Assessment of Genetic Variability for Morphological and Nutritional Traits in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.)
Aims: To evaluate genetic variability parameters for twelve morphological and four nutraceutical traits in forty-five finger millet genotypes to identify traits with potential for crop improvement. Study Design: Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Place and Duration of Study: Hill Millet Research Station, NAU, Waghai, The Dangs, and Cotton Research Sub-Station, NAU, Achhalia, during summer 2024 and summer 2025. Methodology: Forty-five diverse finger millet genotypes were evaluated with three replications. Days to 50% flowering and days to maturity were recorded on a plot basis, while plant height, productive tillers per plant, ear head length, fingers per panicle, finger width, weight of matured panicle per plant, 1000-seed weight, harvest index, fodder yield per plant and grain yield per plant were recorded from five randomly selected plants. Quality traits (protein, calcium, iron and crude fibre) were analysed using standard chemical and spectrophotometric methods. Analysis of variance and genetic parameters such as GCV, PCV, ECV, broad-sense heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were estimated. Results: The study revealed significant genetic variability among the 45 finger millet genotypes for all sixteen traits. Environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions significantly influenced most agronomic traits, whereas nutritional traits remained relatively stable across environments. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance (as a percentage of the mean) was observed for ear head length (cm), finger width (cm), 1000-seed weight (g), protein content (%), calcium content (mg/100 g), iron content (mg/100 g) and crude fibre (%), indicating the predominance of additive gene action and the effectiveness of phenotypic selection for improving these traits. Moderate heritability along with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was recorded for grain yield per plant (g), harvest index (%) and weight of matured panicle per plant (g), suggesting good scope for improvement through selection. Conclusion: The study revealed substantial genetic variability among the finger millet genotypes. Traits such as ear head length, finger width, 1000-seed weight, grain yield, protein, calcium, iron and crude fibre exhibited high potential for improvement through direct selection. These traits can be effectively utilised in developing high-yielding and nutritionally superior finger millet varieties.