Selection for combining grain yield with high protein and blast resistance in finger millet (Eleusine coracana G.)

A study was conducted in F₂ and F₃ generations of two finger millet crosses involving lines differing for protein content and blast resistance with the objective of making selections having favourable combination of yield, protein content and resistance to blast. The relationship between protein content and blast resistance and protein content and grain yield was significantly negative. Recombinants having reasonably higher levels of protein with moderate to high levels to resistance and yield were obtained. The complexities involved on such a selection programme are discussed.