Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part O (2025)

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), commonly known as ragi, is a climate-resilient crop recognized for its high nutritional value, particularly iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Improving both yield and nutritional quality requires an understanding of genetic variability and effective selection criteria in early generations. In this regard, two F₂ populations derived from the crosses GPU-28 × GE-1746 and GPU-28 × GE-6635 were evaluated at ZARS, GKVK, Bengaluru. A total of 310 and 181 F₂ plants were assessed for seven quantitative traits, along with grain Fe and Zn contents estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Substantial genetic variability with high heritability was observed for all traits, including micronutrients. Productive tillers per plant, number of fingers per main ear and finger length showed strong positive correlations with grain yield, identifying them as promising surrogate traits for indirect selection in early segregating generations. A positive correlation between grain Fe and Zn contents suggests that these micronutrients share similar uptake and accumulation mechanisms, thereby enabling concurrent enhancement through selection. These findings highlight valuable genetic resources for developing biofortified finger millet varieties combining improved productivity and nutritional quality.