Variability in Kangni—1. Adaptation and Genotypic and Phenotypic Variability in Four Environments

A collection of 32 varieties of Setaria italica was studied under four different environments differentiated by year, location or sowing date. The varietal differences were highly significant and most of the plant characters showed a wide range of variation. Three of the varieties, viz., Afg. 177, ISM 282, and N. 1, were found to be superior in yield as well as adaptability. The estimates of different components of variance showed considerable variation with the environment under which the material was studied. In general, the coefficients of phenotypic and genetic variation were high for yield per plant and low for ear girth and days taken to ear. A large portion of the phenotypic variation in different characters was genetic and heritability values were quite high. However, number of tillers per plant and yield per plant showed comparatively low heritability. On the other hand, the estimated genetic gain was fairly high in respect of grain yield. Heritability and genetic advance showed appreciable variation under different environments. Low heritability values changed more with the change of environment.