Correlation and path analysis for grain yield and it components in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum(L). R.Br.]

The study was conducted to determine the correlation and path coefficients among the yield and yield component characters in 13 parental lines (5 lines and 8 testers) and their 40 hybrids of pearl millet. Significant genotypic correlations were observed for panicle length, productive tillers per plant, panicle diameter, fodder yield per plot and plant height with grain yield per plant. The path coefficient analysis at genotypic level revealed that the characters viz., fodder yield per plot had exhibited largest direct effect on grain yield per plant followed by panicle length, 1000 grain weight and number of productive tillers per plant. Based on correlations and path analysis, the main yield contributing characters in pearl millet are number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length, 1000 grain weight and fodder yield per plot.