Influence of Genetic Variability Parameters, Character Association and Path Analysis for Grain Yield and its Attributing Traits in Kodo Millet Improvement

Abstract

A set of 64 genotypes of kodo millet comprising of germplasm accessions and released varieties were evaluated for their genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance as per cent of mean, character associations and path coefficients using 11 agro-morphological traits during kharif 2022 in an Alpha Lattice Design with two replications. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variations among the genotypes for all the traits evaluated. High PCV and GCV were observed for the traits viz., plant height, number of tillers, panicle length, peduncle length, thumb length, grain yield, and fodder yield. It indicated the presence of substantial variability and a low environmental influence on these traits. High heritability combined with high genetic advance as per cent of mean (GAM) was observed for plant height, peduncle length, panicle length, and fodder yield, which indicated the predominance of additive gene action and selection based on these traits would be more reliable. Grain yield exhibited significant and positive correlation with days to 50% flowering, number of tillers, panicle length, number of racemes, test weight and fodder yield. Genotypic path analysis revealed that highest direct positive effect on grain yield was exhibited by days to 50% flowering, number of tillers, panicle length, test weight and fodder yield. Hence, the above-mentioned traits exhibiting positive significant correlation and positive direct effect on grain yield could be considered as important traits to be included in the selection criteria to achieve genetic improvement of grain yield in kodo millet.