Delineation of selection efficiency and coincidence of multi-trait-based models in a global germplasm collection of pearl millet for a comprehensive assessment of stability and high performing genotypes

Pearl millet is a climate-resilient nutri-cereal with the potential to improve food security. This study aims to identify stable pearl millet genotypes for grain yield and associated traits using various multi-trait models. A highly diverse global set of 248 pearl millet genotypes was evaluated for seven agronomic traits across diverse environments in India. The pooled ANOVA revealed significant genetic variability and interaction for all traits. Four multi-trait stability models-multi-trait stability index (MTSI), multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI), multi-trait mean performance and stability (MTMPS), and multi trait index based on factor analysis and ideotype-design (FAI-BLUP) were compared to assess their selection efficiency in identifying ideal genotypes for grain yield and associated traits. The MGIDI showed positive selection differentials for 5 out of 7 traits. The MTSI and MTMPS models showed the highest coincidence with 9 common genotypes. In our study, G57 (IP-12298), a traditional cultivar from Nigeria, was selected by the MTSI, MTMPS, and FAI-BLUP models for its consistent performance and stability across environments. Similarly, IP 8767 from Botswana, along with IP 4542 and IP 3138 from India, were consistently identified by the MGIDI, MTMPS, and FAI-BLUP models. In pearl millet this is the first attempt to simultaneously apply BLUP, WAASB, and four multi-trait stability models to delineate G x E interactions. These identified stable and high-yielding genotypes could contribute to the development of improved pearl millet cultivars and can play a significant role in ensuring the food and nutritional security of arid and semi-arid regions of world.