Sequential Path Analysis of Agro-Morphological Traits in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract

In the pearl millet breeding program, studies of relationships among the traits at phenotypic and genotypic levels are useful to select desirable traits directly related to seed yield. Using path coefficient analysis, the present study was performed to estimate the phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlation coefficients between agro-morphological and yield traits and to determine the direct and indirect effects of traits on seed yield per plant. A total of 67 genotypes of pear millet were studied during the dry and wet seasons of 2023 and 2024 (considered as four environments). The experiment at each season was conducted in randomized complete block design with two replications. Based on the analysis of variance, pooled results showed that there were positive and highly significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) among the 67 genotypes for all traits. High significant and positive strong correlations at phenotypic and genotypic levels were observed for spike length, seed weight per spike and 1000-seed weigh with seed yield per plant. According to the sequential path analysis, 1000-seed weight, seed weight per spike and spike length must be prioritized to maximize the production of pearl millet due to its positive correlations as well as direct effects to seed yield. The number of productive tillers per plant had a negative direct effect on seed yield. The combination of correlation and path analysis indicated that improving seed yield in pearl millet can be effectively achieved by focusing on seed weight per spike and 1000-seed weight traits providing valuable foundation for the selection and breeding of high-yielding pearl millet genotypes under the different seasons for increasing pearl millet production and for future research.