Genetic variability studies for yield and yield contributing traits of barnyard millet genotype (Echinochloa frumentacea)

Introduction

Continuous overexploitation of natural resources and the shift toward input-intensive cereal crops such as rice, wheat, and maize have aggravated global food and nutritional insecurity, particularly in developing countries. While these crops help meet calorie demand, their high input requirements, soil degradation potential, and vulnerability to climate stress limit sustainability. In contrast, traditional crops like millets-once sidelined due to changing food habits and commercialization-are nutritionally superior, climate-resilient, and require fewer inputs, making them ideal for restoring sustainable agriculture and nutritional security. Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded cereals cultivated for grain and fodder, including pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and barnyard millet. (Habiyaremye et al. 2017) [1] Domesticated over 5000 years ago in Asia and Africa, millets are well adapted to dryland and rain-fed conditions, showing tolerance to drought, pests, and diseases. Their ability to produce reasonable yields under marginal conditions has earned them the status of "famine crops." Promoting millets directly supports Sustainable Development Goal-2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring food security, improved nutrition, and environmentally sustainable agriculture. (Ceasar and Maharajan 2022) [6] . Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is an important minor millet cultivated mainly in India, which is the world's largest producer. It is a fast-growing, short-duration, selfpollinated crop capable of completing its life cycle within 45-60 days. Its adaptability to Observations were taken at appropriate growth stages, and the mean values were used for statistical analysis. The traits recorded included plant height (cm), peduncle length (cm), ear head length (cm), number of tillers per plant, flag leaf blade length (cm), flag leaf blade width (cm), days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, 1000-seed weight (g), grain yield (q ha⁻¹), fodder yield (q ha⁻¹) and harvest index.

The recorded data were subjected to statistical analysis to assess variability and genetic parameters among the genotypes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out following the procedure described by Panse and Sukhatme (1967) [11] . Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were estimated as per Burton (1952) [12] . Broadsense heritability and genetic advance were calculated according to the methods suggested by Johnson et al. (1955) [13] and Allard (1960) [14] , respectively.

Result and Discussion

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for Kharif 2023

The variation is the prerequisite for the improvement of any traits by breeding. The variability leads to the selection and enhancement according to level of individual character performance. Analysis of variance gives out clear picture of the significant variation present in the generations characters. This section provides results of yield and yield associated characters for Kharif 2023. The analysis of variance for twelve yield and yield contributing traits revealed the significant amount of variation for these characters among the both season of Kharif 2023 as indicated in Table 4.1.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation

in Kharif 2023: Estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were classified as suggested by Sivasubramanian and Madhavamenon (1973) [10] and are presented in Table 4.2 Genotypic coefficient variation (GCV) was highest for Grain yield kg/plot (15.69 %) followed by fodder yield kg/plot (15.46 %), peduncle length (13.36 %), flag leaf width (12.24 %) and 100 seed weight (10.30%). While, low GCV were observed for earhead length (4.62 %) and to days to 50% flowering (10.20 %). The high estimates of PCV were observed for highest for Grain yield kg/plot (16.14 %) followed by fodder yield kg/plot (15.88 %), peduncle length (13.93 %), flag leaf width (12.65 %) and 100 seed weight (10.70%). However, the low PCV were observed for days to 50% flowering (10.28 %), flag leaf length (9.78 %), tiller number (8.41 %) and ear head length (5.29 %).

In general, the magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation. The highest magnitudinal difference between GCV and PCV was recorded for ear head length (0.67) followed by peduncle length (0.57), grain yield (kg/plot) (0.45) and flag leaf length (0.43). Whilst, lowest difference between GCV and PCV was found for days to 50% flowering (0.08), days to maturity (0.10).

Heritability and Genetic Advance in Kharif 2023

Estimates of heritability in broad sense are presented in

Conclusion

The present study indicated the existence of considerable genetic variability among barnyard millet genotypes during the Kharif season. Traits such as grain yield, fodder yield, peduncle length and 1000-seed weight showed high variability, high heritability and high genetic advance, suggesting that these traits can be effectively improved through simple selection. Days to flowering and days to maturity also exhibited high heritability with moderate to high genetic advance, indicating the involvement of additive gene action and usefulness of selection. Overall, the study suggests that selecting early maturing, compact plants with higher seed weight, better flag leaf traits and more tillers would be an effective strategy for improving grain yield in barnyard millet without adversely affecting other important traits.

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