Nutritional and Agronomic Genetic Variability among Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Accessions in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is an underutilized but nutritionally rich cereal crop with strong adaptation to marginal environments. This study evaluated the nutritional and agronomic genetic variability among eleven finger millet accessions collected from Northern Nigeria during the 2024 and 2025 cropping seasons at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu Training Research Farm. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was employed, and pooled mean data were subjected to ANOVA, genetic parameter estimation, and cluster analysis. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed among accessions for most agro-morphological and nutritional traits, indicating substantial genetic variability. Grain yield ranged from 729.00 to 1989.33 kg ha⁻¹, with Ex-Yabak outperforming others. Broad-sense heritability estimates were high for leaf length (89.15%), plant height (83.38%), finger length (78.06%), and grain yield (67.40%), suggesting predominance of additive gene action. High genetic advance coupled with moderate to high heritability for grain yield and leaf length indicates good prospects for selection. Nutritional analysis revealed significant variation in Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, P, and crude protein content. Crude protein ranged from 3.86% to 7.99%, while iron ranged from 3.87 to 7.46 mg/100 g. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into distinct clusters, reflecting genetic divergence useful for breeding. The results demonstrate considerable genetic variability in Northern Nigerian finger millet germplasm, highlighting its potential for yield improvement and nutritional enhancement. Strategic selection and hybridization among divergent accessions could accelerate breeding programs aimed at improving food security and combating malnutrition in semi-arid regions.