Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
DarjiTanvi and Patil HE

Abstract:
Assessments of genetic variability was carried out in a set of forty-one genotypes of Barnyard millet [Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link] grown in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Kharif, 2019 at Hill Millet Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai, The Dangs. The basic objective of the experiment was to assess the extent of morphological variation as well as genetic divergence in the available barnyard millet germplasm, which will serve as base for future barnyard millet crop improvement programmes. Fourteen different characters related to seed yield were recorded and subjected to estimation of genetic variability of the genotypes. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences between genotypes indicating presence of sufficient amount of variability in all the characters studied. Wide range of variability was observed for different traits indicating the scope for selection of suitable breeding material for further improvement. The values of phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than genotypic coefficient of variation for most of the characters indicating the influence of environmental factors. Moderate genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation found for the traits viz., plant height at maturity, productive tillers per plant, branches per panicle, panicle (finger) length, straw yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, protein content, fat content, Fe content and Zn content. The results indicated the presence of wide variation for these characters under study to allow further improvement by selection of these individual traits. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for the traits viz., plant height at maturity, branches per panicle, panicle (finger) length, straw yield per plant, 1000 seed weight, protein content, fat content, Fe content and Zn content. Moderate genotypic coefficient of variation coupled with high heritability as well as genetic advance were observed for the same traits indicating that these traits were governed by additive genes and phenotypic selection would be effective for genetic improvement in these traits.