Effects of selection for yield components on grain yield in pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum Rich.)

Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum Rich.) was selected for yield and yield components. Sub-populations selected for high value of grain yield, seed weight, panicle weight and productive panicles showed higher values of the selected characters than those selected for low values and the original population. The genetic gains were obtained and heritability values were estimated as 0.74, 0.84-, 0.65 and 0.50 for yield, seed weight, panicle weight and productive panicles, respectively. Genetic correlations between the yield and seed weight, panicle weight and productive panicles were calculated as 1.00, 0.89 and 0.75, respectively. Indirect selection for yield components improved grain yield. Grain yield was between 371 and 590 g m −2 . Accordingly, selection for yield components may be effective for improving grain yield.