Combining ability analysis of beta-Carotene, total carotenoids and other grain characteristics in pearl millet.

Combining ability studies with respect to grain quality characteristics viz., beta-Carotene, total carotenoids, protein content, 250-grain weight, grain hardness and grain yield were carried out from a 13x13 diallel cross set in pearl millet [Pennisetum typhoides (Burm S&H)].The parents versus hybrids comparison indicated significant heterosis for all the traits under study. In general the hybrids having higher grain yield had bold hard grains with more carotene but low protein content, although a few hybrids combined high yield with an average protein percentage. The relative proportions of the general and specific combining ability variances indicated predominance of non-additive genetic variance with respect to all the traits. The per se performance of parents provided a fairly good indication of their combining ability in most cases. Parents possessing desirable grain quality characteristics were identified. Breeding implications are discussed.