Hybrid performance and genetic distance as revealed by the (GARA)4 microsatellite and RAPD markers in pearl millet

Genetic diversity in five cytoplasmic male-sterile and seven restorer lines of pearl millet was determined by DNA fingerprinting using a (GATA)4 microsatellite and randomly amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs). A total of 160 polymorphic loci were generated and, based on the polymorphism data, similarity index values ranged from 0.81 to 0.50. Cluster analysis was performed and relationships among these lines revealed that they were not in agreement with the available pedigree data. The per se performance of parents and hybrids was analyzed for days-to-50% flowering, plant height, productive tillers, ear length, ear width, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per plot. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that productive tillers, ear width and days-to-50% flowering had a relatively large positive effect. The correlation values were mostly not significant with respect to genetic distance, except for days-to-50% flowering, ear length and ear width. Our results have indicated that genetic-distance measures based on the (GATA)4 microsatellite and RAPDs may be useful for the grouping of parents, but not for predicting heterotic combinations, in pearl millet.