Abstract

                                The global composite collection of finger millet (1000 accessions) was evaluated to study the variability for six qualitative traits under field condition in three environments. Wider variation for all the qualitative traits was observed and racial wise wild races africana and spontanea had more diversity for all qualitative traits. However the cultivated races showed difference in inflorescence shape. Most of the cultivated race accessions were predominated by the erect plant habit, green pigmented, top curved, low glume prominence and light brown seed colour. Genetic diversity in these traits can be used by broadening gene pool through national and international sources, wide hybridization, mutation or other genetic modification.

Key words : Genetic diversity, finger millet, composite collection, qualitative traits.