EVALUATION OF SOME SELECTION CRITERIA IN RAGI

Abstract

Four selection criteria for yield were evaluated in ragi (Eleusine coracana Gaertn). In an initial trial, 42 lines were evaluated for yield and its components. Moderate to high heritability and predicted advance for most characters indicAted ample scope for selection. Fifteen lines were selected based on four criteria, i.e., selection index (SC-I), rank total of different characters (SC-II), single-plant yield (SC-III), and plot yield (SC-IV). The selected lines were evaluated in the test trial and the relative efficiency of the selection criteria i!.ssessed by comparison of group mean yield and rank correlation. Both the methods brought out the same order of superiority of the selection criteria, which was SC-I > SC-III > SC-II > SC-IV. But the differences in efficiency were marginal and none of the criteria was wholly satisfactory. Selection index and direct selection on yield could be used concurrently to achieve the desired result.