Abstract

Twenty one hybrids along with seven parents of finger millet were evaluated for genetic variability, nature and magnitude of association among the yield traits and their direct and indirect effects on grain yield. In the present investigation, values of phenotypic coefficients of variability were greater than genotypic coefficients of variability for all the traits studied. High PCV and GCV were recorded for number of productive tillers per plant and moderate PCV and GCV for longest finger length, seed protein content and harvest index indicated large extent of genetic variability for these traits in the material. High heritability along with high genetic advance (% of mean) observed for plant height, number of productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per ear head, longest finger length, seed protein content, harvest index and single plant grain yield, indicating involvement of additive gene action for these traits and phenotypic selection based on these traits in the segregating generations would likely to be more effective. Grain yield had positive correlation with number of productive tillers, finger length and harvest index. On the basis of path analysis, harvest index had high positive direct effect on grain yield and number of productive tillers and finger length had moderate direct effect and revealed true relationship of these traits with grain yield and hence direct selection for these traits would be rewarding for yield improvement.

Keywords: Finger millet, variability, heritability, correlation, path analysis.