Investigation of Genetic Variability, Phenotypic Correlation and Heritability in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) Genotypes for Growth and Grain Yield Parameters

Abstract

Twenty-three pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) genotypes were evaluated at the Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), AlFasher Station, North Darfur State, Sudan, during the 2021\2022 summer season. The objectives of this investigation were to study genetic variability, heritability, and phenotypic and genotypic correlations among pearl millet genotypes and to identify promising, high-yielding genotypes with heritable traits. The field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the pearl millet genotypes for most of the traits studied. The highest grain yield in ton/ha was obtained by the variety Sosat-C88 (6.0 g), whereas a 1000-grain weight of 12.0 g was recorded for genotype FSN-3. Moreover, genotype FSN-3 performed well for plant height, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, days to maturity, number of panicles, number of tillers, and root length under normal irrigation. Phenotypic correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had positive and highly significant associations with most of the characters studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits studied. These results indicate greater genetic variability among the pearl millet genotypes, offering the possibility of selection for crop improvement. It was concluded that the wide range of genetic variability among the pearl millet genotypes could be used in promising breeding programmes for the improvement of pearl millet genotypes in Sudan.