Environment-specific selection of pearl millet genotypes by using an integrated MGIDI–WAASB framework across a global pearl millet diversity panel

Abstract

Context Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a key dryland staple crop suffering significant yield losses under heat and drought stress. Both marginal and productive ecologies of pearl millet cultivation require distinct ideotypes for breeding, whereas strong genotype × environment interactions and multiple correlated traits complicate simultaneous selection. Aims This study aimed to identify high-performing and stable pearl millet genotypes for marginal (A1) and favorable (AB) environments by using integrated multi-trait and stability-based selection indices. Methods A global diversity panel of 242 pearl millet inbred lines (PMiGAP) was evaluated over three kharif seasons (2022–2024) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Nine agronomic traits were recorded and analyzed using mixed models. Genotypes were assessed using MGIDI, WAASB and WAASBY indices. Environment-specific ideotypes were defined and predicted genetic gains were estimated at 15% selection intensity. Key results Significant genotype, environment and genotype × environment effects were observed for all traits. Moderate to high heritability was recorded for flowering time and panicle length whereas yield traits showed low to moderate heritability. MGIDI identified 37 superior genotypes per environment. Predicted gains included −4.60% for days to flowering and +13.7% for panicles per plant for A1 and +13.4% for grain yield per panicle in AB environment. WAASB and WAASBY identified IP 12020, IP 8949, IP 18293-P152, PT-732B-P2, and IP 5207 as high-performing and stable. Conclusions The integrated MGIDI–WAASB–WAASBY framework enabled objective selection of superior genotypes combining multi-trait performance and stability across multi-environment. Implications The identified genotypes provide valuable material for breeding programs targeting both drought-prone and favorable environments and can accelerate genetic gain and yield stability in pearl millet.