Studies on the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) genotypes in northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is vital in the farming systems of many parts of Ethiopia in which there is limited information on the genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance. The major aim of the current research was to investigate variation and quantify variance components, including genetic advance, for common agronomic characters of finger millet, such as yield and related once. Eleven finger millet genotypes were assessed using RCBD with four replications at Pawe and manbuk/dangur for three years. mean squares of tested genotypes were highly significant (p<0.001) for the most important agronomic features, suggesting heterogeneity among tested finger millet genotypes. Heritability estimations ranged from 12.18 % for tillers per plant to 97.35 % for days to maturity. Overall, the results showed a significant level of character variability between genotypes, which may be used for future finger millet genetic improvement.