Genetic Variability for Nutritional Traits among Wild Relatives of Pearl Millet Conserved at ICRISAT Genebank

Pearl millet is an important food and feed crop across the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. Efforts are being made at global level to enhance the pearl millet nutrition including micronutrients to overcome malnutrition. Although enough diversity is noticed for nutritional traits in pearl millet germplasm, the content among open pollinated varieties and hybrids has been moderate. The wild relatives of pearl millet in primary genepool (Pennisetum violaceum, P. mollissimum) are useful sources for various stresses and for broadening the genetic base of pearl millet. The present study assessed the genetic variability for Fe, Zn, and protein content among 335 accessions of P. violaceum conserved at ICRISAT Genebank, Patancheru in an augmented design along with controls during post-rainy 2014-15. The open pollinated seeds were assessed for Fe, Zn (ICP method), and protein contents. Enormous genetic variability was observed among the 318 accessions of P. violaceum for nutritional traits like Fe (20-325 ppm), Zn (20-86 ppm), and protein (11-23%) content. Large numbers of accessions had higher levels of Fe (164 accessions), Zn (105 accessions), and protein content (319 accessions) compared to the best controls (Fe 53 ppm; Zn 52 ppm, protein 12%). One hundred and one accessions had combination of all three nutrients higher than the best controls. The present study has identified several accessions with high to very high levels of Fe, Zn, and protein compared to pearl millet. The research is in progress to identify stable sources to develop nutrient dense broad based open pollinated and hybrid cultivars.