Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a vital cereal crop for arid and semi-arid regions, where enhancing productivity and stability remains a breeding priority. Recent advancements in heterosis breeding, combined with comprehensive analyses of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), have significantly contributed to the development of high-yielding, stress-tolerant hybrids. By identifying superior parental lines with strong GCA effects, the use of heterosis for grain yield, earliness, biomass output, and nutritional quality has been reinforced. Breeders may choose parents with advantageous allelic combinations for both additive and non-additive genetic effects thanks to the increased precision of combining ability prediction provided by molecular markers and genomic selection. Utilizing multi-environment trials, stability analysis guarantees hybrids’ tolerance to changing climatic and edaphic conditions, which is essential for reducing yield variations. To address issues of food security and nutrition, current research trends center on combining high-throughput phenotyping, genomic technologies, and bio-fortification techniques with heterosis breeding. Breeders may create hybrids with high yield potential and consistent performance in a variety of conditions by integrating stability criteria with GCA and SCA research. Utilizing climate-resilient germplasm, taking use of untapped genetic variety, and using genomic-assisted breeding to create hybrids quickly are all promising avenues for the future. To ensure sustainable production in marginal agro-ecosystems, a methodical strategy that incorporates heterosis, combining ability, and stability studies will be essential in speeding up pearl millet development.
