Characterization of phenotypic diversity and trait associations in Nepalese finger millet landraces

Background : Assessment of agro-morphological and genetic diversity is a fundamental activity in crop improvement programs. Nepalese finger millet ( Eleusine coracana L.) landraces exhibit a rich tapestry of genetic and phenotypic diversity but remain underutilized in breeding and conservation efforts. Method : To assess agro-morphological and genetic diversity, 18 landraces and the check variety Kavre Kodo-2 were evaluated using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 29 qualitative and 14 quantitative traits were studied. Result : The highest value of Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H′) was observed for ear shape (H′ = 1.509), and the lowest for leaf senescence at maturity (H′ = 0.285). Growth habit and leaf sheath pubescence showed no observable diversity. Chi-square analysis revealed significant variation (p < 0.05) for anther colour, grain shape, grain uniformity, grain surface, lodging susceptibility, leaf senescence at maturity, leaf blade pubescence, and synchrony of ear maturity. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that all traits under the study showed significant variation among landraces. Harvest index, biological yield, and ear head weight exhibited highly significant positive correlations with grain yield. The first five principal components (eigenvalue > 1) collectively accounted for 82.28% of the total variation. Landraces Seto kodo and Dudhey from cluster I were identified as high-yielding and promising landraces for breeding and varietal promotion programs. Conclusion : Future studies should validate the observed agro-morphological and genetic diversity with molecular markers and should strategically use them in future finger millet breeding programs.