Study on Heterosis of Newly Developed Restorers in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract

Background: Pearl millet yields in India have significantly increased due to the adoption of hybrid cultivars and improved management practices. Hybrid breeding is particularly effective for exploiting heterosis or hybrid vigour, which results in hybrid offspring exhibiting superior performance and productivity compared to their parents. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the extent of heterosis in newly developed restorer lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] and to identify superior hybrid combinations in restorer lines for use in future breeding programs. Place and Duration of the Study: The present investigation was undertaken at the Bajra Research Scheme, College of Agriculture, Dhule, India, during Summer-2023 and Kharif-2023. Methods: The experimental material for heterosis and combining ability studies was developed during summer, 2023, in which twelve inbreds were used and crosses were made in a half diallel mating design of 12 X 12. The experimental material consisted of twelve diverse restorer lines, which were used as parents. The total number of treatments was 80, comprising 66 F1s, 12 parents and 2 checks (Dhanshakti and Phule Mahashakti). Results: Hybrid DHLBI-2201 X DHLBI-1825 recorded the highest relative heterosis (206.94%) and the highest heterobeltiosis (206.17%), also, it showed the highest heterosis over both the checks Phule Mahashakti and Dhanshakti. The cross combinations viz., DHLBI-2201 X DHLBI-1825, DHLBI-2201 X DHLBI-2210, and DHLBI-2205 X DHLBI-2208 were identified as best for mid-parent heterosis, better parent heterosis, standard heterosis and useful heterosis. These could be exploited for obtaining transgressive segregants in segregating generations. Conclusion: Hybrid DHLBI-2201 × DHLBI-1825 emerged as the most promising cross, exhibiting superior heterosis for grain and fodder yield, and holds strong potential for future pearl millet improvement programs.