Yield and yield stability of diverse genotypes of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)

Thirty-six genotypes of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) differing greatly in the contribution from landraces (parental lines) were evaluated in six environments (Jodhpur, Jaipur, Fatehpur (all in Rajasthan, India), Hisar (Haryana), Agra (Uttar Pradesh) and Patencheru (Andhra Pradesh)) to examine their yield and yield stability across changing environmental conditions. The test environments provided a good range of yield levels ranging from low (843 kg ha-1) at Jaipur to high (2860 kg ha-1) at Patancheru. The genotypes were grouped into five clusters. The clustering pattern did not give any clear indication of classification of genotypes according to their source. Apparently clusters proved to be heterogeneous in their genotypic constitution. Performances of the individual group showed various patterns of adaptation to the test environments. Clusters 1 and 4 showed contrasting adaptation in certain environments because of significant differences in their phenology, which might have influenced their response to different environments. Cluster 3 containing 13 genotypes derived from landraces, improved germplasms and their crosses appeared to be the most stable group but at a relatively poor performance level compared to cluster 5. Results indicated that sources of adaptation to range of environments are not exclusively found in landrace group, rather they can be identified in non-landrace materials through evaluation over variable environments