Exploring the Relationship between Yield and Its Attributing Traits in the Induced (M2) and Recurrent Irradiated (RM2) Population of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Using Path Coefficient Analysis

Abstract

Mutation breeding has evolved as an efficient tool for creating novel variability. Induced mutagenesis is the method of treating the base material only once, whereas recurrent mutagenesis involves subjecting the first generation (M1) to another dose of mutagen for creating extensive spectrum of genetic variations in the population. Path coefficient analysis in the induced and recurrent irradiated population measures the strength of relationship between yield attributing traits and grain yield, both directly and indirectly. The present investigation was undertaken during Kharif, 2019-20 at the K block, GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. The two genotypes of finger millet viz., GPU 28 and KMR 204 have undergone single and recurrent irradiation with different doses of gamma rays (300Gy, 400Gy) and EMS (0.1%) at Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. Observations were recorded for 9 quantitative traits viz., days to 50% flowering, plant height, productive tillers plant-1, ear head plant-1, fingers ear-1, finger length, panicle weight plant-1(g), test weight (g) and grain yield plant-1 (g). The studies on path analysis revealed that panicle weight and test weight established positive and direct effect towards grain yield in the induced population of finger millet. Similarly, in the recurrent irradiated population with gamma rays panicle weight, test weight, finger ear-1, 50% flowering, ear plant-1 and finger length showed direct positive effect for grain yield whereas in the recurrent irradiated population with EMS panicle weight followed by test weight, fingers ear-1, plant height, productive tillers plant-1, finger length and 50 % flowering exhibited direct positive effect for grain yield. Henceforth, direct selection based on grain yield and its attributing traits would benefit in developing high yielding variety in the crop improvement programme of finger millet.