PARTICIPATORY PEARL MILLET VARIETAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION IN PAKISTAN

A number of improved pipeline pearl millet varieties including PARC MS-1, PARC MS-2 and Millet 7777 were planted in various agro-ecological zones of Pakistan for 2 years (2004 and 2005). The participatory Mother Trial methodology was for the first time used in Pakistan for varietal evaluation and selection. Six varieties of millet were evaluated along with the local checks. In general, the pipeline varieties developed at the National Agricultural Research Centre had a yield advantage of 22 to 44% over the local checks, and other improved varieties included in the trial. The farmers were involved in varietal selection process. These varieties were selected by the farmers on the basis of plant height, maturity, higher yield, resistance to leaf blight, downy mildew and ergot diseases, drought tolerance, and dual (grain cum fodder) nature of the varieties. Based on the evaluation and selection, these varieties are being released for general cultivation in various ecologies. The results from participatory trials on various agronomic aspects are to be presented and discussed.