Studies on variability parameters in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.)
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Author:M. VETRIVENTHAN AND A. NIRMALAKUMARI
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:94, Issue:jan-jun
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100645
Abstract
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.)
R.Br.) is the most widely grown millet. Grown
in India and Africa since prehistoric times,
it is generally accepted that pearl millet
originated in Africa and was subsequently
introduced into India. Genetic variability studies
provide basic information regarding the genetic
properties of the population based on which
breeding methods are formulated for further
improvement of the crop. These studies are
also helpful to know about the nature and
extent of variability that can be attributed
to different causes, sensitive nature of the
crop to environmental influences, heritability
of the characters and genetic advance that
can be realized in practical breeding. Progress
in any crop improvement venture depends
mainly on the variability existing in the metric
traits of the base population. Hence, to have
a thorough comprehensive idea, it is necessary
to have an analytical assessment of yield
components. Since heritability is also influenced
by environment, the information on heritability
alone may not help in pin pointing characters
enforcing selection. Nevertheless, the heritability
estimates in conjunction with the predicted
genetic advance will be more reliable (Johanson
et al., 1955). Heritability gives the information
on the magnitude of inheritance of quantitative
traits, while genetic advance will be helpful
in formulating suitable selection procedures.
In the early days of research, the crop breeders
used morphological markers for the assessment
of genetic diversity and for choosing parents
for developing new varieties
Key words : millet, Kharif