Genetic variability and character associations for grain yield and other secondary traits in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) at Eastern Ghats Zone of Odisha

Abstract

A set of thirty genotypes of little millet were studied using thirteen morphological traits to assess genetic variability, character association and their effects on grain yield during Kharif 2022 at Centurion University, Paralakhemundi, Odisha in a randomized block design with three replications. Analysis of variation revealed significant (p≤0.01) variation in the studied genotypes for all the traits recorded. The characters viz., number of productive tillers, test weight and grain yield had high genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) whereas characters viz., number of productive tillers, number of braches per panicle, culm length, culm diameter, test weight and grain yield had high genetic advance coupled with high heritability. Most of the traits except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity and flag leaf length showed strong significant (p≤0.01) positive associations with grain yield at genotypic and phenotypic levels. The traits such as plant height, number of productive tillers, culm length, test weight, flag leaf length and breadth recorded positive direct effect on grain yield that indicates direct improvement of these traits could be beneficial for the improvement of little millet cultivars with higher grain yield.