Morphological and Yield-related Traits Variability Analysis of Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) Germplasm under Subtropical Conditions of the Doon Valley, India
Abstract
Background: Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is a resilient and nutritionally rich minor millet that thrives in diverse agro-climatic zones of India. It is rich in dietary fibre, protein and essential minerals. Despite its nutritional and ecological benefits, it remains underutilized and less consumed than other cereals such as rice and wheat. Evaluating morphological diversity and yield-related traits in Kodo millet germplasm is crucial for identifying superior genotypes with desirable characteristics, such as high yield, stress tolerance and adaptability, which are essential for establishing an effective breeding programme. Methods: The present study was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 at the research field of Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. The experimental material comprised eleven kodo millet genotypes, which were evaluated for morphological variability using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. RCBD is a widely adopted experimental design for minimizing environmental variation and improving the precision of treatment for its comparisons. Result: Considerable diversity was observed for morphological and yield-related traits, including plant height, number of tillers, panicle length, days to 50% flowering, grain yield and 1000-grain weight. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the studied traits. Cluster and principal component analysis further confirmed wide phenotypic variability, indicating the presence of distinct genetic groups. The study highlights that the available germplasm possesses a broad genetic base, providing ample scope for selection and genetic enhancement. These findings will be useful for breeders in developing high-yielding and climate-resilient Kodo millet varieties.