Current Advances in Agricultural Sciences(An International Journal)

Variabilities, correlation coefficients (both at the genotypic and phenotypic levels) and path coefficients at genotypic level were estimated for 50 lines of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (Linn.) Gaertn]. Phenotypic variability was higher for all the traits except days to 50 and 90% flowering, seed hardness and protein content, which showed similar magnitude of genotypic variability. Maximum differences between phenotypic and genotypic variability were observed for number of seeds main⁻¹ ear. The characters, viz. plant height, number of tillers plant⁻¹, number of panicles main⁻¹ spike, length of main ear and number of seeds main⁻¹ ear were significantly correlated with grain yield plant⁻¹. Path coefficient analysis revealed the importance of days to 50% flowering which contributed maximum direct effect on grain yield plant⁻¹, followed by number of tillers plant⁻¹ and 1000-grain weight. However, the indirect effects were also equally important.