Combining ability and heterosis studies for yield, grain iron and zinc content in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

SHAILESH KUMAR  JAIN; SHARWAN KUMAR  SHARMA; D K  GUPTA; VIKAS  KHANDELWAL; ROHIT KUMAR  SHARMA; ANURADHA; VAIBHAV  SHARMA; B L  DHAKA; S K  GUPTA

doi:10.56093/ijas.v95i7.159153

Authors

SHAILESH KUMAR JAIN Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302 018, India
SHARWAN KUMAR SHARMA Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302 018, India
D K GUPTA Sri Karan Narendra College of Agriculture (Sri Karan Narenda Agriculture University), Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan
VIKAS KHANDELWAL ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
ROHIT KUMAR SHARMA Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302 018, India
ANURADHA Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302 018, India
VAIBHAV SHARMA Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302 018, India
B L DHAKA Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302 018, India
S K GUPTA International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v95i7.159153

Keywords:

Pearl millet, Combining ability, Genotype × Environment interactions, Iron, Zinc

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a vital food crop in semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa. The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) season of 2023 at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute (Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan), Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan to enhance iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in pearl millet. The experimental material included 127 entries, comprising 105 crosses, 15 male-sterile lines, and 7 testers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications across the two environments. The study revealed significant genetic diversity among parents and hybrids, particularly for Fe and Zn. The analysis of general combining ability (GCA) revealed significant differences among lines and testers across environments. Key general combiners for grain yield were P4 and P11, while P5, P11, P12, and P13 contributed significantly to fodder yield. For Fe and Zn enhancement, P1 and P3 emerged as effective combiners. Among 105 hybrids, 30 exhibited significantly positive specific combining ability (SCA) for grain yield, while four and five hybrids showed positive SCA for Fe and Zn, respectively. Notably, 89 hybrids displayed positive heterosis for grain yield. Fe content ranged from 20.83–83.50 ppm, with two hybrids showing significant positive heterosis, whereas Zn content varied from 20.00–57.17 ppm, with five hybrids performing well. Limited positive mid-parent and better-parent heterosis for Fe and Zn suggested heterosis has restricted potential for micronutrient improvement. The study underscores the need to incorporate Fe and Zn into parental lines for effective hybrid development. Hybrids P1 × P19 and P14 × P18 were promising for micronutrient enhancement, supporting strategic breeding for yield, fodder, and nutritional quality.

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