Association and variability studies in F2 population of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)Moench) F2 population of CO 30 x SPV 2308 and CO 30 x SPV 2307 crosses raised during the Kharif 2018. Variability and association were studied for nine morphological traits viz., Plant height, Days to flowering, Number of leaves, Flag leaf length, Flag leaf width, Panicle length, Panicle weight, Number of primaries, 100 seed weight in relation with yield. Both the crosses had positive significant correlation for grain yield with traits namely, Flag leaf length, Panicle length, Panicle weight, No. of primaries and 100 grain weight. This suggests that the selection for these traits would increase the grain yield. Based on the variability parameters, both the crosses showed high GCV (Genotypic coefficient of variation) for Flag leaf width, Panicle weight and grain yield exhibiting lower environmental influence and high PCV (Phenotypic coefficient of variation) was observed for the traits viz., Flag leaf length, Flag leaf width, Panicle length, Panicle weight, Number of primaries, 100 seed weight and grain yield/plant. High GCV was also observed for Flag leaf length in the cross CO 30 x SPV 2308. High heritability and high genetic advance as percent mean were observed in Flag leaf width in both the crosses indicated the presence of additive gene action. Plant height, Panicle weight and grain yield per plant of the cross CO 30 x SPV 2308 alone showed high heritability and genetic advance as percent mean. Hence, these traits could be considered for selection of superior segregants to be forwarded in the next generation for the development of promising parental lines.