Genetic variability and heritability studies in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn)

An investigation was conducted using forty finger millet genotypes during Kharif 2024 to assess genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits. High values of both GCV and PCV were observed for grain yield per plant, number of productive tillers, followed by total number of tillers and iron content. All the traits exhibited high heritability, except zinc content, which showed moderate heritability. High heritability estimates coupled with high genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were recorded for days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, total number of tillers, number of productive tillers, ear head length, grain yield per plant, 1000-grain weight, and iron content. This suggests the predominance of additive gene action and indicates that these traits have high selective value.