Quantifying genetic variation for DUS descriptors in diverse finger millet germplasm evaluated under semi-arid Bundelkhand region of India.

ABSTRACT: Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a nutritionally rich but underutilized crop found in semi-arid regions and drylands worldwide. To identify their genetically diverse and well-adapted genotypes to local conditions, a total of 162 germplasm lines, along with eight check varieties, were assessed during the rainy seasons of 2023 and 2024. The morphological characterization adhered to the Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) guidelines established by the PPV & FR Authority. The data collection concentrated on 14 qualitative traits and 13 quantitative traits. Significant variation was observed across all the traits. Specific traits such as earhead length, finger length, number of productive tillers, stover yield, and grain yield exhibited high heritability and significa

SUBMITTER: Keerthana D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12932421 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature