| Summary: | The conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources are imperative for breeding cultivars with increased genetic gains. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is an important staple food crop that is cultivated and consumed largely in Africa and Asia, contributing significantly to food, fodder, and nutritional security. It is grown largely in marginal lands, where productivity is constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses. Globally, over 43,800 germplasm accessions have been conserved ex-situ in the genebanks, particularly in Asian and African countries. Phenotypic and genetic diversity assessment of germplasm indicated considerable diversity, and the diversity of the finger millet is structured based on geographical origin, while racial classification helped breeders choose appropriate panicle types suitable for various growing regions. To support the use of diverse germplasm in crop improvement, germplasm diversity subsets such as “core” and “mini core” collections have been developed. Evaluation of germplasm and diversity subsets has resulted in the identification of promising trait-specific germplasm for use in crop improvement. This chapter describes the status of finger millet germplasm conservation, diversity, promising trait-specific sources, key traits, genomic resources, and their utilization in crop improvement.
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