Heterosis studies for grain yield and its component traits in pearl millet hybrids [Pennisettum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

In the present study, 6 CMS (Cytoplasmic Male Sterile) lines and 9 diverse male parents were used to develop 54 crosses using line x tester mating design. Heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis ranged from -24.85 (ICMA 11222 x J-2582) to 146.03% (ICMA 04999 x J-2532) and -45.30 (ICMA 11222 x J-2582) to 10.89% (JMSA 20172 x J-2563) respectively on a pooled basis for grain yield per plant while for dry fodder weight heterobeltiosis ranged from -38.04 (ICMA 98222 x J-2563) to 61.16% (ICMA 99222 x J-2608), whereas the standard heterosis went from -48.05 (ICMA 04999 x J-2532) to 28.41% (ICMA 11222 x J-2582). Out of 54 hybrids developed, 3 and 7 hybrids in pooled data showed significant and positive heterosis over standard check GHB 1231. The best three standard heterotic hybrids on a pooled basis for grain yield per plant were JMSA 20172 x J-2563 (10.90%), ICMA 98444 x J-2582 (8.42%) and JMSA 20172 x J-2562 (8.37%).