Evaluation of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) genotypes for growth, yield and yield attributing traits in Vindhyan region of Uttar Pradesh

The present investigation consists of 12 genotypes of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.). The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023 in RBD having 3 replications. The data were recorded on 20 characters to study the variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation. Analysis of variance revealed that there was considerable genetic variability in the available germplasm for most of the characters studied and DUS characteristics. Performance of seed yield and seed yield attributing traits showed that Bajra M4 was found best followed by MPMH 24 M. Performance of Seedling Vigour showed that BJ 527. A close examination of variability coefficients revealed that the difference between PCV and GCV was minor indicating little influence of environment on the expression of characters studied. A detailed investigation of the genetic parameters of various field and laboratory traits. For field parameters, GCV and PCV were observed in plant height at 30, 60, and 90 (cm), Number of Panicles per Plant, and Biological Yield, indicating substantial genetic variability. Estimation of heritability were high, with traits showed values 0.9, indicated strong genetic control. Genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were also significant, especially for traits Plant Height (cm), Number of Tillers per Plant, and Seed Yield per Hectare (Qtl), showed potential for effective selection. In contrast, laboratory parameters exhibited moderate to high GCV and PCV values, with traits Root Length (cm) and Dry Weight (g) showed high heritability and genetic advance, indicated strong genetic influence. Genotypic and Phenotypic correlations among traits in a plant population. Significantly positive correlation was found for traits Plant Height at 30, 60 and 90 DAS, Number of Leaves per Plant, Number of Nodes per Plant, and Seed Yield per Plant and Grain Weight per Plant. Genotypic correlations showed significant with Plant Height at 30, 60, and 90 DAS, Number of Leaves per Plant, and Yield, indicating that these traits are genetically linked. Phenotypic correlations, while also showed significant among similar traits, were generally slightly lower than genotypic correlations. These characters are recognized as the efficient and potential traits for indirect selection for the improvement of Pearl Millet productivity in the present experimental materials.