Mapping QTLs Controlling Flowering Time, Plant Height, Panicle length and Grain Mass in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]

Pearl millet is an important cereal of arid- and semi-arid regions, and can endure dry conditions but experiences drought stress during post-flowering growth. Exploiting the bold seeded semi-dwarf early flowering genotypes in pearl millet is a key breeding strategy to enhance yield and for adequate food in resource-poor zones. Genetic variation for agronomic traits of pearl millet inbreds can be used to dissect complex traits through QTL mapping. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for 50% flowering time, plant height, panicle length, and grain mass (self and open pollinated seeds) was performed in recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, ICMB 841-P3 × 863B-P2. Correlations between traits were also performed and significantly negative association between plant height and TGM was observed. High heritabilities (>0.6) were recorded for all traits. A total of 50 QTLs that affected above traits were detected. Six putative QTLs for 50% flowering time were identified on five chromosomes. One QTL on LG3 were common between flowering time and plant height. Three major QTLs for panicle length, one each on LG1, LG2 and LG6B were detected.The major QTL for TGM_self on LG 6B had a partial R2 of 23.8% and 0.8 additive effects.The total phenotypic variance for 50% FT, TGM_self, and panicle length was 23.2% (LOD- 56.28), 22.3% (LOD- 5.96) and 59.4% (LOD- 52), respectively.A total of 21 digenic interactions were demonstrated for 50%FT (R2=18%-40%) and PL (R2