Assessment of forage yield performance in single crosses and three-way cross hybrids in forage pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a dual-purpose crop valued for both grain and fodder, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where livestock-based farming systems are predominant. Ensuring a steady supply of quality forage is critical to sustaining animal productivity, and hybrid breeding plays a central role in achieving this goal. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the forage yield potential of 45 single crosses (F₁) and 40 three-way cross hybrids (TWCHs) developed from elite parental lines at ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad. The experiments were conducted across three seasons (Kharif 2024, Rabi 2024-25, and Summer 2025) in a randomized block design with replications. Seven key traits were assessed in two cuts, namely plant height, days to 50% flowering, number of leaves per plant, leaf-stem ratio, number of tillers per plant, green fodder yield, and dry fodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all traits, confirming the presence of wide genetic variability and the potential for selection. Among the single crosses, hybrids such as SC6, SC4, SC25, and SC42 exhibited outstanding green forage yield (16.9-36.8 kg/plot) and better dry fodder yield (7.9-18 kg/plot). Similarly, three-way crosses like TWCH6, TWCH18, TWCH33, TWCH36, and TWCH21 recorded the highest biomass production, with total green fodder yield ranging between 21-37 kg/plot and dry fodder yield exceeding 15 kg/plot. These TWCHs also demonstrated strong regrowth ability and better leafiness, indicating superior adaptability to multi-cut systems. This study provides a strong basis for identifying promising hybrid combinations for future breeding programs aimed at improving forage yield, quality, and sustainability in pearl millet.