127) and T6 (640138) offer the best possibilities of exploitation for the development of improved lines with enhanced yielding ability and displayed high gca effect maximum number of characters under study. L3 (610005) X T5 (640127), L3 (610005) x T1 (640025), L6 (610011) x T6 (640138), L21 (610038) x T6 (640138), were identified as the best specific combiners for grain yield per plot. These crosses have been identified as best hybrids for improving grain yield per plot and could be further evaluated to confirm their stable superior performance.