Identifying Mega‐Environments and Essential Test Locations for Pearl Millet Cultivar Selection in India

Abstract

ABSTRACTPearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is grown under a wide range of environmental conditions in India. The All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project (AICPMIP) has the responsibility of testing and releasing pearl millet cultivars adapted to such conditions. As a part of this process, AICPMIP has divided the entire pearl millet growing regions into three different zones (A1, A, and B) based on the rainfall pattern and local adaptation of the crop. This study was conducted to define the presently used test locations into possible mega‐environments and to identify essential test locations for cost‐effective evaluation of pearl millet cultivars. Grain yield data of different sets of 34 to 45 medium‐maturity pearl millet hybrids tested at 29 to 34 locations during 2006 to 2008 were analyzed using genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot method. Two distinct pearl millet mega‐environments with consistent grouping of locations across the years and corresponding to AICPMIP's designated A and B zones were identified. No such consistent grouping of locations corresponding to AICPMIP's designated A1 zone was, however, observed. Based on the discriminating ability, uniqueness, and research resources, 13 locations were identified as essential test locations for evaluation across the two mega‐environments. Testing at these locations appeared to provide good coverage of the whole pearl millet growing areas of India. Based on these findings, it is suggested to conduct initial yield trials at identified 13 locations across all the pearl millet growing zones represented by two mega‐environments followed by testing of selected hybrids with specific adaptation in their respective adaptation zones.