Vol. 7, Issue 10, Part H (2025)

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an important Summer annual crop grown across various Indian states and globally, with diverse common names reflecting its widespread cultivation. The crop’s genetic classification comprises five races based on panicle morphology: miliaceum, patentissimum, contractum, compactum and ovatum. Characterizing germplasm for morpho-agronomic traits is essential for broadening the genetic base and effective breeding. This study evaluated 35 proso millet genotypes at Kolhapur in Summer 2024 through a randomized block design experiment to estimate genotypic correlations and path coefficients among yield and yield-contributing traits. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield per plant is highly significant and positively correlated with fodder yield, basal tiller number, panicle length, days to physiological maturity, flowering time, plant height and thousand grain weight, while protein content exhibited a highly significant and negative correlation with grain yield per plant. Path coefficient analysis showed that fodder yield per plant exerted the highest positive direct effect on grain yield per plant, followed by panicle length, days to physiological maturity, days to 50 per cent flowering, basal tiller number and thousand grain weight. Traits such as peduncle length, protein content and flag leaf dimensions showed negative direct effects on grain yield. The results emphasize fodder yield and specific agronomic traits as key selection criteria in improving grain productivity. Furthermore, the inverse relationship between protein content and grain yield suggests a trade-off influencing nutritional quality in breeding programs. These insights provide a foundation for marker-assisted selection and accelerated genetic improvement of proso millet, targeting enhanced yield and adaptation. The study highlights the importance of integrating correlation and path coefficient analysis to dissect trait relationships, guiding efficient selection strategies in proso millet breeding.