Evaluation of economically valuable traits in millet cultivars bred by scientific research institutions of different geographical locations

Abstract

In 2022, a study of economic traits was conducted on 16 varieties and lines of millet breeding from various research institutions (RI). The aim of the study was to investigate the productivity structure of millet varieties and lines of different ecological and geographical origins in the vegetation conditions of the Saratov region. To achieve this goal, research was conducted in experimental fields of the Federal Agricultural Research Center of South-East, where Saratov selection varieties and lines were grown, and their comparison was made with varieties of different geographical locations. Phenological and morphological measurements were carried out to assess adaptive properties. The results showed that Saratov selection varieties and lines demonstrate high adaptability to changing weather conditions in conditions of sharp continental climate in the agro-climatic region. They have high yield, economic coefficient, are resistant to smut pathogens and have high grain quality. The results of the study can be used in other research institutions to create new millet varieties combining yield, grain quality, and resistance to variation in hydrothermal conditions.