Character association analysis for morphological and physiological characters in little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth. ex Roem and Schult)

Correlation and path analysis were studied in a total of 20 crosses and nine parents (4 lines and 5 testers) by using line × tester analysis for 12 quantitative characters during kharif 2019. Observations recorded for main panicle weight (g) followed by fodder yield per plant, plant height, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, harvest index and days to maturity showed strong, significant and positive association with grain yield per plant at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Yield improvement could be possible through indirect selection for these traits to select high yielding genotypes in little millet. Fodder yield per plant followed by harvest index, main panicle weight, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, specific leaf area, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length and Days to 50% flowering showed maximum positive direct effect on grain yield per plant indicating the true relationship between these traits with grain yield per plant. Hence, direct selection for these traits would be rewarding for improvement of grain yield in little millet.