Character Association and Path Analysis in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

A set of 60 genotypes comprising of 45 F₁s along with fertile counter parts of five male sterile lines, nine testers and one standard check hybrid (GHB-744) were utilized to study the correlation and path analysis for nine quantitative characters in pearl millet during Kharif season of 2011-2012. Correlation studies revealed that the characters viz., ear head weight, number of nodes per plant, fodder yield per plant and harvest index exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield indicated major role of these traits in contribution of grain yield. Path co-efficient analysis showed that ear head length, harvest index, number of nodes per plant and fodder yield per plant were the most important characters manifesting large positive direct effects on grain yield. The high association of fodder yield per plant, harvest index and number of nodes per plant with grain yield and their inter-associations and also their large direct effect on grain yield suggest that these traits merit maximum emphasis in selection for improvement of grain yield in pearl millet.