Estimates of variability, heritability and genetic advance in foxtail millet

Abstract

Foxtail millet is one of the nutri-cereal which is grown for food, feed and fodder. It can address the context of climate change through its high resilience. Variability is the main prerequisite for any crop to sustain itself and feed the growing population. Hence, variability, heritability and genetic advance of foxtail millet breeding lines was studied at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram during kharif, 2017. Among all genotypes, SiA 3222 is the earliest which can fit in the gap between any cropping system and also can be used in contingent planning. High variability existed for panicle length, peduncle length and leaf length followed by grain yield and fodder yield. High heritability with high Genetic Advance as percent Mean was recorded for panicle length, peduncle length, leaf length, days to maturity and grain yield suggesting primarily additive nature of gene action which responds well to selection.