Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Genetic variability for yield attributes and blast disease in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] germplasm
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Dilbagh, Sagar, Kumar Anand, Pati Rutuparna, Sandhu Anmol, sehrawat K. D., Sanadya Sanjay Kumar, Kaushik Prashant, Mishra Daya Shankar
Research Articles | Published: 10 November, 2025
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Keywords: Genetic variability, Pearl millet, Correlation, Blast
Abstract
Pearl millet growth and productivity are significantly affected by various diseases and pest infestations, with blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea being a major concern. Therefore, developing cultivars or hybrids resistant to blast is crucial for enhancing crop yield and overall productivity. A study was conducted during the kharif season of 2020–22 at the Bajra section, CCS HAU, Hisar, using 56 male B lines of pearl millet. The results revealed considerable variation among the genotypes in terms of blast resistance. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences for most of the traits examined.Key traits, such as panicle diameter, panicle length, 1000-seed weight, dry fodder yield per plant, and grain yield per plant, displaygreat genetic variability, with estimates of genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), heritability, and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean indicating potential for selection and improvement. Grain yield per plant had significant positive correlations with traits like plant height, panicle diameter, number of productive tillers, and 1000-seed weight. However, it showed a negative correlation with both dry fodder yield and blast resistance.Path coefficient analysis identified the number of productive tillers per plant and panicle diameter as having the highest direct positive impact on grain yield per plant. Blast screening identified 15 genotypes with resistance to the disease, with the male parent playing a significant role in imparting resistance to the blast infection. These findings are crucial for developing pearl millet hybrids or cultivars with both enhanced yield and disease resistance, which is essential for improving productivity in areas affected by blast disease.
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Author Information
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India