Selection strategy for yield improvement in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract

One hundred and twelve hybrids developed using 14 male sterile lines and eight restorers grown in a randomized block design with three replication during Kharif 1995 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Each entry was planted in a single row plot of three-meter length. A spacing of 45 cm x 15 cm was maintained. Observations were recorded on five random plants for days to 50% flowering, plant height, effective tillers per plant, spike width, grain density per cm2, grain yield per plant and 1000 grain weight. Mean values were used for statistical analysis. The phenotypic and genotypic correlations were worked out among different characters according to [1] and path coefficient analysis as per Dewey and Lu [2].