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The article elucidates the genetic variability and trait association in pearl millet genotypes. The study evaluates restorer and maintainer lines of pearl millet genotypes and recorded their biometrical traits including days of flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers, leaf length, lead breadth, panicle length and girth, grain weight and single plant yield. It calculates the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation as well as the broad-sense heritability of the plants.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a subtropical grain and forage crop. It is privileged with several desirable forage attributes. Nevertheless, research on pearl millet is limited, especially as a forage crop, in developing countries. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the field performance and stability of pearl millet genotypes for forage yield across seven environments. The study was conducted in seven environments (combination of locations and seasons) during the 2016/2017–2018/2019 seasons. Twenty-five pearl millet genotypes, selected based on forage yield from a core collection of 200 accessions, were arranged in an alpha lattice design with three replications. The parameters measured were fresh forage yield, days to flowering, plant height, number of culms m−2, leaf-to-stem ratio, and stem girth. The combined analysis revealed that environments, genotypes, and their interaction had significant effects on all traits studied except the genotypic effect on stem girth. Across the seven environments, four genotypes (G14, G01, G12, and G22) outyielded the check genotype in fresh matter yield by 20.7, 16.5, 11.0 and 9.8%, respectively. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) analysis showed that the genotype, environment, and their interaction were highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) for fresh matter yield. The results of AMMI stability values (ASVs) and the genotype selection index (GSI) combined with the AMMI estimate-based selection showed that genotypes G14, G22 and G01 were the most stable and adapted genotypes and were superior to the check genotype. These results indicate that forage pearl millet varieties could be developed directly through evaluating the wealth of available collections or indirectly through hybridization in crop breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study on the genetic variability of health-benefiting grain nutritional traits in pearl millet. The study found that certain traits, such as grain calcium content and grain yield, had high heritability and genetic advance. There was a positive correlation between grain yield and 1000-seed weight, but a negative correlation with calcium and magnesium content. The study identified pearl millet genotypes with high grain yield and moderate calcium and magnesium content. This research is important for improving grain yield and nutritional content in pearl millet. [Extracted from the article]

This study deals with design and development of autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) production in India based on Bajra (P. glaucum) production during the years from 1951 to 2018. The study considers Autoregressive (AR), Moving Average (MA) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) processes to select the appropriate ARIMA model for Bajra (P. glaucum) production in India. Based on ARIMA (p, d, q) and its components Autocorrelation Function (ACF), Partial Autocorrelation Function (PACF), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Normalized BIC and Box-Ljung Q statistics estimated, ARIMA (0,1,1) was selected. Based on the chosen model, it could be predicted that Bajra (P. glaucum) production would increase from 9.21 million tons in 2018 to 10.52 million tons in 2025 in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of enzymatic and SO2 treatments on the yield, physicochemical, functional, morphological, and colour properties of starches isolated from pearl millet (Ashana and Demby cultivars) was studied. The treatment conditions were; control (steeping for 24 h with 0.2% SO2), B (steeping for 7 h with 3 h in distilled water and 4 h in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer pH, 4.5), S (steeping for 7 h with 3 h in distilled water and 4 h in 0.2% SO2), BE (steeping for 7 h with 3 h in distilled water and 4 h in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer pH (4–4.5) + 250 mg pepsin) and BES (steeping for 7 h with 3 h in distilled water and 4 h in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer pH, 4.5, + 250 mg pepsin + 0.2% SO2). The result showed that starch yield from the treatment BE, BES and S was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that of B and control treatments in both cultivars. From the micrographs studies, the hydrolytic effect of pepsin on protein matrix attached to the starch could be observed as holes created on the surface of starch granules. All treatments significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the amylose content and pH value of both starches, while the falling number and acidity were not affected (p ≥ 0.05) by these treatments compared to controls. Water absorption capacity and fat absorption capacity reduced significantly in all treated starches from the two pearl millet cultivars, while viscosity increased following treatments in both cultivars except treatment S (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, functional properties and yield of starch from both millet cultivars were improved by using a combination of enzyme and SO2 during wet milling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Agronomy is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In northern Nigeria, pearl millet is a traditional crop, both in terms of production and consumption. However, performance of pearl millet among smallholder farmers has either stagnated or progressed at a very slow pace, placing the average yield for this vital crop at 1-1.5 t/ha as against the potential yields of 2.5-4 t/ha. Low productivity reflects the possibility of inefficiency among farmers. Thus, evaluating differences in technical efficiencies (TEs) of pearl millet cultivating farmers and the sources of technical inefficiencies, the findings of this study are expected to be beneficial to policy makers and pearl millet farmers as well. Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model, this study aims to investigate the extent of TE and its determinants of 256 randomly selected pearl millet farmers in Kano state, during 2013/2014 period of crop cultivation. Based on input-oriented and VRS, the empirical result indicated that the average value of TE was found to be 81%. This implies that pearl millet farmers operate at 81% level of TE which means total inputs could be saved by 19% without sacrificing any yield if all farmers were efficient as 62 benchmark farmers identified by DEA. The major slacks were in seed, followed by agrochemicals, labour and fertilizer use. The findings relating to return-to-scale in pearl millet farms in the study area showed that the predominant form of scale efficiency is increasing returns-to-scale (69.14%). The result of OLS regression analysis indicates that age of farmers, credit, education, experience; farm size, household size and type of seed planted have a significant and positive effect on the TE of pearl millet production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of lignin and its challenge for valorization has become the gold-rush nowadays for emerging bio-refineries. In the present investigation, alkaline H2O2 pre-treated two lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), agro residue (pearl millet) and hardwood (Melia dubia) were subjected to catalytic depolymerization. Of the catalysts optimized, Ru/C 1% recovered higher monomeric yield of 67% over Ni/C on carbon supports. The alkaline H2O2 pre-treatment of pearl millet and M. dubia showed less than 40% of biomass conversion into aromatics with more than 50% cellulose and hemicellulosic derivatives. The solid cox and gaseous loss for alkaline H2O2 pearl millet biomass sample were found to be 16.13% and 4.42 % for Ru- and 30.00% and 35.43 % for 1% Ru+ respectively with highest monomeric (97.84%) and least polymeric (2.16%) yield. Sugar derivatives such as diols and acids were detected more compared to lignin derivatives in alkali pretreated pearl millet. On the other hand, the alkaline H2O2 pre-treated M. dubia lignin registered a solid cox of 16.97%, gaseous loss of 12.95% and highest monomeric yield of 69.53% for 1% Ru+ which includes p-propyl syringol (0.32 mg.ml-1), p-propyl guaiacol (0.27 mg.ml-1), tetra-hydrofurfurol (0.12 mg.ml-1), p-ethyl syringol (0.08 mg.ml-1), syringol (0.05 mg.ml-1) and so on. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that alkaline H2O2 pre-treated M. dubia is a suitable candidate for lignin based bio-refineries for high value platform chemicals, whereas alkaline H2O2 pretreated pearl millet can be employed for bio-ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2016 to study the "Effect of crop diversification on growth and yield of pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) based rainfed agri-horti system.". The highest panicle length. (28.41cm), panicle girth (10.19cm), N. grain/panicle (1767.67) and test weight (15.47g) of pearlmillet and pod length (7.08cm), number of pod/plant (27.06) in pearlmillet + greengram 1:1 and number of grain/pod (33.88), in pearlmillet + sesame 1:2 test weight (285.33g) pearlmillet + groundnut 1:1of sole and intercrop were recorded under different treatment (1:1) and (1:2) in intercropping row ratio. Whereas grain yield (1190.00 kg/ha), straw yield (4209.33 kg/ha), harvest index % (25.55%) and mean pearlmillet grain equivalent yield (4766.49 kg/ha) of pearlmillet and grain yield (775.11 kg/ha), straw yield (1555kg/ha), harvest index % (30.34) sole groundnut treatment of sole or intercrop were highest under pearlmillet sole and other sole treatment as compared to intercropping row ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data on different biometrical characters of large scale varietal trial having 21 genotypes of bajra were collected from regional research station, Anand for present study. The experiment was conduct in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The characters for grain yield (kg/plot) (X1), 1000 seed weight (gm) (X2), ear head length (cm) (X3), ear head girth (cm) (X4) and effective tillers/plant (X5) were used for this analysis. The selection index technique was employed to study the crop improvement using different characters giving different weights to each character. Selection index for individual character, combination of two characters, three characters and so on can be calculated and the combination which provides the higher relative efficiency is selected. Selection index for single or combination of characters which provides the high per cent relative efficiency (PRE) is selected. The genotypic correlation and phenotypic correlation were worked out between yield and yield contributing characters. Selection indices were worked out taking five biometrical characters and were constructed taking all possible combinations of the characters. Total 31 selection indices were constructed using equal weight (W1) for all characters. The genotypic correlation coefficients (W2), phenotypic correlation coefficients (W3), direct effects of biometrical characters based on genotypic (W4) and phenotypic correlations (W5) as weight for different characters. The expected genetic gain and PRE of different indices were calculated. The results indicated that in general PRE with equal weight was higher than rest of the weights in all combinations of indices. The rank correlation among different methods for selection score values were positive and highly significant indicating agreement with all methods except equal weight. Therefore index based genotypic correlation taken as weight is considered better than all other indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Station of King Abdulaziz University to study the response of sudan grass ( Sorghum sudanensis L.) cv. California Gold and pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum L.) cv. KN-10. productivity to different irrigation methods and water application under arid conditions. Three irrigation methods including surface drip (SD), sub-surface drip (SSD) and sprinkler irrigation (SPI) were investigated. Under each irrigation method, one full irrigation treatment (100% of water requirement [WR]) and two water stress treatments (75% WR and 50% WR) were studied. Sudan grass and pearl millet crops were cultivated under each water regime for two consecutive seasons and cut several times for evaluating the production and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Results revealed that SSD produced the highest forage yield under full and stress treatments in both crops followed by SD. SPI produced the least forage yield compared with SD and SSD in 2014 and 2015 seasons. Decreasing water application decreased yield production and increased IWUE under SD and SSD but decreased them under SPI. Increasing number of cuts decreased yield and IWUE in both crops. Under full and stress treatments, sudan grass produced higher forage yield than pearl millet. Irrigation water use efficiency was the best under SSD followed by SD and SPI, respectively. Irrigation water use efficiency of 100 and 75% were significantly similar in both investigated crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing cultivars with traits that can enhance and sustain productivity under climate change will be an important climate smart adaptation option. The modified CSM-CERES-Pearl millet model was used to assess yield gains by modifying plant traits determining crop maturity duration, potential yield and tolerance to drought and heat in pearl millet cultivars grown at six locations in arid (Hisar, Jodhpur, Bikaner) and semi-arid (Jaipur, Aurangabad and Bijapur) tropical India and two locations in semi-arid tropical West Africa (Sadore in Niamey and Cinzana in Mali). In all the study locations the yields decreased when crop maturity duration was decreased by 10% both in current and future climate conditions; however, 10% increase in crop maturity significantly (p < 0.05) increased yields at Aurangabad and Bijapur, but not at other locations. Increasing yield potential traits by 10% increased yields under both the climate situations in India and West Africa. Drought tolerance imparted the lowest yield gain at Aurangabad (6%), the highest at Sadore (30%) and intermediate at the other locations under current climate. Under climate change the contribution of drought tolerance to the yield of cultivars either increased or decreased depending upon changes in rainfall of the locations. Yield benefits of heat tolerance substantially increased under climate change at most locations, having the greatest effects at Bikaner (17%) in India and Sadore (13%) in West Africa. Aurangabad and Bijapur locations had no yield advantage from heat tolerance due to their low temperature regimes. Thus drought and heat tolerance in pearl millet increased yields under climate change in both the arid and semi-arid tropical climates with greater benefit in relatively hotter environments. This study will assists the plant breeders in evaluating new promising plant traits of pearl millet for adapting to climate change at the selected locations and other similar environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is a warm-season, C4 annual cereal primarily grown in Africa and India for food and fodder. It is also grown in the United States, mainly as a forage crop on a limited area. It is the sixth most important cereal crop in the world. More than 90 million people around the world rely on it as a food grain. It is known for its drought and heat tolerance to reliably produce crops in arid environments. This review is meant to assess the current status of pearl millet breeding and its future prospects globally, with major emphasis on breeding efforts in the United States and India. The topics discussed relate to improvements in plant stature, maturity, photoperiod insensitivity, discovery of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and transfer of apomixis from wild relatives. These improvements have led to increased grain and forage yields, nutritional quality and enhanced disease resistance. Hybrids developed using CMS reportedly have an average of 50% higher grain yield than openpollinated cultivars. We discuss important genetic and breeding achievements in pearl millet for different traits and their implications for further improvement as a potential crop. Additional research is needed to enhance its productivity, early stand establishment, drought tolerance and nutritional quality for growing it as a grain crop in moisture-limited areas. The application of advanced genomics and markerassisted selection tools is needed to accelerate pearl millet breeding and accomplish targeted breeding goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the 48 hybrids produced by (4) x tester (12) crossing programme, maximum positive standard heterosis for grain yield per plant over hybrid check, Aadishakti was observed in DHLB-16A x S-16/08 (36.88%) followed by DHLB-14A x S-16/06 (34.74%) and DHLB-16A x S-16/07 (26.29%). The range of standard heterosis over check Aadishakti was -49.28 per cent (DHLB-14A x S-16/10) to 36.88 per cent (DHLB-16A x S-16/08). Among the hybrids with positive significant SCA effects for grain yield, the frequency of good x average combiner was more. Among the top ten hybrids one parent of five hybrids viz., DHLB-16A x S-16/08, DHLB-16A x S-16/07, DHLB-8A x S-16/01, DHLB-8A x S-16/05 and DHLB-16A x S-16/12 found to be good general combiners. Among four females three lines DHLB-16A, DHLB-8A and DHLB-14A and among males S-16/07, S-16/08 and S-16/05 gave top yielding hybrid combinations. Among ten top performing hybrids, three hybrids viz., DHLB-16A x S-16/08, DHLB-14A x S-16/06 and DHLB-16A x S-16/07 exhibited significant favorable heterobeltiosis, standard heterosis, GCA and SCA effects for yield and most of the related traits could be utilized for commercial cultivation after extensive testing in state and national trails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining ability analysis performed using 15 parental lines and their 54 hybrids in pearl millet in L x T mating design. The magnitude of SCA variances was higher than the GCA variances for all the characters, which indicated predominance of non-additive gene action in the inheritance of these traits and it was further supported by less magnitude of σ²gca / σ²sca ratios. Based on general combining ability (gca) effects, none of the parent was good general combiners for all the characters. Among females, JMSA-9904 was good general combiner for grain yield per plant and protein content. Whereas, male parent J-2507 was good general combiner for grain yield per plant, Fe content and Zn content. The heterotic hybrid ICMA-96333 x J-2512 had recorded high sca effects for grain yield per plant and exhibited positive significant sca for Zn content. The hybrid ICMA-96333 x J-2510 was recorded high and favourable sca effect for Fe content (50.12) and Zn content (44.07). In case of protein content, hybrid JMSA-9904 x J-2538 was exhibited high positive sca effect, this cross also recorded positive sca effect for Fe content, Zn content and grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity of local cattle depends mainly on the quality of forage they consume, the search of which induces conflicts between herdsmen and farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of 'maiwa' Pennisetum glaucum, for forage, in Ibadan, Nigeria. Three inbred lines, namely, 25-2, 28-1 and 94-2 were each sown in three rows in 2009. The inbred lines were crossed in all combinations including reciprocals, to generate six hybrids and three inbred lines. The hybrids and their inbred lines were then evaluated. 'Maiwa' plants were harvested by cutting at 30 cm above the ground level, at six weeks after sowing. The plants were allowed to regrow for 7 to 8 weeks to reach booting stage, and samples were collected for proximate analysis. The inbred lines had generally higher dry matter DM content (36.02%) than the hybrids (33.39%). Also, leaf had higher DM (29.67 to 41.11%) than the stem (17.59-24.75%), which was above 20% benchmark. Crude protein (CP) level ranged from 8.76 to 10.66%, which was above the 7% critical level, below which intake declines. Ca: P ratio ranged from 1: 0.89 to 1: 1.58 in 94-2 × 25-2 and 28-1 × 94-2 respectively in 'maiwa'. The Ca: P ratios reflect the higher content of P in all the lines, except 94-2 × 25-2 hybrid. This shows that the nutritional quality of 'maiwa' as forage is satisfactory for animal dietary requirement, except for lactating animal where supplementary CP might be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers' participation in on-farm research can speed up of large scale adoption of the new crop varieties among farmers and replace the traditional agricultural practices. A small farmer in a variable environment will be affected by adoption of traditional practices especially for choice of crops and selection of suitable varieties. In areas where farmers are unfamiliar with available improved varieties, there is need of conducting effective varietal evaluation with farmers. The participatory approach for identifying suitable high yielding cultivars for harsh environments would be boon to the dry land farmers and could retain the sustainability in rainfed zones. This paper describes how plant breeder and farmers worked together to evaluate and identified the farmers' choice pearl millet varieties; TNAU hybrid CO9 and Pioneer 86M86 from a diverse genetic background in a participatory varietal selection programme conducted in vertisol tract of southern districts of Tamil Nadu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In crop biofortification research, threshing part is the primary place of contamination while dealing with grain mineral traits such as iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) density, thus type of threshing operation is one of the important and effective factors for efficient grain mineral traits determination. This study is aimed at the effects of threshing methods namely power-operated single-head thresher and manual-hand threshing on Fe and Zn density estimation. In this context, 50 pearl millet progenies each from two broad-based populations (AIMP 92901 and ICMR 312) were evaluated in field condition and tested for machine and hand threshing. Grain samples were analyzed for Fe and Zn density using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical-Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The analysis of variance showed the significant difference among population progenies for these micronutrients by recording two-fold variations for Fe (40-91 mg kg-1) and Zn (32-74 mg kg-1) density. Threshing method had significant effect, however, estimated Fe and Zn values from both the methods were highly comparable, further non-significant t-test and linear correlations-coefficients showed machine-threshed samples results were highly positively significantly correlated with hand-threshed samples values for both micronutrients (r=0.88 to 0.93; p<0.01 for Fe and r= 0.92 to 0.95; p<0.01 for Zn) in two populations. This study indicating the high levels of consistency on ranking of test entries and threshing method has no effect on grain Fe and Zn estimation. Therefore, singlehead thresher will be a reliable and faster method for large-number of breeding materials threshing and its grain micronutrient determination in pearl millet biofortification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cool-season annual forages can provide grazing for beef cattle during fall and early winter. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield and nutritive value of nine forage combinations seeded in early August into pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) hay stubble that was either sprayed or allowed to regrow. Grass species included spring triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Each grass was then combined with a brassica mixture {turnip [Brassicas rapa L. var. rapa], rape [Brassica napus L. var. napus], radish [Raphanus sativus var. oleifer Strokes], and hybrid Chinese cabbage [Brassica rapa L. chinensis) × Turnip]}. A legume mixture (hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth] and Austrian winter pea [Pisum sativum subsp. arvense L.]) was then added to the grass-brassica mixtures. All species and mixtures produced sufficient forage (3080-5580 kg dry matter [DM] ha-1) to be stockpiled for fall grazing. The millet and brassicas dominated yield and nutritive value of the unsprayed and sprayed mixtures, respectively. The concentration of neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) was greater in unsprayed than sprayed mixtures (510-579 and 229-246 g kg-1, respectively), but the concentrations of crude protein (CP) (169-180 and 185-202 g kg-1, respectively) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) (755-799 and 909-922 g kg-1, respectively) were less. The lesser nutritive value and yield potential associated with letting the millet regrow must be weighed against the extra inputs but greater yield potential and nutritive value when the regrowThis controlled prior to seeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high yielding pearl millet variety, UCC 32 was developed as composite by mixing and random mating of five elite inbred lines with resistant to downy mildew disease at Department of millets, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. It has been tested extensively in Tamil Nadu and in other states under MLT, ART, OFT and All India Co-ordinated programme for the past four years. It performed well both under rainfed and irrigated situations in Tamil Nadu. This variety is medium in stature (160-180 cm) and in duration (85 - 90 days). It produces 4 - 6 productive tillers with mostly lanceolate shaped ears. The size of the grain is bold and is grayish yellow in colour. The variety UCC 32 is highly resistant to downy mildew under both normal and sick plot condition. This new variety recorded a mean grain yield of 3474 kg/ha under irrigated conditions, which are about 17 and 23 per cent increase over the checks CO (Cu) 9 and ICMV 221 respectively. The mean grain yield under rainfed conditions is 2916 kg/ha which is 15 and 24 per cent increase over CO (Cu) 9 and ICMV 221 respectively. The variety UCC 32 is medium in duration, high yielding, resistant to downy mildew, bold grain, compact ear head, non-lodging and fertilizer responsive. The protein content is high (12.07%). It has acceptable cooking quality and suited for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping of cereal and legume forages following proper planting geometry is an important strategy to achieve higher yield of quality forage. A field experiment was performed to evaluate agro-qualitative response of forage pearl millet sown as a base crop and sesbania as intercrop under different geometrical patterns (line sowing of sole pearl millet, line sowing of sole sesbania, cross planting of pearl millet and sesbania, blended seed sowing of pearl millet and sesbania, sesbania intercropping in 30 cm apart rows of pearl millet, sesbania intercropping in 45 cm apart two-row strips of pearl millet, and sesbania intercropping in 75 cm apart four-row strips of pearl millet) at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Sesbania intercropping reduced pearl millet growth. Nonetheless, least decrease in height (23%), leaf area (42%) and number of leaves (16%) of pearl millet was occurred by intercropping sesbania in 45 cm apart two-row strips of pearl millet, as compared to sole cropping of pearl millet. Total green forage yield (60%) was increased by sesbania intercropping over sole-cropping of pearl millet and the intercropping of sesbania in 45 cm apart two-row strips of pearl millet was most beneficial. Intercropping improved quality of fodder mixture, compared to sole-cropping. Crude protein (84%) was improved most by cross planting over sole pearl millet, while, crude fiber (36%) and ash contents (20%) were improved by blended seed sowing, as compared to sole cropping of sesbania. Potential benefits of forage pearl millet can be acquired by intercropping with sesbania and following the planting geometry of sesbania intercropped in 45 cm apart two-row strips of pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bajra is grown all over the world as most important coars grain crop. This study was conducted in Raun block of Bhind district during the year 2014. The study included the five recommended package of practices of Bajra cultivations technology viz. improved seed, seed treatment, sowing method, recommended dose of fertilizer, plant protection and weed control. Total 140 farmers (small and medium land holders) were selected for the study. The study revealed that 81.42% of the respondents had fully adopted the improved seed, 39.28% of the respondents had adopted the seed treatment, 59.28% of the respondents had low adoption of the recommended methods of sowing 56.42% farmers' use medium or low dose of recommended fertilizer quantity and 68.57% of the farmers' had partially adopted/ low adoption/ imcomplete adoption of the plant protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presented here, for the first time, elucidates the responses of several antioxidants inPennisetumleaves exposed to varying concentrations of atrazine (0–200 mgkg−1).Pennisetumhas been reported to be resistant to atrazine; however, its physiological response to high concentrations (≥50 mgkg−1) of atrazine is not well documented. The contents of reduced (AsA) and oxidized (DHA) ascorbate increased significantly with increase in atrazine concentration and exposure time; but the increase was more evident under higher (50 and 100 mgkg−1) atrazine concentrations. Increase in atrazine concentration to 200 mgkg−1significantly decreased AsA, but increased DHA content, throughout the experiment. Seedlings treated with 200 mgkg−1atrazine showed significantly lowest reduced glutathione (GSH) content, while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was not significantly affected, after 68 d. Seedlings treated with 100 mgkg−1atrazine showed increased glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity after 48 d and 68 d, while treatment with 200 mgkg−1atrazine significantly increased glutathione reductase (GR) after 58 d. This result suggests thatPennisetummay tolerate lower atrazine concentrations. However, higher concentrations (≥50 mg kg−1), which could have longer residency period in the soil, could induce more physiological damage to the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Uncovering genomic regions involved in adaption is a major goal in evolutionary biology. High-throughput sequencing now makes it possible to tackle this challenge in nonmodel species. Yet, despite the increasing number of methods targeted to specifically detect genomic footprints of selection, the complex demography of natural populations often causes high rates of false positive in gene discoveries. The aim of this study was to identify climate adaptations in wild pearl millet populations, Cenchrus americanus ssp. monodii. We focused on two climate gradients, one in Mali and one in Niger. We used a two-step strategy to limit false-positive outliers. First, we considered gradients as biological replicates and performed RNA sequencing of four populations at the extremities. We combined four methods-three based on differentiation among populations and one based on diversity patterns within populations-to identify outlier SNPs from a set of 87 218 high-quality SNPs. Among 11 155 contigs of pearl millet reference transcriptome, 540 exhibited selection signals as evidenced by at least one of the four methods. In a second step, we genotyped 762 samples in 11 additional populations distributed along the gradients using SNPs from the detected contigs and random SNPs as control. We further assessed selection on this large data set using a differentiation-based method and a method based on correlations with environmental variables based. Four contigs displayed consistent signatures between the four extreme and 11 additional populations, two of which were linked to abiotic and biotic stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is the staple diet for a vast majority of poor farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of India. An experiment was conducted at Millet Breeding Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to determine the interrelationship between yield and yield component traits in 250 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of pearl millet during summer 2015. A perusal of the results of this study showed positive significant and strong genotypic and phenotypic correlations between grain yield per plant and plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, earhead length, earhead girth, single earhead weight, single earhead grain weight, 1000- grain weight and beta carotene content. Path coefficient analysis indicated that number of productive tillers per plant and single earhead grain weight had high direct effect on grain yield per plant. High indirect effect on grain yield per plant was caused by single earhead weight via single earhead grain weight and single earhead weight, single earhead grain weight and 1000- grain weight influences grain yield per plant through moderate positive indirect effect of number via productive tillers per plant. Based on the present results, it could be concluded that number of productive tillers per plant, earhead girth, single earhead weight and single earhead grain weight could be identified as the most important traits that are associated with grain yield in pearl millet. Hence these traits can be used as selection criteria for yield improvement in pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) is an important hybrid crop in India. However, to date limited pearl millet hybrid development has been undertaken in West Africa (WA), which is the center of pearl millet origin and diversity and where this crop is most important outside India. Using a diverse set of WA pearl millet germplasm, objectives of this study were to determine the superiority of population hybrids over open-pollinated varieties for agro-morphological and agronomic traits in WA pearl millet germplasm; and (ii) to derive strategies for pearl millet hybrid breeding in WA, based on quantitative-genetic parameters, combining ability and heterotic patterns among geographically close versus distant pearl millet populations. A 10 × 10 factorial mating design was performed with four parental OPVs from each of five WA countries. The 100 population hybrids and their parents were tested for 14 traits at six locations in one year, thereby using contrasting locations to indirectly sample the rainfall variability inherent to WA pearl millet production environments. Grain yield showed an average panmictic midparent heterosis (PMpH) of 16.7%, ranging from −26 to 73%. The mean grain yield of hybrids based on inter-country crosses did not differ significantly from intra-country crosses. Geographic distance between parents was positively correlated with hybrid grain yield ( r = 0.31), but not with PMpH . Some crosses between accessions from Niger/Nigeria and Senegal were outstanding. Predictability of population hybrid performance for grain yield was moderate based on midparent values ( r = 0.43) and slightly better based on general combining ability (GCA) ( r = 0.56). Overall, pearl millet hybrid breeding in WA seems very promising, but there do not seem to be clear “natural” heterotic groups among WA pearl millet landraces. Such heterotic groups as the basis of sustainable hybrid breeding need rather to be created systematically, by building on existing combining ability patterns and aiming to maximize combining ability between the groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to estimate the growth rate of area, production and yield and to measure the contribution of different components to the growth rate of millets in India during the last six decades i.e. from 1950-51 to 2011-12. Area under sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and total millets registered positive growth during 1950-51 to 1980-81 and negative growth subsequently. The production of total millets registered significant growth during overall study period due to increase in yield. Increase in production of sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet and total millets were contributed by their yields, whereas area and its interaction with yield have adversely affected the production. Decline in production of small millets was due to area effect and interaction effect. The main source of growth in production of millets has been the growth in yield per hectare during the period from 1950-51 to 2011-12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt was made to study the genetic variability and inter-relationship analysis in F3 and F4 generations for ten quantitative characters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation(GCV) for all the characters studied in both F3 and F4 generation, indicating environmental influence on expression of allcharacters. High heritability combined with high genetic advance for the trait ear head girth and moderate heritability withhigh genetic advance noticed in single ear head grain weight and grain yield per plant indicated that these characters weregoverned largely through additive effects of genes and improvement in these traits may be achieved through phenotypicselection. Association studies revealed that, selection based on the traits, single ear head grain weight, ear head girth, singleear head weight, number of productive tillers per plant, plant height and grain yield per plant will be effective. In pathcoefficient analysis, single ear head grain weight and total number of productive tillers showed direct effect to account foryield. The effect through ear head girth, single ear head weight and 1000 grain weight was high in F3 and F4 generationsindirectly. These revealed that the true relationship of these characters with grain yield. Selection based on these charactersmay be helpful in planning efficient breeding programme. Total carotenoids and β carotene content was estimated inparents and ten F4 progenies. Among them, five progenies viz., TNBG-06-81-9-13 (1.698 µg/g), TNBG-06-81-10-9 (1.624µg/g), TNBG-06-127-3-3 (1.585 µg/g), TNBG-06-53-6-6 (1.460 µg/g) and TNBG-06-81-7-10 (1.420 µg/g) were identified for high β carotene and these lines were used for future breeding programme for producing high yield with β carotene richpearl millet inbreds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present investigation, nature and magnitude of gene action was analyzed in six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) for grain yield and its attributing characters in four crosses of pearl millet. On the basis of individual scaling test A, B and C and joint scaling test, the additive-dominance model was found to be adequate for description of variation ingeneration means for number of nodes per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, grain yield per plant and biologicalyield per plant in all the four crosses, days to flowering in ICMB-04999 x J-2454; days to maturity and earhead length incrosses ICMB-20071 x J-2480 and ICMB-04999 x J-2454; while, test weight in crosses ICMB-20071 x J-2500 and ICMB-20071 x J-2480. For remaining cases, significance of either all or the three or any of the individual scaling tests A, B or Cand significant Chi-square values confirming the involvement of digenic interaction parameters in the inheritance of thesecharacters. Looking to the interaction components, all the three or any one or any two interaction parameters were found significant for most of the traits in most of the crosses indicating interaction parameters also played important role in the inheritance of these characters. Study indicated that grain yield per plant and its component characters were mostly governed by additive and non-additive gene effects but the magnitude of dominance effect was higher for almost all the characters. Duplicate type of epistasis played a greater role then complementary epistasis was observed for most of cases. The highest estimate of heterobeltiosis was observed for grain yield per plant in cross 1 (76.45%) followed by biologicalyield in cross 1 (73.76%), number of effective tillers per plant in cross 1 (40.00%), plant height in cross 1 (26.84%),earhead length in cross 4 (11.43%), test weight in cross 1 (11.23%), days to flowering in cross 2 (-8.37%), earhead girth incross 4 (8.06%) and days to maturity in cross 2 (-3.42%). Highly significant heterobeltiosis with low in breeding depression was observed for number of effective tillers per plant, earhead length, grain yield and biological yield in the cross ICMB-94555 x J-2290; ICMB-20071 x J-2500 for grain yield and biological yield; ICMB-20071 x J-2480 for test weight and inICMB-04999 x J-2454 for earhead girth and biological yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of reused treated grey water on yield of 10 pearl millet accessions (Pennisetum glaucum) in An-Najah University, Tulkarm, Palestine. Ten pearl millet seeds were planted during May 2010 in each separate plastic containers (35 × 50 × 15 cm) filled with 45 kg sandy clay soil in four replication of a completely randomized design and irrigated with three types of water (Fresh water as control, raw grey water, treated grey water). Results clearly showed that there were no significant differences in the yield under different water treatments. Also no significant interaction was observed between water treatments and cultivars. However, accessions IP3616, IP22269, Sudan pop II, and Sudan pop I gave high total fresh weight fresh weight of straw while accessions IP3616 and IP22269 produced the highest fresh weight of straw. The accessions IP6104, IP6110, IP19612 and ICMV155 registered the highest plant height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research study based on a field experiment conducted during summer of 2011 to 2013 for assessing the thermal requirement for the growth of pearl millet crop varieties at the Junagadh Agricultural University's Pearl millet Research Station located in Jamnagar in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. Findings regarding crop maturity, yield and heat use efficiency (HUE), are presented.

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2013 to find out the effect of mulching and NPK levels on pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in bael (Aegle marmelos) based agri-horti system under rainfed condition of Vindhyan region. There were twelve treatment combinations comprised of three levels of mulching (no mulch, wheat straw mulch and dust mulch) and four levels of RDF NPK (50%, 75%, 100%, 125%). The experiment was laid out under split-plot design with three replications. Significant improvement was recorded in growth and yield attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of tillers per plant, dry matter accumulation per plant, number of ears per plant, ear length, number of grains per ear, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, stover yield, harvest index (%), nutrient uptake and economic returns. Significantly higher yield of pearl millet (1908 kg/ha) was observed in the plot that received 125% RDF, which was found at par with the 100% RDF and in case of mulching, the maximum yield was observed with dust mulch (1942 kg/ha) than all other treatments. The application of dust mulch and 125% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) NPK (T12) treatment have distinct superiority as compared to all other treatments under bael based agri-horti system and more suitable for moisture conservation practice in pearl millet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the climate resilience of crops is particularly important in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) where variability and uncertainty of precipitation is expected to increase under climate change with detrimental impacts on the vulnerability of livelihoods of small farm holders. This study analyses a long-term strategic experiment datasets from fifteen experiments (1981–1995) managed under different fertility levels at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru and on-farm balanced nutrition management trials (2010–2012) in Karnataka, India to evaluate the pearl millet performance in contrasting seasons with improved agronomic management. Long-term climate variability and yield trends were analyzed using ICRISAT's weather datasets. On-farm data analysis revealed that majority of farmers’ field soils were deficient in organic carbon, available phosphorous, sulphur, zinc and boron at all the locations studied. Pearl millet grain yield and above ground dry matter was improved significantly with balanced nutrient application (NPK + S + Zn + B) in farmers’ field which were critically deficient in the soil nutrients. Even in comparatively drier years, application of balanced nutrient significantly increased grain yield and aboveground dry matter which provides resilience against drought through enhanced water productivity. Long-term experiments conducted in ICRISAT showed that nitrogen application increased grain yield and above ground dry matter in pearl millet however seasonal variability had a greater effect on yield than cultivars and applied N. Pearl millet yield was positively associated with August maximum temperature and negatively with seasonal precipitation. September precipitation >125 mm which coincided with grain filling stage reduced grain yield. Benefit:cost analysis showed that balanced nutrient application of pearl millet is an economically sustainable option across the seasons. Pearl millet can be an important component of climate resilient agriculture in low production environments when managed with improved agronomic practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major goals of the present study were to evaluate the Egyptian wheat cultivars for their yielding and competitive ability against weeds (Avena fatua L) under local conditions and to study wheat allelopathic activity to select superior cultivars with strong allelopathic activity to be used as a source in plant breeding. Thirty-six Egyptian wheat cultivars were evaluated at Nubaria Res. Stn. Results showed highly significant variation among cultivars with respect to different characteristics. Results also showed that Sakha 61, Gemmeiza 10, Sakha 94, Gemmeiza 7, Giza 168 and Giza 155 were more productive, while Tosson, Giza 160, Giza 163, Gemmeiza 1 and Giza 139 produced lower yields under herbicide application. Under stress condition (non-herbicide application), Sakha 92, Sids 1, Sids 4 and Gemmeiza 9 were more productive, while Giza 139, Giza 160, Giza 162, Giza 163 and Sakha 93 showed lower yields. Most of high-yielding cultivars under normal or stress condition showed high number of spikes m-2, which indicated the importance of this trait to increase grain yield. Cultivars differed significantly in grain yield losses according to the presence of different number of Avena fatua weed m-2. Sakha 61 produced the highest reduction in grain yield (77%), while Giza 170, Sids 6 and Tosson showed lower reduction in grain yield in the presence of 20, 10 and 5 Avena fatua weed m-2. Results also showed signific,a nt differences in allelopathic activity against spring wild oats (Avena fatua L.) as monocot weed species. Among these cultivars, six cultivars were strongly allelopathic giving a smaller root length of Avena fatua such as Giza 160, Giza 170, Giza 168, Gemmeiza 5, Giza 157 and Sakha 8, while most of the other cultiva~s recorded intermediate values of root length. In relation to ,Potential and Specific Allelopathic Activity (PAA, SPAA), a normal distribution among cultivars was observed. Some cultivars had strong PAA effect showing highest percentage such as Sakha 8, Giza 157, Gemmeiza 5, Giza 168, Giza 170 and Giza 160, while some other cultivars like Gemmeiza 7, Gemmeiza 3, Sakha 94, Sids 9 showed lower percentages. The same trend was observed for SPAA. These findings indicate that the competitive trait and allelopathic trait may not be genetically linked and that the breeding for wheat cultivars with enhanced competitiveness coupled with allelopathy may be accomplished for weed suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A line x tester analysis using six lines and eleven testers was carried out to study the combining ability and gene action for grain yield and 14 quantitative traits in pearl millet. Analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that significant differences among the mean squares was observed for lines, testers and lines x testers for all the characters except for mean squares due to lines for number of productive tillers per plant, ear head weight per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index and threshing index and due to testers for ear head weight per plant, days to maturity, dry fodder yield per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index and threshing index, which indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive genetic variances in the expression of these characters. The ratio of GCA variance and SCA variance indicated the predominance of non-additive gene action for the characters days to 50% flowering, length of protogyny, number of nodes per plant, plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, ear head weight per plant, days to maturity, 1000-grain weight, dry fodder yield per plant, grain yield per plant, harvest index and threshing index and additive gene action for ear head girth and ear head length. Among the lines, ICMA-04111, ICMA-92777 and ICMA-05333 and the testers J-2534, J-2454 and J-2507 displayed high gca effect for grain yield per plant and for some desirable traits. Significant and positive sca effect for grain yield per plant was displayed by the cross ICMA-05333 x J- 2527 followed by ICMA-05333 x J-2340, JMSA-20064 x 283-SB-11, ICMA-92777 x STPT-115, ICMA-04999 x J-2539 and JMSA-20071 x J-2507. These crosses involved either average x average, good x poor, poor x poor or good x good general combining parents. These crosses have been identified as best hybrids for improving grain yield per plant and could be further evaluated to confirm their stable superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore farmer acceptance of a biofortified staple food crop in a developing country prior to its commercialization. The paper focuses on the hypothetical introduction of a high-iron pearl millet variety in Maharashtra, India, where pearl millet is among the most important staple crops. Design/methodology/approach – A choice experiment is used to investigate farmer preferences for and trade-offs among various production and consumption attributes of pearl millet. The key pearl millet attributes studied include days it takes pearl millet to mature, color of the roti (flat bread) the grain produces, the presence of high-iron content (nutritional attribute), and the price of the pearl millet seed. Choice data come from 630 pearl millet-producing households from three purposefully selected districts of Maharashtra. A latent class model is used to investigate the heterogeneity in farmers’ preferences for pearl millet attributes and to profile farmers who are more or less likely to choose high-iron varieties of pearl millet. Findings – The results reveal that there are three distinct segments in the sample, and there is significant heterogeneity in farmer preferences across these segments. High-iron pearl millet is valued the most by larger households that produce mainly for household consumption and currently have lower quality diets. Households that mainly produce for market sales, on the other hand, derive lower benefits from consumption characteristics such as color and nutrition. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of the study is that it uses a stated preference choice experiment method, which suffers from hypothetical bias. At the time of implementing this study biofortified high-iron pearl millet varieties were not yet developed, therefore the authors could not have implemented revealed preference elicitation methods with real products and payment. Originality/value – The method used (stated preference choice experiment method) is commonly used to value non-market goods such as environmental goods and products that are not yet in the market. It’s application to agriculture and in developing countries is increasing. As far as the authors know this is the first choice experiment implemented to investigate farmer/consumer preferences for biofortified crops. The study presents valuable information for development and delivery of biofortified crops for reducing micronutrient deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted during summer seasons of 2011 and 2012 on sandy loam soil at Sardarkrushinagar to study the effect of irrigation scheduling and nitrogen levels on multi-cut summer forage pearl millet. The results showed that of 2011 and 2012 as well as in pooled irrigation at 1.2 IW : CPE ratio producing significantly higher green fodder yield (1108.2 q/ha), dry matter yield (248.3 q/ha), crude protein content (9.7%) and yield (26.98 q/ha), available nitrogen (204.99 kg/ha) and phosphorus (38.64 kg/ha) over 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 ratios. However, water use efficiency (86.07 kg/ha) was higher with 0.8 IW/CPE ratio. The green fodder yield (1045.1 q/ha), dry matter yield (249.7 q/ha), crude protein content (10.6%), crude protein yield (26.77 q/ha), water use efficiency (87.66 kg/ha), available nitrogen (214.53 kg/ha) and phosphorus (41.23 kg/ ha) were maximum at 200 kg N/ha compared to other levels (100 and 150 kg N/ha). The treatment combination of I4N3 (1.2 IW : CPE ratio+200 kg N/ha) registered the highest net realization of (Rs. 99499/ha with B : C ratio (3.56). Consequently for higher productivity and profitability of multi-cut summer forage pearl millet, it should be grown with irrigation at 1.2 IW : CPE ratio and fertilized with 200 kg N/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt is made to develop and identify the best pearl millet hybrid for grain yield and fodder yield suitable to grow under low rainfall situations of scarce rainfall regions when compared with the best existing cultivars at AICPMIP, ARS, ANGRAU, Ananthapuram Center. The material for the experiment was developed during rabi 2011-12. A total of 67 single cross hybrids of pearl millet were developed in three sets. In the first set, 18 crosses were developed by using single female parent (ICMA 96444) and 18 different restorer lines derived from segregating populations of ICRISAT provided material. In the second set, 16 crosses were developed by using 16 different female parents (A lines) of ICRISAT origin and single restorer line (i. e. ARL-1) developed at Agricultural Research Station, Ananthapuram. Further in third set, a total of 33 crosses were developed by using 21 female parents (A lines) of ICRISAT origin and 16 different male parents derived from segregating populations of ICRISAT provided material. The total experimental materials (67 newly developed single crosses along with nine popular hybrids as checks) were planted in completely randomized block design in four replications during kharif 2012 at two locations i. e. in Field No. 3 and Field No. 12 at AICPMIP, ARS, ANGRAU, Ananthapuram Center. Data were recorded on 10 different morphological characters viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), productive tillers per plant, panicle length (cm), panicle diameter (cm), days to maturity, seed set under bagging (%), 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield per plot (kg) and fodder yield per plot (kg). Results revealed the higher values of GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance for characters grain yield and fodder yield. Based on association studies, the characters plant height, panicle diameter, panicle length, seed set under bagging and 1000-grain weight were identified as prime important characters, while going for selecting high grain and fodder yielding genotypes as they expressed significant positive association with grain yield and it was in turn positively related with fodder yield. From this study, it was found that the restorer line i. e. ARL-1 could be better utilized as good restorer parent on wide range of female parents based on the observation i. e. among three sets of top crosses, highest mean values for five characters (days to 50% flowering, plant height, days to maturity, 1000-grain weight and grain yield) were recorded in the second set of crosses and along with the better performance in maximum number of cross combinations for maximum number of characters studied where the common male parent (ARL-1) was used on different female parents of ICRISAT origin. Based on per se performance, out of the 67 single crosses evaluated, the two hybrids ICMA 96111 x ARL-1 and ICMA 96444 x 245 are identified as best dual purpose medium maturing and late maturing single cross hybrids, respectively, which are suitable to grow under scarce rainfall region with more than 40% yield superiority over the best check 86 M 64. For further evaluation, these two hybrids can be recommended for multi-location testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield contributing traits was conducted in 20 newly developed male sterile lines of pearl millet, developed at the Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, during the rainy season of the year 2013. Significant genetic variability among genotypes was observed for all the traits studied i.e. days to flowering, plant height, ear head length, ear head girth, effective tillers per plant, ear head number, ear head weight, grain yield, 500 grain weight and panicle harvest index. Mean performance of all traits revealed that ms lines CZMS 0021A and CZMS 0008A had higher manifestation of most of the desired traits. High values of genotypic coefficients of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for traits like grain yield per plot, ear head weight per plot and effective tillers per plant, indicating that these traits contributed significantly to the total variability. High heritability estimates were observed for grain yield per plot, ear head weight per plot, plant height and days to flowering. High genetic advance as percentage, was recorded for grain yield per plot and ear head weight per plot. Greater magnitude of heritability coupled with higher genetic advance for grain yield per plot and ear head weight/plot revealed additive genetic effects for inheritance of these traits, while, high heritability estimates with low genetic advance indicated the presence of non-additive gene action for days to flowering, plant height and ear head length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted with 50 hybrids which were developed through Line x Tester mating design using five male sterile lines and ten restorers as parental material along with two standard check hybrids, viz., Pratibha-1666 and Shradha. The parents, hybrids and two standard checks were evaluated during kharif 2012 season for ten characters. Significant differences were observed for all the ten characters studied. Among females, 732A was found best general combiner for grain yield and had significant GCA effects for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, 1000-grain weight and plant height while, in male parent, PT 4801 was the best general combiner followed by PT 4108 and PT4563 for grain yield per plant. The cross ICMA 88004 x PT 4639 was the best specific combiner for grain yield per plant followed by ICMA 91222 x PT 4520 and ICMA 99222 x PT 4801. They produced significant and desirable SCA effects for most of the traits studied, indicating potential for exploiting hybrid vigour in breeding programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental material consisted of ten restorer lines and their 45 F1s developed through half diallel mating design, was evaluated in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications to study inheritance of grain yield and component characters. The analysis of variance for combining ability revealed that mean squares due to parents and F1s were significant for all characters studied except number of effective tillers per plant, thereby suggesting the importance of both additive and non additive gene effects. However, potence ratio and predictability ratio depicted preponderance of non-additive gene effect for all the characters except number of effective tillers per plant, average earhead length, average earhead and girth. Among the parents,AIB-34 was only good general combiner for grain yield per plant. While, in case of hybrids, AIB-9 x AIB-34 and AIB-9 x AIB-29 were good specific combiners for grain yield per plant, number of effective tillers per plant and average earhead weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciência Animal Brasileira is the property of Universidade Federal de Goias, Escola de Veterinaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is grown under a wide range of environmental conditions in India. The All India Coordinated Pearl Millet Improvement Project (AICPMIP) has the responsibility of testing and releasing pearl millet cultivars adapted to such conditions. As a part of this process, AICPMIP has divided the entire pearl millet growing regions into three different zones (A1, A, and B) based on the rainfall pattern and local adaptation of the crop. This study was conducted to define the presently used test locations into possible mega-environments and to identify essential test locations for cost-effective evaluation of pearl millet cultivars. Grain yield data of different sets of 34 to 45 medium-maturity pearl millet hybrids tested at 29 to 34 locations during 2006 to 2008 were analyzed using genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot method. Two distinct pearl millet mega-environments with consistent grouping of locations across the years and corresponding to AICPMIP's designated A and B zones were identified. No such consistent grouping of locations corresponding to AICPMIP's designated A1 zone was, however, observed. Based on the discriminating ability, uniqueness, and research resources, 13 locations were identified as essential test locations for evaluation across the two megaenvironments. Testing at these locations appeared to provide good coverage of the whole pearl millet growing areas of India. Based on these findings, it is suggested to conduct initial yield trials at identified 13 locations across all the pearl millet growing zones represented by two mega-environments followed by testing of selected hybrids with specific adaptation in their respective adaptation zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effects of seed dressing, sowing date and cultivar on incidence and severity of downy mildew of pearl millet induced by Sclerospora graminicola and yield were studied in a two-year field trial conducted at the Research farm of University of Maiduguri. The millet cultivars, Ex-Borno, SOSAT-C88, GB 8735 and Gwagwa were each dressed with metalaxyl at 0.75 and 1.50 g a.i./kg seed; and a batch of undressed seeds of each cultivar served as control. Both dressed and undressed seeds were used for dry-planting and wet-planting in early and late seasons. The results showed that seed dressing with the fungicides significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the incidence and severity of downy mildew and increased grain yield. Dry-planting also significantly (p ≤ 0.01) increased grain yield irrespective of disease incidence. Delay in sowing led to a significant reduction in incidence and severity of downy mildew. Differences between the cultivars in relation to incidence and severity of downy mildew and grain yield were significant. SOSAT-C88 developed low or no downy mildew in both seasons. Sowing of dressed SOSAT-C88 as soon as rainfall established appeared most beneficial in the control of downy mildew. Dry- or wet-planting Ex-Borno dressed with any of the metalaxyl formulations proved to be effective for downy mildew management and for high yield. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]