Abstract

Fifteen genotypes of pearl millet, five genotypes of napier grass and the resultant fifteen hybrids obtained from them were evaluated for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. The differences between the genotypes were highly significant for all the 13 traits. Among the traits, leaf: stem ratio, dry matter yield, leaf area per clump, green fodder yield, crude protein and calcium content in pearl millet; stem girth, green fodder yield, dry matter yield, leaf: stem ratio and calcium content in napier grass and dry matter yield, leaf area per clump, green fodder yield, stem girth, number of leaves per clump, leaf: stem ratio, number of tillers per clump and crude protein in pearl millet x napier hybrids recorded high heritability coupled with high genetic advance. These traints in pearl millet, napier grass and pearl millet x napier hybrids are the most suitable for improvement through selection.

Keywords: Pearl Millet, Napier Grass, Pearl Millet x Napier Hybrids, Variability, Heritability, Genetic Advance