Vol. 12, Issue 7 (2023)

Author(s):
Itreddy Charitha, Sanjana Gendre, Hemlata Sahu, Akash Tiwari and Prafull Kumar

Abstract:
The research focused on studying the quantitative and qualitative traits of finger millet in order to characterise and evaluate the variability among 64 finger millet accessions. The research was carried out during the Kharif season of 2022 at the Instructional Cum Research Farm, S.G. College of Agriculture and Research Station, Kumhrawand, Jagdalpur, IGKV, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), with an augmented complete block design as experimental framework. Observations were documented for 3 qualitative and 14 quantitative traits at different plant growth stages as per the guidelines for the test of conduct of DUS on Finger millet by PPV and FRA. For each trait, the analysis of variance revealed profoundly significant differences among the 64 genotypes. Among the accessions that were examined, traits like a semi-compact ear (30%), copper-coloured seeds (44%), and pigmentation at the leaf juncture (55%), were observed to be ubiquitous. Whereas, regarding quantitative traits, medium span for days to 50% flowering (72%), early maturation (92%), medium range of plant height (89%), flag leaf length (52%), finger length (46%), finger number (94%), and test weight (52%) were noticed to be more prevalent. A high range of biological and fodder yield was noticed to be prevalent. The highest GCV (19.29%) and PCV (22.10%) values were recorded for the trait grain yield. The quantitative traits that disclosed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of the mean were days to 50% flowering, finger length, grain yield, fodder yield, and biological yield. This indicated that the aforementioned characteristics were inherited through additive gene action, and direct selection may be advantageous for selection in upcoming breeding programmes. Overall, the research emphasizes the presence of variability in finger millet traits, showcasing the possibilities for selection and enhancement.