Studies on Heterosis for Grain Yield and Its Contributing Characters in Hybrids of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.]

Heterosis for grain yield and its component traits were studied in bajra through line x tester mating design using five lines and eight testers along with two checks, PHB-3 and GHB-558. Heterosis was observed in both directions for most of the characters. Maximum range of standard heterosis was obtained for 1000 grain weight, fodder yield per plot, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height, panicle length, grain yield per plant and panicle diameter. The heterobeltiosis for grain yield per plant ranged from 10.89 to 56.18 per cent, while the standard heterosis ranged from -12.06 to 17.32 per cent. The cross combinations ICMA99666 x PLM1454R, ICMA97111 x PLM15047R and ICMA97444 x PLM15627R had higher grain yield per se ranging from 48.07 (ICMA97444 x PLM15627R) to 48.77 (ICMA99666 x PLM1454R) and recorded significant positive standard heterosis of 17.32, 15.86, 15.80 and 15.62 respectively for gain yield per plant.