Genetic variability, heritability and association in advanced breeding lines of finger millet [Eluesine coracana (L.) gaertn.]

The present investigation was undertaken to study the genetic variability, heritability and correlation of grain yield and yield related traits. Analysis of Variance of 25 finger millet advanced breeding lines revealed significant variation for all the traits studied. The mean grain yield was 31.50 q/ha, with a minimum of 29.22 and maximum of 39.74 q/ha. Grain yield recorded genotypic coefficient of variation of 12.86, while phenotypic coefficient of variation was 18.06 q/ha. Heritability ranged from 0.35 (number of finger per ear) to 0.88 (days to 50% flowering), while heritability for yield was 0.51. Number of tillers per plant and number of fingers per ear were observed to be highly associated with yield. The present findings implies the presence of larger variability for yield and other related traits which can be exploited in finger millet improvement.