Genetic Variation in Pearl Millet Germplasm

A study was conducted during 2005, among 105 pearl millet germplasm lines to assess the genetic variability present among the genotypes for different quantitative traits in relation to yield. High phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed high for ear length, ear girth, plant height, grain yield/plant and productive tillers/plant. High estimate of broad sense heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was registered for grain yield/plant, plant height, ear length and ear girth. The genetic variances for these traits are probably indicates better scope for improvement of these traits through direct selection.