Genetic variation in yield and its components in relation to blast disease caused by Pyricularia grisea in finger millet (Eleusine coracana)

Abstract

Four F² populations of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] during the rainy season of 1988 were studied to understand the nature of variation in quantitative traits in relation to yield and resistance to blast caused by Pyricularia grisea (Cooke) Sacc. Moderate to high genetic variability for components of productivity and the neck and finger blast was seen in all the populations. The characters neck and finger blast, yield/plant, days to 50% flowering and plant height showed high heritability and high genetic advance,
indicating the role of additive gene action. However, total and productive tillers recorded moderate to high heritability but low genetic advance. It indicates scope for development of blast resistance through selection.