Genetic Variability of Finger Millet ( Eleusine Coracana) Accessions of the International Cereal Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Kano and Plateau State

Apeelu; S.T; Kwon-Ndung; E. H.; G. O Ogah

doi:10.56201/ijaes.vol.12.no2.2026.pg98.108

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Genetic Variability of Finger Millet ( Eleusine Coracana) Accessions of the International Cereal Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Kano and Plateau State

Apeelu, S.T, Kwon-Ndung, E. H. and G. O Ogah

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a vital cereal crop cultivated primarily in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Understanding its genetic variability is essential for breeding programs aimed at improving yield, stress tolerance, and nutritional quality. This study investigates the extent of genetic diversity among finger millet genotypes using agro- morphological traits A study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity of finger millet accessions collected from International Cereal Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Kano and Plateau State. A total of 25 finger millet accessions were evaluated in the field at National Cereal Research Institute, Riyom substation, during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates. Data were collected on 12 morpho-agronomic traits. Analysis of variance and principal component analysis were used for phenotypic variance. Among the accessions studied, LV1 consistently outperformed others, recording the tallest plant height (102.35 cm), highest PHM (131.1 cm), and strong performance in other yield-related parameters. On the other hand, accessions such as GULUE and ETIYO BROWN exhibited lower plant height and plant height at maturity, likely reflecting early maturity The results revealed that finger millet accessions were significantly different for all the traits examined. The Principal Component Analysis showed that 77.30% of the total variation observed was contributed by the first six principal component axes. The result of the study therefore revealed the existence of sufficient variability in finger millet accessions that could be employed in crop improvement and breeding programs. Genetically Diverse Accessions should be utilize and incorporated into Breeding Programs. The promising accessions in terms of yield and yield components should be incorporated in multilocational and advanced yield trials with the aim of having uniform yielding accessions that can be further employed in future breeding and selection work for this crop.

References

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Genetic Variability of Finger Millet ( Eleusine Coracana) Accessions of the International Cereal Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Kano and Plateau State

Abstract

References

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