STUDY OF SALT TOLERANCE PARAMETERS IN PEARL MILLET PENNISETUM AMERICANUM L.

The genetic basis of salinity tolerance for three parameters Ct, C50 and C0 in P. americanum using the diallel analysis was investigated. Tolerance for Ct, C50, and C0 was due to both additive and dominance genetic effects with indication of over-dominance. For these three parameters, dominance is predominantly towards salt sensitivity, but it appears that in different accessions, there are different gene effects for each character. Recessive genes are evident in the salt tolerant line ICMV-94474 for Ct and C50, and in the other tolerant line 10878 are also evident for C50 and C0 for recessive genes. Salinity data set were found to be adequate totally for C50 and C0, but partially adequate for Ct. It appears in pearl millet that in some accessions recessive genes are responsible for salt tolerance for Ct, C50, and C0, but this trend is not consistent. Different (dominant / recessive) genes control each accession for Ct, C50, and C0. The maximum narrow sense and broad sense of heritability were found for C50 and this suggests that C50 is the best character for selection, rather than absolute root length. C50 is highly correlated with Ct, and C50 is also significantly correlated with C0. These results suggest that the genetic bases of these genes are linked to some degree. These correlations would be of considerable value in breeding for improved salinity tolerance.