Panicle Traits and Plant Height are Important Selection Indices to Enhance Productivity in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R.Br.) Populations

The study was conducted to determine the correlation and path coefficients among the yield and yield component characters in 14 parental lines and 91 hybrids of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. R. Br), formulated by a diallel cross excluding reciprocals. Strong and significant genotypic and phenotypic correlations were observed between grain yield (kg ha-1) with panicle girth (cm),plant height (cm) and panicle length (cm). The path analysis indicated that panicle girth (cm)and plant height (cm) had the highest direct effects on grain yield. The days to 50% flowering, 1000-grain weight (g) and number of productive tillers had the least direct effects on grain yield. The direct effect of panicle girth (cm)was greatly reduced by the negative indirect effects through days to 50% flowering and 1000-grain weight (g). Similarly, the direct effect of plant height was very much influenced by the negative indirect effects of days to 50% flowering. The panicle girth, plant height and panicle length in this study has been identified as selection indices for obtaining good parental lines and hybrids in a pearl millet breeding program.