Genetic variability for mineral nutrients in indigenous germplasm lines of finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn.)

Finger millet (FM) is one of the important small millets, rich in seed protein, fiber, minerals and amino acids. Due to low levels of genetic diversity in the cultivated genotypes, there is a need to tap the gene pools to maintain the genetic variation for breeding programs. The present study was undertaken to characterize 49 FM germplasm lines grown in randomized complete block design at BARC, Mumbai during post rainy season of 2016 for micronutrients and seed phosphorus traits. Based on the univariate analysis, wide range of genetic variability was observed for micronutrients and seed phosphorus traits. Across the germplasm lines studied, calcium ranged from 135.0-312.0 mg/100g, iron 2.0-21.6 mg/100g and magnesium 31.0-139.0 mg/100g. Among all the landraces studied, MR-6 and GE-6541 registered high calcium (312.0 mg/100g) and iron content (21.58 mg/100g) respectively. Lowest phytic acid was observed in the genotype, GE-666 (1.09 mg/g) as compared to other genotypes in the study. The estimates of PCV and GCV were high for all the traits and heritability estimates ranged from 0.96 to 0.99. Genetic correlations were significantly positive among calcium and other micronutrients. Cluster analysis grouped all the FM genotypes into four major clusters with MR-6 being the diverse.