Multi-Environment Evaluation and Stability Analysis for the Selection of Elite Pearl Millet Genotypes with Better Fodder Yield and Quality Component Traits

The development of stable and high-yielding fodder pearl millet genotypes with improved quality traits is crucial for enhancing livestock productivity under diverse environments. In this study, twenty-six elite genotypes, including brown midrib (bmr) lines and two check cultivars, were evaluated across four locations, which fall broadly under two agro-climatic zones of India, during the summer season of 2024 to assess their stability for yield and fodder quality traits. Significant genotypic differences and genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) were observed for all traits, indicating substantial genetic variability and environmental influence on trait expression. Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Weighted Average of Absolute Scores (WAAS) analyses identified IGPM 100 as a high-yielding and stable genotype across environments, whereas Baif Bajra 1 and IGBV 97 exhibited specific adaptation. Among quality traits, ICMbmr 2401, ICMbmr 2402, and ICMbmr 2404 recorded consistently low lignin content, confirming their potential for improving forage digestibility. Further, ICFPM 05 recorded high tillering and longer leaves, while ICMFV 2308 exhibited late flowering across locations, indicating their potential for use in developing leafy, late-flowering genotypes. The multi-trait stability index (MTSI) efficiently identified IGPM 100, ICFPM 02, ICMbmr 2404, and IGBV 9 as superior and stable genotypes across multiple traits. High selection differentials for green fodder yield and negative differentials for lignin and fibre fractions highlight the possibility of a simultaneous improvement in yield and quality traits. Overall, the integration of AMMI, WAAS, and MTSI models facilitated the identification of broadly adapted and trait-specific genotypes, which, after evaluating their combining ability, can be used for developing fodder pearl millet composites and hybrids.