Factors influencing grain morphology in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.]

Fifteen varieties of finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] grown on red sandy loam soil were studied for their varietal, morphological, and nutritional qualities in India between 1988 and 1989. Twelve of the varieties, however, showed large variation in the size of the grains. The grains of each variety were separated into two fractions, >1.981 mm and <1.981 mm. The fraction >1.981 mm ranged from 41.6 to 59.6% and that <1.981 mm ranged from 40.4 to 58.4%. Smaller size fractions (1.651 mm and 1.397 mm) were obtained in one variety, Indaf-5. The size variation pattern showed that the first two fractions were the major parts of the sample with 48% being greater than 1.981 mm and 45% lying between 1.981 mm and 1.651 mm. The third fraction (6%) contained a mixture of abnormal blackish and broken grains and the grain size for this fraction was between 1.651 mm and 1.397 mm. The fourth fraction (1%) comprised immature black grains and was totally abnormal. The grain size was <1.397 mm. Dehusking in a Mengetti cone polisher showed that the husk (pericarp) content was lowest (3.6%) for variety Poorna and highest (7.9%) for variety MR-2.