CHARACTERIZATION OF PEARL MILLET GERMPLASM FOR VARIOUS MORPHOLOGICAL AND FODDER YIELD PARAMETERS

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate and characterize 27 pearl millet accessions for various morphological and fodder yield parameters. The germplasm displayed considerable variability for days to 50 % flowering, leaf area, flag leaf area, plant height and green fodder yield. The genotypes, however, didn’t exhibit any variation for ligule presence, auricle absence and leaf midrib color. Different genotypes displayed potential for selection of the desired traits. Sel.-2(8802) was the earliest accession in terms of 50% flowering while maximum leaf area was recorded for Sel.-1(No.8802) and Sel.- 2(No.8802). Sel.-4(No.8781) had the maximum plant height while Sel-3(No.8781) produced the highest green fodder yield. Cluster analysis for quantitative traits depicted five clusters at a dissimilarity level of 4.8. The first cluster consisted of four genotypes while the second cluster contained nine genotypes. Ten genotypes comprised the third cluster while the fourth cluster constituted only four genotypes. The genetic potential of Sel.-2(8802), Sel.-1(No.8802), Sel.-2(No.8802) Sel.- 3(No.8781) and Sel.-4(No.8781) can be exploited in future pearl millet breeding programs. Further, these genotypes are also recommended as such for commercial cultivation to meet the fodder needs of the country.