Genetic variability and multivariate analysis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) germplasm for dual purpose

• DOI: 10.4038/jas.v2i1.8115
• Publication Date: 2016-05-23T16:51:14Z
• Authors: M. Shanmuganathan; A. Gopalan; K. Mohanraj
• Keywords: Pennisetum; Germ plasm; Panicle; Fodder; Dual purpose; Petiole (insect anatomy); Genetic divergence

Genetic variability and diversity in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) was studied with 104 germplasm accessions of different origin. Analysis variance indicated significant variances among the for all characters studied. The maximum variation recorded number tillers, leaves, leaf length breadth, panicle length, weight, stem ratio, green fodder yield, crude protein content grain yield indicates possibilities improving these through phenotypic selection development dual purpose cultivars (grain cum yield). High heritability coupled high genetic advance percentage mean observed except days to 50% flowering suggesting that traits are governed by additive gene action possibility selection. Based on D2 analysis were grouped into twelve clusters. Cluster I retain 82 nine clusters retained only one accession each. intra cluster distance ranged from 0.00 6.71 inter highest between XI XII. XII exhibited value five characters. relative contribution, plant height contributed more towards divergence.