Genetic component analysis for yield and morphological traits in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) genotypes

The main objectives of present investigation were to find out the extent of genetic variability,heritability (bs),component of variance and genetic advance for yield and yield related traits of pearl millet,pennisetum glaucum (l.) r. br. for this purpose twenty five (25) pearl millet (local and exotic) germplasm accessions were evaluated in a randomized complete block design having three replications at arid zone research institute,parc,d.i. khan,pakistan during 2013. highly significant (po.01) differences were observed for all the traits except days to maturity which was mere significant (p<0.05). a substantial amount of genetic variability among the genotypes revealed that accessions under studies belonged to diversified sources indicating the expediency of genotypes for future breeding of millet varieties. the line ms-3 proved its superiority through producing the highest grain yield of 132.70 g/plant. high genotypic (68.06) as well as phenotypic co-efficient of variation (71.50) were recorded for grain yield. moderate to high heritability was recorded for number of leaves per plant (47.11),leaf area index (46.75),days to heading (69.34) and days to maturity (68.58). a very high heritability (89.54%) was recorded for 1000-grain weight and grain yield. the high heritability amalgamated with high genetic advance (171.04) as percent of mean was recorded for grain yield indicating the least environmental effect and presence of more additive gene effect leading to crop improvement through simple selection.