Assessment of genetic variability estimates in Kodo millet Paspalum scrobiculatum (L.)

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) genotypes were evaluated at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram to assess genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for six yield contributing traits. The ANOVA revealed significant differences among eighteen genotypes for all the characters included under study except plant height, number of productive tillers per plant and fodder yield. Moderate PCV was recorded for fodder yield followed by grain yield and plant height whereas the GCV for all the characters were low compared to PCV indicating the interaction of genotypes with the environment. High heritability was recorded for days to maturity and days to 50% flowering. The maximum genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for days to 50% flowering followed by days to maturity. High heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance as percent of mean was recorded for days to 50% flowering indicating that these traits are under influence of both additive and non-additive gene action and selection may be effective for this trait. Grain yield per plant recorded moderate heritability with moderate genetic advance as percent mean which also indicates presence of both additive gene action and this trait was found to be significantly and positively correlated with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and fodder yield. Indirect selection for days to 50% flowering may help in better advancement for grain yield as flowering is supposed to be controlled by fewer genes with major effect compared to grain yield. The above yield components also exhibited positive inter-correlation among themselves.