Agro-morphological Characterization of Proso millet Germplasm for Utilization

Aims: In this study, 634 accessions of proso millet were evaluated to assess phenotypic diversity using morpho-agronomic traits, aiming identify specific donors for desired traits.
 Study Design: Augmented design.
 Place and Duration Study: During the Kharif season 2021, a total germplasm characterized, alongside three control varieties, as part Institute Project (IIMR/CI/2021-2026/150) at ICAR-IIMR in Hyderabad.
 Methodology: The experimental design employed was an augmented block design, four check namely GPUP 8, TNAU 145, 164, 202, included.
 Results: results revealed significant variation across all traits studied. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated that first principal components accounted 60% variation. PC1 27.3% variation, followed by PC2 (22.6%) PC3 (10%). primarily influenced Leaf blade length (cm), Peduncle Panicle Plant height grain yield (g plant-1). Furthermore, study identified 21 with superior performance multiple (3-6 traits).
 Conclusion: These can serve valuable genetic resources improving quality traits. selected multi-trait be directly released cultivation, serving short-term breeding goal. This approach has potential enable farmers achieve high remuneration harvesting increased yields.