Adaptation Pattern and Genetic Potential of Indian Pearl Millet Named Landraces Conserved at the ICRISAT Genebank

A total of 692 accessions belonging to 32 named landraces, adapted to a latitude range of 8.8oN to 30.90oN and originating in nine provinces of India were used to study their adaptation pattern and genetic potential. A clear pattern regarding association of latitude, climate at collection sites, adaptation of landraces and the agronomic performance was observed. Hierarchical cluster analysis using eight agronomic traits resulted in four clusters of accessions. Cluster 1 accessions flowered early and cluster 3 flowered late. Cluster 1 and cluster 4 accessions produced more tillers. Important sources identified were IP 13465 for early flowering and short height; IP 15273 for high tillering, high seed iron and zinc content and downy mildew resistance; IP 3531 for high seed protein content, downy mildew and rust resistance; IP 15285, IP 15288, IP 15290, IP 15301, and IP 15351 for high tillering.