Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Coefficient of Yield Components and Other Agronomic of Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.)

Abstract

Kodo millet is well- known for its low glycemic index, high nutritional content (iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus), resistance to drought and reliable sources of protein. Kodo millet is naturally a gluten-free crop. Kodo millet is not only a healthy and adoptable crop, but it also contributes to sustainable agriculture and food security in drought-affected regions. Present study was carry out to know the extent of genetic variability and estimation of correlation and path coefficient.  This field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications during Kharif 2020 at experimental area of small millet project, instructional farm, Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics JNKVV, College of Agriculture Rewa (M.P). The data was recorded for 14 quantitative characters of 30 kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) genotypes to estimate the genetic variability, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variance, correlation and path coefficient. The analysis of variance demonstrate that genotypes differ significantly for all the characters included in the study. The coefficients of variation at phenotypic (PCV) and (GCV) levels was observed in harvest index, biological yield per plant and number of tillers per plant. High heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as percentage of mean were recorded for number of tillers per plant, flag leaf length, harvest index, biological yield per plant, peduncle length, flag leaf width, length of longest raceme, thumb raceme length and grain yield per plant. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield had a strong positive and highly significant association with biological yield per plant followed by flag leaf length, harvest index, flag leaf width, plant height, 1000 grain weight and peduncle length. Path coefficient analysis at phenotypic level revealed the harvest index have the greatest positive direct effect on grain yield per plant followed by biological yield per plant, flag leaf length, 1000 grain weight, day to maturity, number of tillers per plant, plant height, flag leaf width, length of inflorescence and peduncle length whereas, negative direct effects on grain yield per plant was contributed by days to 50% flowering, thumb raceme length and length of longest raceme. Genotypes RPS900, RPS921, RPS828, RPS963, RPS693, KMV565 and KMV559 have been verified as high-yielding varieties, hence these genotypes might be utilized for future breeding programs in Kodo millet.