Genetic analysis of grain biochemical parameters and yield in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

Abstract

Pearl millet is a potential crop to combat micronutrient deficiency through genetic biofortification of micronutrients in addition to protein, carbohydrates and oil. There is very limited information available regarding gene action for micronutrient content and other biochemical properties like carbohydrate, protein, oil and tannin content in pearl millet. ANOVA revealed significant differences between families and generations for all biochemical traits except protein content. Generation mean analysis through a six-parameter model exposed a prevalence of all kinds of genetic effects that govern Fe and Zn concentrations in grain in crosses 15611R × 42182-HP and 15695R × 15787R, respectively. Furthermore, fixable and heritable genetic variance like additive and additive × additive were found substantial for Fe content in most of the families. Zinc, tannin content and grain yield per plant were governed by heritable but non-fixable intra-allelic interactions in most of the crosses. Likewise, carbohydrate content showed significant additive gene action in crosses except cross 6055B × 15611R. The cross 6055B × 15611R provided the opportunity for developing a biofortified variety with a low tannin level as it exhibited negative heterosis for tannin content and positive heterosis for iron, zinc and carbohydrates content.