Combining Ability Analysis for Striga Tolerance among Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Inbreds in a Line × Tester Cross

Abstract

Pearl millet production has been constrained by Striga hermonthica in Sudan Savannah of Nigeria leading up to 10 – 95 % grain loss.
Breeding for resistant hybrid would be a promising alternative for a reduction in cost of production and increased yield. The objectives of this study were to determine gene action and effects among parents and hybrid under striga. It was also to evaluate the response of  pearl millet to Striga hermonthica and identify high yielding genotypes and hybrid under striga infestation. Twenty-nine F1 hybrids and  two checks were evaluated under Striga infestation in Bauchi and Maiduguri rainy season in a randomized complete block design. Data  were collected on number of plant at emergence, days to first flowering, plant height, panicle length, number of plants at harvest,  number of leaves/plant, number of panicle/plot, striga count at 90 days after sowing and grain yield. The general combining ability and  specific combining ability variances were significant for most traits. The results revealed that both additive and non-additive genetic  variances were important in determining the performance of the traits. However, non-additive genetic variances were preponderant than  additive genetic variance in controlling the traits. The result indicated SOSAT C-88, LCIC 9702, Ex-Baga and PEO 5984 have been  identified as good general combiners for some desirable traits especially for grain yield and resistance to striga. In another development,  SOSAT C-88 × Ex-Monguno, LCIC 9702 × Ex-Gubio and PEO 5984 × ExBaga has been identified as good specific combiners for grain yield.  The hybrids; SOSAT × Ex-Baga and Super SOSAT × PS202 are the best specific combiners for striga tolerance. Incidentally, the best specific  combiners for striga tolerance and for grain yield were among the best grain yielders. The best parent in grain yield was Super  SOSAT with 670.2 kg/ha. The best performing hybrids on the other hand were, SOSAT C88 × ExMonguno and SOSAT C88 × PS202 with  grain yields of 591.7 and 591.2 kg/ha respectively. The superior materials identified can be used as future parents for the development of  striga tolerant and high grain yielding pearl millet hybrids. There is a need however to identify suitable breeding strategy before any  meaningful hybrid development programme in pearl millet for striga tolerance and better grain yield to be undertaken.