Genetic Variability of Yield and its Components in Little Millet [Panicum sumatrense L.]. Local Germplasm

Abstract

The fifty little millet genotypes were used to study Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. The highest estimates of GCV and PCV values were recorded seed yield plant-1 and iron content. Moderate estimates of GCV and PCV values were recorded panicle weight plant-1, total number of tillers plant-1, days to 50 per cent flowering and productive tillers plant-1. Almost all the characters showed high percentage of heritability except productive tillers plant-1 and panicle length showed medium heritability, while number of branches panicle-1 showed low heritability. It indicates that charactersis least influenced by the environmental effect, suggesting scope for improvement of respective characters. The characters iron content, seed yield plant-1, panicle weight plant-1, total number of tillers plant-1 and productive tillers plant-1 showed high heritability accompanied with high genetic advance, it indicates that selection is effective for this characters.