Estimates of genetic parameters and quantification of β carotene in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) segregating population

An attempt was made to study the genetic variability and inter-relationship analysis in F3 and F4 generations for ten quantitative characters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied in both F3 and F4 generation, indicating environmental influence on expression of all characters. High heritability combined with high genetic advance for the trait ear head girth and moderate heritability with high genetic advance noticed in single ear head grain weight and grain yield per plant indicated that these characters were governed largely through additive effects of genes and improvement in these traits may be achieved through phenotypic selection. Association studies revealed that, selection based on the traits, single ear head grain weight, ear head girth, single ear head weight, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height and grain yield per plant will be effective. In path coefficient analysis, single ear head grain weight and total number of productive tillers showed direct effect to account for yield. The effect through ear head girth, single ear head weight and 1000 grain weight was high in F3 and F4 generations indirectly. These revealed that the true relationship of these characters with grain yield. Selection based on these characters may be helpful in planning efficient breeding programme. Total carotenoids and β carotene content was estimated in parents and ten F4 progenies. Among them, five progenies viz., TNBG-06-81-9-13 (1.698 μg/g), TNBG-06-81-10-9 (1.624 μg/g), TNBG-06-127-3-3 (1.585 μg/g), TNBG-06-53-6-6 (1.460 μg/g) and TNBG-06-81-7-10 (1.420 μg/g) were identified for high β carotene and these lines were used for future breeding programme for producing high yield with β carotene rich pearl millet inbreds.