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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Genetic studies and design of superior barnyard millet ideotypes using multi-trait selection indices

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11834
Submitted
18 September 2025
Published
29-06-2026 — Updated on 12-08-2026
Versions

Abstract

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa spp.) is a climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crop with significant potential to enhance food and nutritional security. In this study, 64 germplasm accessions were evaluated for distinctiveness, uniformity and stability (DUS) characterisation, genetic variability, inter-trait associations, genetic diversity and multi-trait selection indices to identify short-duration, high-yielding and nutrient-dense ideotypes. The results indicated substantial genetic variation in morphometric traits, with significant diversity across accessions. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed positive associations between grain yield per plant and panicle weight, days to maturity and days to 50 % flowering and panicle length with plant height and flowering traits. Cluster analysis highlighted maximum genetic diversity between Cluster II and Cluster III for most of the yield contributing traits. High heritability estimates coupled with high genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) were recorded for all the traits, basal tillers, lower raceme length, grain yield and key micronutrients. Factor analysis retained seven factors explaining over 71.43 % of total variation. Multi-trait selection indices, including multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) and Smith-Hazel index, identified genotypes with positive genetic gains for yield-related traits and negative gains for days to 50 % flowering, maturity and thousand seed weight. The MGIDI-based strength and weaknesses plot proved effective for genotype selection. Genotypes Gech-365, Gech-634 and TNEf-198 were consistently identified as superior across multi-trait selection methods, ensuring reliability for further breeding programs. The findings of the present study provide useful insights for breeders, researchers and farmers in the identification and selection of suitable germplasm accessions for crop improvement. Moreover, these results support the conservation of valuable genetic resources and assist in seeking protection under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act.

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