Genetic architecture and combining ability analysis for forage yield and attributing traits in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) utilizing a Line × Tester design

Abstract

Getting insight into the genetic architecture and combining ability analysis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is the essential step for developing superior and nutritionally rich forage cultivars. This study evaluated 40 F hybrids obtained from a Line × Tester mating design with their 8 lines and 5 testers during kharif 2024 in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Fourteen distinct morphological, yield, and nutritional traits were analyzed to estimate General Combining Ability (GCA), Specific Combining Ability (SCA) and the nature of gene action. Biometrical analysis revealed that the ratio of general to specific combining ability variance was less than unity for all fourteen evaluated characters, suggesting that non-additive gene action predominantly controls the inheritance of fodder yield and quality. Among the parents, lines AFB-23 and AFB-67, and testers RBB-1 and, were identified as superior general combiners for green fodder yield per plant. For specific combining ability, the hybrid AFB-66 × RBB-1 showed the highest positive SCA effect for green fodder yield per plant, followed by AFB-25 × Baif and AFB-23 × Giant Bajra. The findings emphasize that breeding programs should capitalize on specific non-additive cross combinations to develop commercial heterotic hybrids and select desirable transgressive segregants for enhancing forage biomass and nutritional quality in pearl millet.