Genetic diversity, trait association and cause effect analysis in selected genotypes of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.]

Abstract

Aim: The present investigation was planned to evaluate the finger millet genotypes for genetic variability, genotypic relatedness, an association between traits, and their direct effect on increasing grain and fodder yield. Methodology: The present investigation was planned to evaluate the finger millet genotypes for genetic variability, genotypic relatedness, an association between traits, and their direct effect on increasing grain and fodder yield. Results: Analysis revealed a high genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) to the number of productive tillers per plant (57.98%), grain yield per plot (49.38%), number of heads per plot (49.27%) and number of fingers per head (45.54%). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for the number of heads per plot. Grain yield exhibited a significantly high positive correlation with fodder yield per plant (rg: 0.98), number of heads per plot (rg: 0.89) and harvest index (rg: 0.78). Fodder yield per plant, harvest index, single head weight, number of heads per plot and days to final harvest had a high direct positive effect on grain yield. The PCA separated total genetic variation into six components and covered almost 85.0% of genetic variation. Genotypes were grouped into four main groups and several subgroups based on Euclidean distances. Interpretation: The higher magnitude of GCV, heritability coupled with high genetic advance for a trait of interest; strong correlation between dependent and independent traits would be desirable for productivity enhancement in finger millet. The additive gene effect would also be rewarding by direct phenotypic selection.