Abstract:
Field Crops Research and Development Institute Mahailluppallama has already
officially released two finger millet varieties, Oshada and Rawana. These varieties are
not performing well in both Yala and Maha seasons. An experiment was conducted to
identify finger millet accessions that performed well under the Maha season's
environmental conditions. The trial was designed in randomized complete block
design with three replicates and established in Field Crops Research & Development
Institute, Mahailluppalama. Thirty selected finger millet accessions were tested along
with two check varieties as Oshadha and Rawana. Yield and yield-related
characteristics were evaluated and especially the harvest index was tested in the
experiment.
Statical analysis was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.2 2001
statistical package. The mean separation was done with Duncan's Multiple Range Test
(DMRT). Pearson's correlation analysis was performed for yield and yield-related
traits to estimate the phenotypic coefficient of correlations.
The analysis of variance showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences
among accessions for all agronomic characters measured. The ACC 12269 recorded
maximum plant height, number of leaves per plant, ear dry weight per plant, grain
yield per plant and number of seeds per plant, than Oshadha. The ACC 7112, ACC
12269 were recorded significant differences compared with Oshadha. Maximum total
biomass was recorded in ACC 405, but there was no significant differences found
between ACC 405 (19.81) and ACC 12269 (19.72). Compared with Oshadha, ACC
405 and ACC 12269 were recorded highest significant difference in total biomass. And
also, compared with Oshadha as a control check, ACC 405 (807g), ACC 6586 (758g),
and ACC 12269 (749.3g) recorded significant difference in total yield.
Furthermore, ACC 405 recorded maximum plant dry weight, ear dry weight per total
plant, total yield, total biomass and harvesting index.
And also, there was a significant strong and positive relationship observed between
the number of ears and Plant height. Ear dry weight strongly and positively correlated
with total biomass, number of seeds, and seed weight. Meanwhile, plant dry weight
recorded a high positive correlation with the harvesting index. Total biomass strongly
and positively correlated with seed weight, plant dry weight, and ear dry weight.
Therefore, based on quantitatively measured agronomic characteristics, Accessions
ACC 12269 and ACC 405 are recommended with their full packages.
