Genetic Variability in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides Stapf and Hubb.)

Abstract

Informations based on 12 Bajra varieties has revealed that earlength had higher phenotypic as well as genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. Yield per plant exhibited moderate genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance indicated the presence of additive gene effects in these two characters and improvement can be made through phenotypic selection in above varieties. Genetic advance as per cent of mean indicated that earlength can be improved through selection by 50 per cent. On the other hand 100-seed weight, days to maturity, number of tillers per plant and ear girth had shown minimum genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance revealed that these characters are governed by non-additive gene effects and no further improvement can be done through phenotypic selection.