Genotype by Trait Biplot Studies on Yield, Physiological and Nutritional Traits in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

A field experiment was conducted at Dry land farm, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati in Kharif 2018 to assess the visual comparison among genotypes on the basis of multiple traits and also to graphically describe the interrelationships among all measured traits on the basis of overall pattern of the data for the 42 genotypes of pearl millet that were evaluated for 22 physiological, nutritional, and yield related traits in a randomized complete block design, using GT biplot analysis through which, the principal components PC1 and PC2 explained 45.63% of the total variation based on all the traits and the genotypes. The GT biplot analysis is a powerful statistical tool for studying relationship among traits, evaluating cultivars based on multiple traits and for identifying those that are superior in certain traits. Few yield related traits, SPAD Chlorophyll Meter Reading (SCMR), harvest index, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Duration (LAD) and protein content had a positive relationship with yield which were recognized as crucial traits for boosting grain yield and nutritional quality. The genotypes ATP-15, ATP-13, ATP-10, ATP-16, ATP-5, ATP-7, ATP-11, ATP-18, ATP-14 and ATP-12 showed superior performance for grain yield as well as other yield contributing traits. Whereas, the genotypes ICHiFe-18, ICHiFe-12, ATP-3, ICHiFe-21, ATP-2, ICHiFe-20, ATP-4, ATP-8, ATP-15, ICHiFe-14, ICHiFe-4, ICHiFe-2 and ICHiFe-5 showed superior performance for nutritional traits. By considering all the studied traits, the genotype ATP-15 was selected as the ideal and most desirable cultivar.