Genetic Variability and Trait Relationships in Finger Millet(Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Hybrids
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Author:C. Priyadharshini, A. Nirmalakumari, A. John Joel and M. Raveendran
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:98, Issue:jan-mar
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100232
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.
Key words : Finger millet, variability, heritability, correlation, path analysis.