Variability in physiological traits among different male sterile systems and hybrids of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L). R. Br.

Abstract

Quantitative differences in chlorophyll content and the relationship of chlorophyll, total carotenoid content, root length density and thousand grain weight to yield per plant were studied in 26 pearl millet lines comprising female parents from diverse sources of male sterility (A1, A4 and A5 systems), male elite restorers of A1 cytoplasm and 16 F1 hybrids. Chlorophyll a (Chl a), Chl b, total Chl and total carotenoid content were estimated at 55, 65 and 75 days after germination, which coincided with 10 days after flowering, grain filling and maturity stages, respectively. The results indicated significant amount of variability for all the studied parameters at different crop growth stages. Of the three types of male sterile lines studied, the A5 male sterile lines has higher chlorophyll content and showed overall superior agronomic performance compared to A1 and A4 male sterile lines.