Genetic variability in the foxtail millet (Setaria italica) germplasm as determined by nutritional traits

The extent of genetic variability for nutritional traits in the 78 genotypes of foxtail millet were studied.The parameters were analyzed using both NIR and AAS. When all the nutritional parameters were studied it was found that there was no single genotype which was superior for all the parameters so we should select the genotype which is best for maximum number of characters. For protein content Ise 1468, GS 1000, Ise 375, GS 2099 and DHF 30, for crude fibre DHF 27,GS 2109 and DHF 2, for zinc DHF 6, DHF 7, DHF 3 and DHF 17, for iron PratapKagni, DHF 14, DHF 27, Ise 931 and DHF 26 recorded the highest nutrients composition compared to checks. The most promising genotypes for nutritional characters are DHF 2, DHF 5 and DHF 1. These three genotypes can be used as donors in a further plant breeding programme for the improvement of most of the characters.