Genetic Variability and Heritability for Economic Traits in Reference Set of Finger Millet

The present study aims to reveal the importance of some quantitative traits and genetic variability existing in the 274 finger millet reference set. The coefficient of variation at phenotypic (PCV) and genotypic (GCV) levels were high for No. of productive tillers, Finger length (cm), Finger width (cm), Ear weight per plant (g), Straw weight per plant (g) and Test weight (g). Low PCV and GCV were observed for the traits like Days to 50% flowering, No. of leaves (No.) and Flag leaf length (cm). From the results, high heritability coupled with high genetic advance observed in Days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm) Flag leaf width (cm), Finger length (cm) and Test weight (g), which indicates the predominance of additive gene effects, in controlling these traits, early and simple selection could be exercised due to fixable additive gene effects.