STUDIES ON VARIABILITY AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION IN FORAGE PEARL MILLET (Pennisetum americanum (L.)

The current study was conducted at the Forage Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during Kharif 2012 with forty-two top cross hybrids developed in pearl millet during Kharif 2011. The necessity for fresh knowledge of investigating techniques/methods to produce considerable improvement in green fodder yield was felt because it is an essential economic but difficult feature in pearl millet. As a result, the genetic diversity, correlation, and path coefficients of pearl millet top cross hybrids were investigated. The mean values for the majority of the attributes were extremely high. Leaf stem ratio, dry matter yield, and green fodder yield all showed great heritability and genetic progress. Plant height, number of tillers/plant, and leaf stem ratio all had high GCV and PCV estimations, implying that selection based on these characteristics will aid successful isolation of desired types. Plant height, leaf length, and dry matter yield demonstrated a good and substantial association with green fodder yield at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, and selection based on these traits will improve green fodder yield in pearl millet. Plant height and dry matter yield had a significant direct impact on green fodder yield. Selection for taller plants with longer leaves will thus be important for increasing green fodder supply in the material under investigation.

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