Studies on heterosis in pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides stapf and Hubb.)

Abstract

A complete diallel cross study of ten pearl millet inbred parents was used to estimate g.c.a. and s.c.a. for grain yield and eight other related characters (length and diameter of peduncle, surface area of primary ear, density of grain, yield of primary ear, plant height, tillering capacity and yield of straw). General combining ability effects were of a lesser order than those of s.c.a. for most of the characters studied. Highly significant s.c.a. effects for many characters point to the immense practical value of utilising the same in the exploitation of heterosis. Lines with superior g.c.a. and hybrids manifesting outstanding s.c.a. in respect of each character could be marked out.