Genetic variability of quantitative traits in finger millet genotypes

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is one among the small millets which is known for its high nutritional value. Finger millet is having substantial genetic variation which is to be exploited for crop improvement. Keeping this in view the present topic was aimed to study the genetic variability, heritability and correlation of grain yield and yield related traits in 10 finger millet genotypes obtained from all over India. Analysis of Variance revealed significant variation for many traits studied. There was wide range of variation in days to 50% flowering (83 to 100 days) and grain yield (24.0 to 35.1 q/ha). Considering both earliness and yield, VL 352 can be suggested as a better variety for grain yield and KOPN 942 for fodder yield. Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) ranged from low to moderate. Days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, finger length, finger width and leaf length recorded high heritability with moderate GAM indicating presence of both additive and non-additive gene action. Though grain yield had moderate heritability, its moderate GAM indicates both types of gene action which responds to some extent for selection.