Genetic Divergence Character Association and Heterosis in Pearlmillet

Pearl millet is the sixth most important global cereal crop which is grown by subsistence farmers in the semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. It is the main source of food for 500 million of the poorest people living predominantly in parts of Asia and Africa. It is the hardiest cereal crop that can be grown in a vast range of harsh environmental conditions for instance environments with high mean temperatures and frequent droughts and/or with poor soil fertility. Pearl millet grains have high protein content balanced amino acid profile and high level of iron zinc and insoluble dietary fiber. These adaptive and nutritional features combined with high yield potential make pearl millet an important cereal crop that can effectively address the emerging challenges of global warming water shortages land degradation and food related health issues.