Stability analysis for yield and yield related traits in pearl millet (pennisetum glaucum (l.)r. br.) hybrids

The present study was investigated to determine the stability performance of grain yield and yield related characters viz., grain yield, thousand grain weight, panicle length and panicle girth of pearl millet in three different environments viz., Sathyamangalam (E1), Gobichettipalayam (E2) and Annamalai Nagar (E3) during 2021-2022. Thirty- six genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Statistical analysis, including the Eberhart and Russell model and grouping technique (CV) were employed to assess genotype-environment interaction. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences among genotypes, environments and genotype by Environment (G x E) interaction for all morphological characters under study. The analysis of variance indicated that significance of environments suggesting the presence of considerable influence of differential environments on grain yield and grain related traits. Environment (linear) was significant and larger in magnitude, suggesting its importance in expression of grain yield performance in pearl millet and indicating the prediction of performance across the environments is possible. The significant pooled deviation (non-linear component) mean sum of squares for grain yield indicated that the genotypes differed considerably with respect to their stability for this character. Based on performance of ten genotypes studied, over the three environments of study, the genotypes viz., G4, G22 and G31were found stable for grain yield, since these genotypes showed regression coefficient ‘bi’ nearer to one and values for deviation from regression is as small as possible. These hybrids could be tested further in larger environments for potential use in breeding program.