Generation mean analysis of Striga hermonthica resistance in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.)

ABSTRACT

Striga hermonthica [Del.] Benth. (Sh) is a noxious parasitic weed causing substantial yield loss in sub-Saharan Africa’s pearl millet. The objective of this study was to determine the gene action and inheritance of Sh resistance in newly developed pearl millet populations to guide selection and genetic advancement. Bi-parental crosses were derived from pairs of pearl millet lines by contrasting reactions to Striga infestations. The two sets of parental lines, F₁s, F₂s, and backcrosses, were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on the number of Striga counted at 60 and 80 days after planting were collected. The analysis of the variance showed significant (P < 0.001) differences among the generations across sets for Sh parameters. Duplicate gene action controlled the inheritance of the number of emerged Sh. Unique F₂ individuals with Sh resistance were selected from the two sets for genetic advancement through recurrent selection methods for pearl millet variety development by integrating desirable agronomic and farmer-preferred traits.

KEYWORDS:

• Gene action
• generation mean analysis
• pearl millet
• striga hermonthica
• trait inheritance

Acknowledgments

The research was funded by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) through the ‘Harnessing Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement (HOPE II) for Sorghum and Millets in Sub-Saharan Africa’ project (OPP1198373), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors’ contributions

A.R.: Methodology, data analysis, and Writing of the manuscript draft. H.S.: Supervision, writing conceptualization, review, and editing. I.D.: Guided experiment designing, data collection, writing, reviewing and editing. A.I.T.S.: Reviewing and editing. E.M.: Reviewing and editing. P.I.G.: Reviewing and editing.

Consent for publication

The manuscript has been approved by all authors.