Vol. 9, Special Issue 11, Part L (2025)

The present study was conducted to evaluate combining ability in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) for yield and related traits using a line × tester mating design. Five CMS lines and six restorers were crossed to produce 30 hybrids, which were evaluated along with parents and checks in an RBD during Rabi 2024-2025. Analysis of variance revealed significant variability among genotypes for most traits. General combining ability (GCA) effects indicated that lines 246A and 267A, and testers 1121R and 1071R, were superior combiners for yield and its components. Specific combining ability (SCA) effects identified promising hybrids such as 264A × 1071R and 246A × 1121R for key agronomic traits. The predominance of additive gene action for most characters suggests the effectiveness of simple selection and recombination breeding. Overall, the study identified promising parents and hybrids for enhancing pearl millet productivity.