Correlation Studies for Grain Yield Components and Nutritional Quality Traits in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Germplasm

Before selecting genotypes for nutritional quality characters (protein, oil and micronutrients content) and anti-nutritional factor (phytic acid), it is important to know how much selection is likely to affect yield. Using a diverse range of genotypes, relationships between quality traits with yield and yield attributes in pearl millet were investigated. The number of productive tillers, panicle length, panicle girth, days to maturity, 100-grain weight were most important traits for maximizing grain yield owing to their high significant positive association with grain yield. Phytate phosphorus and total phosphorus were significantly positive correlated and it is therefore inferred that simple selection against phytate phosphorus is unlikely to lower phosphorus concentration in pearl millet. No correlation between grain yield and protein content. These suggested that, there is possibility of selection for increased protein content without detrimental effect on grain yield.