ASSESSMENT OF GENETIC VARIATION AND CHARACTER ASSOCIATION OF IRON, ZINC AND PROTEIN WITH AGRONOMIC TRAITS IN PEARL MILLET [PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.) R. BR.]BALA BARATHI AND SANJANA REDDYAbstract The present investigation consists of 98 genotypes (two CMS lines, 30 testers, 60 hybrids and six checks) studied to assess the magnitude of genetic variability and character association of iron, zinc and protein with other agronomic traits. Pearl millet grain has rich iron content, zinc content and protein and are essential for human nutrition. Estimation of genetic parameters viz., variability, heritability, genetic advance will provide the basis for selecting systematic breeding strategy to improve the genotypes with desirable traits. Moderate PCV and GCV values were observed for grain iron and protein content, high PCV and GCV values were observed for zinc content. Influence of environment on these traits is low because of the less difference between the estimates of GCV and PCV. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for zinc content. Strong correlation was observed between grain iron and zinc content and their weak correlations with other agronomic traits indicated there is a possibility to breed high grain Fe and Zinc contents simultaneously in different plant agronomic backgrounds might be suitable for different agro-climatic regions. |