Genetic divergence, trait association and path analysis studies in browntop millet germplasm

Twenty five genotypes of brown top millet were considered for genetic divergence, association and path analysis during Kharif, 2019. Among the eight yield components studied panicle length (23.67 %) contributed the maximum for divergence followed by fodder yield (14.33 %) and harvest index (13.67%). Divergence studies grouped twenty five genotypes into seven clusters. Among seven clusters, cluster I was the largest having 11 genotypes after which came cluster II with 5 genotypes, cluster III with 3 genotypes, clusters IV and V with 2 genotypes and clusters VI and VII with one genotype each. The maximum intra cluster distance was noticed in cluster IV (8.0788) indicating the highest variability. The maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster VI and cluster VII (54.086). Understanding the results obtained from trait association and path analysis revealed positive association and high positive direct effects by fodder yield and harvest index on grain yield.