Identification of Suitable Genotypes for Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Production in Senegal

In Senegal, pearl millet is the most important cereal crops in terms of cultivated areas. Nevertheless, the production is very low compared with the potential of released improved varieties. Thus, the identification of high-performing varieties adapted to the different agroecological zones is crucial for sustaining pearl millet production. Ten improved varieties were evaluated in 6 environments and the effects of the genotype‒environment interaction (GEI) and stability performance on the grain yield were investigated during the rainy seasons of 2021 and 2022. In each environment, the trial was established using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Collected data on grain yield were analyzed using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and GGE biplot models. Results showed that the grain yield parameters was affected by genotype (44%), environment (35%) and their interaction (21%). The first two PCA were significant, accounting for 55% (PC1) and 26% (PC2) of the total observed G × E interaction. The six environments were divided into two mega-environments. SL 423, IBV 8004 and SOSAT C 88 were identified as the most stable and high-yield varieties. Seeds of varieties can be produced and disseminated for pearl millet production in Senegal.