Inter-relationship and Path Coefficient Analysis for Different Characters in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br)

Abstract

Inter-relationship and path coefficient analysis were used to determine the effects of sixteen characters as components of grain yield in 18 pearl millet genotypes. The genotypes were evaluated at four sites in season 2006, using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Studies revealed that genotypic correlations were generally higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations, for all traits. Grain yield showed significant positive phenotypic correlation coefficients with grain yield/plant (0.83), harvest index (0.73) and dry panicles weight (0.64). Significant positive genotypic correlation coefficients were found between grain yield and grain yield/plant (0.97) and harvest index (0.89), productive tillers/plant (0.61), dry panicles weight (0.57) panicle length (0.52) and number of panicles/plot (0.51). Negative significant genotypic correlation coefficients were detected for grain yield with threshing percentage (-0.82), days to 50% flowering (-0.57) and days to 95% maturity (-0.57). Path coefficient analysis indicated that panicle length had the highest direct effect (0.51) on grain yield /plant, followed by productive tillers/plant (0.28) and panicle width (0.22). The highest indirect effects on grain yield/plant were shown by 1000-seed weight through productive tillers/plant (0.59), and by number of seeds/panicle through panicle width (0.53). Consequently, panicle length, productive tillers/plant, panicle width ,number of seeds/panicle, 1000-seed weight, grain yield/plant, dry panicles weight and harvest index can be used as selection criteria for grain yield improvement in pearl millet