Heterotic pools in African and Asian origin populations of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Abstract Forty-five African or Asian origin pearl millet populations bred either in Africa Asia were investigated to generate information on heterotic pools. They clustered into seven groups (G1 G7) when genotyped, using 29 highly polymorphic SSRs. Fourteen parental representing these marker-based crossed diallel mating design 91 population hybrids. The hybrids evaluated at three locations India showed mean panmictic mid-parent heterosis (PMPH) and better-parent (PBPH) for grain yield ranging from − 21.7 62.08% 32.51 42.99%, respectively. Higher observed G2 × G6 (2462 kg ha −1 , 43.2%) G5 (2455 42.8%) marker group crosses compared the most popular Indian open-pollinated variety (OPV) ICTP 8203. Two groups, Pearl Population Heterotic Pool-1 (PMPHP-1) comprising Pool-2 (PMPHP-2) populations, identified based hybrid performance, combining ability among crosses. two PMPHP-1 PMPHP-2 demonstrated PMPH of 14.75% PBPH 6.8%. Populations had linkages with whereas composed originating later environments. Results indicated that opposite can be used as base derive superior inbred lines develop high yielding hybrids/cultivars.