Genotype X seed production environment interaction on the performance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) under irrigation

Abstract

The ecological conditions prevailing during seed development, maturation and harvesting affect the physical and the physiological characters of the seed produced. The interactive of seed source and genotype on the performance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor {L.} Moench) grown under irrigation was investigated. One-field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons (2006/07-2007/08) in the Demonstration Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture at Shambat. The seeds were obtained from four different locations, viz; two rain-fed locations (Damazin and Gedarif) and two irrigated locations (Khashm el Girba and Sinnar). The cultivars used were two improved (Tabat and Wad Ahmed) and two local cultivars (Arfaa Gadamak and Zahrat elgadambalia). The results indicated that, among the measured attributes, seed source had only significant effects on grain yield, number of heads per plant and number of seeds per head. The highest grain yield was obtained from seeds produced under rain-fed locations (2.0 tones/ha) compared to irrigated locations (1.6 tones/ha). The high yield of the rain-fed location was associated with greater number of heads per plant and number of seeds per head. Irrespective of the seed source, the improved cultivars out yielded the local ones in most of the parameters measured. In this respect, the improved cultivars had significantly greater number of grains/head and greater yield compared to the local cultivars. In contrast, the local cultivars were earlier compared to the improved ones. It is apparent, however, that sorghum seeds obtained from diverse environments can be grown provided that suitable cultivars are selected according to the prevailing environmental conditions.