Assessment of Heterosis for Yield and Its Component Traits in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

An experiment comprised of twelve male sterile lines, three inbred testers of pearl millet, their 36 hybrids and a standard check (Kaveri Super Boss) was conducted at ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad in Kharif 2022 and summer 2023 for studying the extent of hybrid vigour in F1 for grain yield and its components. The cross 274A × 123R showed highest standard heterosis for total number of effective tillers per plant, dry biomass, grain yield per plot, harvest index and 1000 seed weight. Among 36 hybrids studied, five hybrids namely 274A x 123R, 260A x 124R, 252A × 124R, 269A × 124R and 246A x 123R were selected as best crosses since they expressed high better parent, mid parent and standard heterosis over standard check for grain yield per plot. These hybrids can be further recommended for evaluation to improve yield performance.