Genetic and G x E analysis of pearl millet genotypes in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Pearl millet is a neglected and under-utilized crop in most part of Africa whose nutritional potential has not been tapped. In comparison to other cereals the crop can adapt to harsh conditions such as drought, low soil fertility, high salinity, low pH or high temperature. Lack of improved varieties is the major impediment to sustained pearl millet production and productivity in the semi-arid regions. Accordingly, characterization of pearl millet germplasm is an initiative critical in any breeding initiative aimed at identifying genotypes with desirable attributes. Furthermore, information of heritability, genetic coefficients is key to informed hybridization and for prediction response to selection for economically important traits. This study sought to (i) assess genetic parameters and trait inter-relationship in selected pearl millet accessions (ii) determine the extent of morphophysiological genetic diversity among promising accessions and (iii) evaluate G x E of selected pearl millet genotypes for yield related traits in four diverse locations of Zimbabwe.

It is recommended that when breeding for grain yield it is important to select days for 50% flowering, days to physiological maturity, plant height, exertion, number of leaves, stem thickness, productive tillers, non-productive tillers, harvested plant count, leaf length; leaf width and grain yield that are highly correlated. Genotypes IP18354, IP18945, IP19339, IP18999, IP19178, gave the lowest days to physiological maturity and can be further evaluated for possible release as early maturing varieties. It is suggested that further evaluations of these genotypes can be extended to more seasons for the assessment of GEI repeatability across environments.

The BSc thesis was developed as part of the project “Exploring wide crosses derived crop biodiversity (sorghum x maize) for climate resilience and food and nutrition security in Eastern and Southern Africa” funded in the 4th cycle of the Benefit Sharing Fund (BSF) of the International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).