Study of genetic variability, heritability and path analysis for grain micronutrients concentration, yield and component traits in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

Abstract

Present study was undertaken among 48 diverse pearl millet genotypes in 2 replications in randomized complete block design (RCBD) for genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean along with path analysis of grain micronutrients concentration, yield and its component traits. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for most of the characters studied, indicating the presence of adequate variability. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) signifying influence of environment on the expression of all the characters studied. Moderate to high PCV and GCV were recorded for most of the characters. High to moderate heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance as per cent of mean were observed for the plant height, panicle length, panicle girth, panicle weight, grain yield per plant, grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content revealed the characters are predominantly governed by additive gene action and phenotypic selection for these characters will be effective. Characters like dry fodder yield per plant, panicle weight, plant height and panicle length were shown high positive direct effect on grain yield per plant can be directly used for improvement of pearl millet.