Estimation of heterosis for yield and resistance to downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola) infestation in pearl millet varieties (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br)

A field trial involving twenty-four millet varieties (parents and hybrids) was conducted at Bakura and zaria to determine the hetrotic performance for yield and resistance to Downey mildew infestation using Complete Randomized Block Design. Four resistant varieties (PEO5532, SOSATC88, P1449 and DMR15) and four susceptible varieties (BDP1, MOP1, LCIC9702 and PEO5984 were used as male and female respectively. The resistant varieties were crossed with the susceptible varieties using North Carolina design 11. Sixteen (F1) hybrids obtained were evaluated along with their parents for downy mildew resistance and grain yield. The study selected the best parents that give high heterosis in terms of grain yield and downy mildew resistance. PEO5984 × P1449, PEO5984 × PEO5532, PEO5984 × DMR15 and PEO5984 × SOSATC88 for yield, the best MP and BP heterosis for downy mildew incidence is PEO5984 × P1449. MOP1 × P1449 for MP heterosis and BDP1 × P1449 for BP heterosis.