Screening of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.] Germplasm Lines against Drought Tolerance Based on Biochemical Traits

Aim: The current investigation was commenced to investigate genetic miscellany among pearl millet genotypes based on diverse biochemical parameters interrelated to drought tolerance.

Study Design: In investigation, 96 pearl millet germplasm lines were screened against drought using diverse biochemical traits.

Place and Duration of the Study: The present study was conducted at College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior, M.P., India during July 2019 to December, 2020.

Methodology: Five biochemical parameters viz., chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, total soluble sugars, proline and protein were investigated for explanation of differences among 96 pearl millet germplasm lines in respect to drought tolerance.

Results: Data of present investigation revealed the mean leaves chlorophyll at 30DAS was 2.90 mgg-1 with the range of 1.31-4.69 mgg-1, whereas chlorophyll at 60DAS was arrayed between 1.46-3.84 mgg-1with an average of 3.02 mgl-1. Carotenoid at 30DAS was ranging from 4.5-11.44 mgg-1 with an average value of 7.23 mgg-1, while carotenoid at 60DAS was recorded in range of 5.01 to 10.10 mgg-1with an average of 6.66 mgg-1. TSS was ranged between 1.10-2.20 mgg-1, proline 0.10 to 0.17 mg g-1 and protein content 9.2-16.60 mgg-1.

Conclusions: According to the biochemical data a total of 16 pearl millet genotypes were found to be grouped distantly among all the genotypes. Possibility existed to be drought tolerance of these genotypes.