ISSN 2375-1185
African Journal of Agronomy ISSN: 2375-1185 Vol. 3 (1), pp. 224-227, March, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Genetic variability and path coefficient analysis in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) (R.Br)
Yakubu Yahaya1, C A. Echekwu2 and S G. Mohammed 3
1Lake Chad Research Institute P.M.B, 1293, Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria.
2Institute for Agriculture Research Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria.
3Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.
Corresponding author's E-mail address: [email protected]
Accepted 22 January, 2015
Abstract
The range, mean genotypic, phenotypic and environmental coefficients of variations and heritability estimates for five agronomic characters in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br. studied showed a wide range of variations and highly significant genotype difference. The genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than phenotypic and environmental coefficients for the characters studied. All the characters were highly significant and positively correlated with grain yield genotypically. Path coefficients analysis revealed the true nature of cause and effect relationship of plant height. Panicle length, tiller count, head weight and grain mass with grain yield. Genotypic correlation is correlation of breeding value and was used to calculate direct and indirect effects of plant height, panicle length, tiller count, head weight and grain mass on grain yield.
Key words: Genetic, variability, path coefficients, heritability, pearl millet.