Current scenario of crop improvement of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.)] in India: A review

Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] is an ancient and important millet crop of India. The crop is predominantly grown as rainfed crop in the peninsular Indian states. The crop has shown numerous advantages over major cereals in terms of stress adaptation, nutritional quality and health benefits. Finger millet is highly self pollinated crop. Hybridization in finger millet is difficult due to small cleistogamous florets. Presently hot-water treatment followed by contact method of crossing is widely used across institutes for generating breeding populations. The availability of versatile male sterile systems could enhance hybridization in the crop. A novel male sterile line PS1, developed and maintained just by growing in isolation and thus improving its accessibility for hybridization. The varieties in finger millet released over a period of time were by adapting hybridization followed by selection. Till now, a total of 141 varieties of finger millet have been developed and released in the country. Finger millet occupies a prime position among millets. Realizing the nutritional importance, it is now in high demand. Knowledge on the improved production strategies right from selection of high yielding varieties to market led extension and extensive usage at national and global level has a vital role. The review, therefore, provided detailed information on hybridization methods, crop improvement and details of recently released varieties and their adaptation in finger millet.