Genetic variability studies in barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea)

Barnyard millet is well suited for sustainable agriculture due to its adaptability to low-input conditions, photo-insensitivity and tolerance to abiotic stresses, making it particularly valuable in non-irrigated and marginal areas. Nutritionally, it surpasses many major cereals, being richer in proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

In the present study, thirty-three barnyard millet genotypes along with two checks, Phule Barti-1 and DHBM-93-03, were evaluated for yield and its contributing traits to assess genetic variability. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes, indicating substantial genetic variability. For all traits, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) values exceeded genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), suggesting environmental influence on trait expression. Traits such as flag leaf blade length, flag leaf blade width and plant height showed moderate PCV and GCV, indicating their potential utility in selection. Peduncle length exhibited high heritability, while plant height recorded the highest genetic advance. Furthermore, 1000-grain weight showed the highest genetic advance expressed as a percentage of the mean.