Identification of promising transgressive segregants for grain zinc, iron and productivity traits in segregating generations of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), an ancient cereal crop, is valued for its resilience, nutritional richness and adaptability to marginal environments. Despite being a staple food in many regions, it has received limited attention in modern breeding programs. The present study aimed to assess the extent of transgressive segregation for yield and nutritional traits in F2 and F3 populations derived from the crosses GPU-28 × GE-1746 and GPU-28 × GE-6635. A total of 310 and 181 F2 plants were selected from the respective crosses and evaluated for six quantitative traits along with grain Fe and Zn contents. Transgressive segregants were identified as individuals performing beyond parental limits. Results revealed varying frequencies of transgressive segregants across traits and crosses. Cross GPU-28 × GE-6635 exhibited a higher frequency of desirable transgressive segregants for productive tillers, finger number, finger length, grain yield and Fe content, while GPU-28 × GE-1746 showed superiority for Zn content. Superior F3 plants outperforming parents and checks were identified for grain yield, Fe and Zn. Notably, some plants combined high yield with elevated micronutrient content, indicating complementary gene action and potential for biofortification. These findings highlight the utility of transgressive segregation in enhancing yield and nutritional quality in finger millet improvement programs.