Trait association and path analysis for dual purpose pearlmillet

The present investigation was undertaken with 78 pearl millet genotypes, comprising of 6 lines (Ms-98222A, Ms-88004A, Ms-841A, Ms-94444A, Ms-94555A and Ms-863A), ten testers (1553R, UCC-23R, 119R, 1358R, 260R, 154R, 268R, 1404R, 122R and 418R), their 60 F1s(in line x tester pattern) and two check hybrids RHRBH-9808 and AHB-1666 (Pratibha). Correlation coefficient and path analysis study among grain yield and their components in pearl-millet were studied during Kharif 2011–12. Correlation studies revealed that the characters viz., plant height, total no. of tillers, no. of effective tillers, ear head length, ear head girth and fodder yield exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield indicated major role of these traits in contribution of grain yield. Path coefficient analysis showed that plant height, No. of effective tillers, 1000 seeds weight, ear head length and fodder yield per plant were the most important characters manifesting large direct effects on grain yield. The high association of days to 50% flowering, No. of effective tillers, total No. of tillers and 1000 seeds weight with grain yield and their inter-associations and also their large direct effect on grain yield suggest that these traits be given maximum emphasis in selection for improvement of grain as well as fodder yield in pearl millet.