Trait specific genetic resources to break the yield plateau in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.).

Abstract

Abstract Previously, most breeding efforts were aimed at direct selection for grain yield, and the yield improvement of finger millet in the last two decades is showing a declining trend. Hence, breeding efforts need to be prioritized for trait based improvement. Therefore, to select genetic resources for traits linked to grain yield, selected accessions and popular varieties were evaluated under field conditions in the rainy season of two consecutive years. Data were analyzed for ANOVA, correlations, path effects, and multiple regressions to identify the best-contributing traits for grain yield. The independent parameters, mean ear-head weight (MEW), ear-head number/ plant (ENo.), and threshing percentage were the highest contributors to grain yield. The genotypes for higher mean ear-head weight (GE-4683, 10.31 g, and GE-4596, 10.22 g), and productive tillers (RAU-8, 126.4 m− 2, and PR-202, 104.7 m− 2) were selected over the popular cv. GPU-28 (7.59g average ear-weight and 72.7 PT m− 2, respectively). Theoretical incorporation of higher MEW and ear-head number/plant from the identified lines into cv. GPU-28 predicted an increased grain yield of 17.8% and 29.5%, respectively, indicating the possibility of enhancing grain yield of finger millet. These selected donors can also be used in developing Multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population.