Genetic variations for grain mineral content in pearl millet germplasm and its breeding implications and future outlook

Germplasm are recognized as valuable genetic resources for improvement of any traits. Sixty one germplasm of pearl millet of diverse for one or many characters were selected and evaluated in completely randomized block design at millet breeding station, Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to study and evaluate the extent of variation and breeding prospect for nutritional quality characters. A wide range of variability existed for all the traits studied indicating the presence of significant variability among the tested genotypes. In present study, the relationship between grain iron and zinc content was significant (r2 =0.77; P<0.001) and simple selection can enhance the levels simultaneously for the both elements. On the negative side, total phosphorous significantly associated with phyate (r2 =0.64; P<0.001), indicates the selection for low phyate will not operates but moderate to high phosphorus with considerable level of phytate can be achieved by repeat selection.Selection for high yield and improved mineral content for cereals can be achieved in near future and such varities could significantly improve wellbeing of both the plants and the people who rely upon them

M Govindaraj, B Selvi, 'Genetic variations for grain mineral content in pearl millet germplasm and its breeding implications and future outlook', Indian Journal of Crop Science, vol. 5(1-2), pp.85-90, The Royal Society of Crop Science, 2015