Qualitative and Quantitative assessment of Genetic gain in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glacum (L.) R. Br) through hybridization methods.

Abstract

Three varieties of pearl millet (ICMV 88908, RCB-IC 911 and GB 8735) were crossed together to developed a new variety.  Comparison was made between the new variety designated LCIC 9702 and GB 8735 which has the highest grain yield in 1996 preliminary Pearl millet trial.  The experiment was conducted in two locations using RCBD with 10 replication and 30 m² per net plot.  The study was carried out to quantify the progress made over the best parent LCIC 9702 performed bettern than GB 8735 in terms of grain yield (7%), panicle length (11%) and less downy mildew (-4%).  GB 8735 was only better in terms of grain size.  There was no significant difference in terms of plant height and days to bloom between both varieties.  The study confirms the superiority of LCIC 9702 over GB 8735.