GENE EFFECTS FOR GRAIN CHARACTERS IN PEARLMILLET [PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.) R BR.]

Abstract

Genetic analysis of data of six basic generations of each of the three crosses of pearlmillet (Pennesitum glaucum) involving one grey and two white grained parents was used to elucidate the inheritance of grain density, grain weight and protein content. Additive gene effect was significant for protein content in one of the crosses while additive as well as non- additive gene effects were indicated for grain density, grain weight arid protein content in all the three crosses· except for protein content in one cross. Protein content analysis of pearlmillet grain showed wide variability ranging from 10.30- 18.75% in grey and from 12.30-19.40% in white grained inbred lines. The highest protein content was observed in white grained genotype WGI-105 (19.40%) whereas among grey type PPMI-402 had highest protein content (18.75%). Protein content and endosperm textqre did not show any correlation.