Genetic elucidations of grain iron, zinc and agronomic traits by generation mean analysis in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Pearl millet is endowed with important nutritional attributes and climate resilience and has been identified as potential staple food crop to address nutritional and food security. Gene action studies for different traits will assist in devising suitable breeding strategies. The present study was conducted to determine gene actions for grain iron and zinc concentrations and agro-morphological traits using generation mean analysis for biofortified pearl millet breeding. Six generations P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 were evaluated during South-west monsoon season 2021 and 2022. Analysis of variance showed significant variability for all the traits in both seasons. Six parameter models revealed the predominance of additive and dominant gene effects and non-allelic interactions for plant height, spike length, spike girth 1000- seed weight, iron and zinc content. Seed yield per spike was predominantly under non-additive gene control (maximum in cross I where d was 29.53 and l was -49.53); however, additive genetic control also contributed significantly. Likewise, for day to 50% flowering, days to maturity and number of productive tillers, dominant and additive x dominance type of gene effects were substantial. These findings provide deeper insights for strategizing breeding methods to increase iron and zinc content as well as yield potentially.