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