Assessment of Genetic Variability among Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) Genotypes under Striga Infested Field Condition

A line × tester analysis using five lines and four testers was carried out to study the genetic variance and heritability for grain yield and other yield related traits in pearl millet in 2017 at Lushi Irrigation Station, Bauchi, Bauchi State Nigeria. The F1’s and parents were evaluated at Bauchi and Maiduguri during the rainy season of 2018. Analysis of variance and mean performances revealed that significant differences among the mean squares was observed for lines, testers, crosses and for line × testers for some of the traits. The results indicated that significant variability among the genotypes exist. The results also showed that, genotypic variance was greater than environmental variances in almost all the traits, except for plant height. Days to 100% flowering, number of plants at harvest, days to 50% flowering, number of plants at emergence and total grain yield recorded very high heritability values of 82.96%, 79.77%, 79.14%, 76.63% and 74.66% respectively. The high heritability values obtained could be as a result of additive genetic effects. High value of GCV, PCV and heritability value estimates means that selection among these genotypes could be responsive and effective for the traits. The genotype Super SOSAT had the highest striga count and incidentally having the highest grain yield. The cross SOSAT C-88 × PS 202 was among crosses with high striga count and also among high grain yielders. These genotypes are promising and could have an inherent characteristic to withstand Striga attack. However, further indebt evaluation and genetic study on striga tolerance in these pearl millet genotypes needs to be conducted for more information.