Vegetos

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted during 2011 to assess the contribution of qualitative traits variability in 305 finger millet accessions. For characterization and evaluation, these germplasm accessions were grown in augment-ed block design with 12 blocks, each consisting of 25 accessions and five check varieties. Data were collected on twelve qualitative traits. De-cumbent type growth habit, non pigmented (green), semi-compact ear shape, intermediate ear size, exposed grain covering, reniform type grain shape, smooth grain surface and intermediate grain yield potential was predominant phenotypic classes for the traits recorded in the present study. Variations were absent for grain uniformity and pericarp persistence after threshing. Principal component analysis showed that first eight com-ponents with Eigen value of greater than 0.80 contributed about 85.34 per cent of total varia-bility. Principal component analysis indicated that all traits considered in the current study had contribution for the overall genetic variations observed among the genotypes. Cluster analysis grouped 305 genotypes into 28 different clusters through multivariate hierarchical clustering. Cluster III was the largest cluster having 62 gen-otypes and cluster XXIII and XXVIII formed soli-tary clusters. The genotypes TNEc 0386 and TNEc 1914 were selected for hybrid program and utilizing these genotypes has the chance to obtain higher heterosis with high performing crosses.