Vol. 10, Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
Moti Ram Natwaria, PC Gupta and Sohan Lal Kajla

Abstract:
The present investigation was carried out to assess genetic divergence in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]. Sixty F₁ hybrids were evaluated with three standard check hybrids in randomized block design in three replications with two different environments created through number of irrigations at Agricultural Research Station and College of Agriculture, Bikaner during Kharif 2018. Observations were recorded on twelve different characters namely, days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant height, total number of tillers, number of effective tillers, flag leaf area, ear head length, ear head diameter, test weight, dry stover yield, grain yield and harvest index. Results of divergence study revealed that crosses were grouped into 19 clusters using D² statistics, indicates the presence of high degree of genetic divergence among the hybrids. Such hybrid serves as source of high heterotic response during selection programme. Cluster I contained the maximum number of crosses (35) followed by cluster V (7), cluster III (5) and in rest of the clusters, there was only one cross in each cluster. The maximum intra cluster distance was observed within cluster V. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster XII and cluster XVII, whereas minimum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster IV and cluster VIII. Hence, hybrid from these clusters, when used as parents in breeding programme may gives more productive results.