Assessment of Yield-Contributing Traits and Nutrient Content in Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) | Chapter 5 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 5

 

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.) is an underutilised small-grained cereal valued for its resilience to stress and rich nutritional profile. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the per se performance of thirty kodo millet genotypes at both morphological and quality levels to identify promising lines for yield improvement and nutritional enhancement. The experiment was conducted during kharif 2019 at the Hill Millet Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai (Gujarat, India), using a randomised block design with three replications. Genotypes were assessed for thirteen quantitative traits, including earliness parameters (days to 50% flowering and maturity), plant height, tillers per plant, grains per panicle, panicle length, grain yield, straw yield, 1000-seed weight, and four quality attributes (protein, fat, calcium, and iron content).

 

Results revealed significant variability among genotypes, indicating ample scope for selection and genetic improvement. Earliness ranged from 71 to 83 days for 50% flowering, with DK-156 and DK-170 identified as the earliest maturing lines. Grain yield per plant varied from 10.56 g (DK-159) to 22.77 g (DK-164), with six genotypes surpassing the general mean. DK-164, DK-152, and DK-157 consistently recorded superior mean performance for yield-related traits, while DK-161 excelled in 1000-seed weight and protein content (9.75%). Considerable variation was observed for nutrient quality, with fat content ranging between 0.85% (TNAU-86) and 3.92% (DK-166). Calcium concentration spanned from 22.33 mg/100 g (DK-168, DK-171) to 41.33 mg/100 g (GPU-K-3), and iron content ranged from 1.35 mg/100 g (GK-2) to 9.39 mg/100 g (DK-141). Notably, DK-156 combined earliness with higher calcium and iron content, highlighting its utility in breeding for biofortified short-duration varieties.

 

Overall, genotypes DK-164, DK-152, and DK-157 were identified as elite candidates for yield enhancement with good nutritional quality, while DK-161 and DK-156 emerged as promising sources for nutritional enrichment. The observed wide genetic variability underscores the potential of these genotypes as donors in breeding programs aimed at developing high-yielding, nutritionally superior, and climate-resilient kodo millet varieties.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sunil S. Patil
College of Agriculture, Navsari Agriculture University, Bharuch-392012 (Gujarat), India.

 

Prashant P. Patil
Goa College of Agriculture, Goa-403402, India.

 

Rishi K. Kalaria
ASPEE Shakilam Biotechnology Institute, Navsari Agriculture University, Surat-395007 (Gujarat), India.

 

B. A. Chaudhari
Cotton Research Substation, Navsari Agriculture University, Achhalia-393120 (Gujarat), India.

 

M. K. Gamit
N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agriculture University, Navsari-396450 (Gujarat), India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v5/6479