Genetic studies on variability for quantitative traits in finger millet (Eluesine coracana L. Gaertn)

Abstract

In the present investigation, eighteen finger millet genotypes were raised in randomized block design to study about the genetic variability for quantitative traits. Phenotypic coefficient of variation was relatively high as compared to that of genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits studied. The traits namely grain yield / plant and straw yield / plant depicts higher value for phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation which indicates the occurrence of broader variability for these characters. All the characters exhibited higher heritability except finger width which showed their genetic capability to transmit genes from parents to their offspring with least impact of environment. High heritability along with high genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for number of fingers/ ear, finger length, ear head length, number of productive tillers, grain yield and straw yield showed that the additive gene action was predominant for these characters and favours effective selection. The present study revealed that there was significant variability is available in the experimental material and this might be effectively utilized for future crop improvement either through selection or via hybridization. Keywords: Finger millet, Heritability, PCV, GCV and Genetic advance as per cent mean