Heterosis for grain yield and its related characters in pearl millet

The heterosis study for grain yield and its attributes was carried out in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) through Line x tester mating design in three different seasons. The pooled analysis of variance showed highly significant mean squares differences among the environments (three different seasons) for all the characters. The variance due to hybrids, lines, testers and line x tester interactions were also significant for all the characters studied indicating presence of considerable variability among the material studied and existence of over all heterosis for all the characters. The degree of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis varied for all the hybrids and for all the characters studied. In general, it is inferred that the magnitude of heterosis effect was high for grain yield per plant, fodder yield per plant, 1000-seed weight, ear head weight, harvest index and number of effective tillers per plant; moderate for ear head length and threshing index and low for ear head girth. The hybrids ICMA 95222 x J 2372 and JMSA 101 x J 2296exhibited the highest, significant and positive heterotic effect and mean performance for grain yield per plant and some of s its important component traits. This could be exploited commercially for heterosis breeding in pearl millet.