Genetic architecture of yield contributing traits in foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Fifty seven genotypes of foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.] were evaluated during 2007 and 2008 at Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) to know the genetic variability, direct and indirect contributions of some metric traits on grain yield under randomized block design. Observations were recorded on nine characters, viz. days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, spike length, grain yield plant⁻¹, biological yield plant⁻¹ and harvest index. According to the obtained results, heritability with high genetic advance was observed for grain yield while high heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance was noticed for biological yield and days to 50% flowering. Grain yield was found to be significantly and positively correlated with days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, pant height, flag leaf length and width, ear length and biological yield. Path coefficient analysis indicated that biological yield and harvest index had higher positive direct effect on grain yield. These traits having a positive direct effect on grain yield can be considered as a suitable selection criterion for evolving high yielding foxtail millet genotype.