Abstract
The aim of this research was to compare genetic parameters for traits related with seed germination and seedling vigour of single cross (SCH) vs . three-way (TWH) sorghum hybrids. The study was conducted in a sand bed under a greenhouse; 67 genotypes (four pairs of A- and B- lines, four R- lines, 13 SCH and 42 TWH) were allocated in a randomized complete blocks experimental design with three replications. Statistical analysis included ANOVA’s and Student “t” tests, while Tukey test (p £ 0.05) was applied for mean comparisons. The R-lines showed better physiological seed quality attributes than the A- and B- lines. The seed quality and heterosis values of SCH vs. that of TWH did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) for any variable; however, heterobeltiosis of SCH was higher than that of TWY for normal seedlings, dry weight of plumule and seedling emergence rate. The A2- line and R14 restorer line showed the highest GCA values in both types of hybrids. No differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between maternal and paternal effects of the A- and B- lines involved in the male sterile cross (female parent) of the TWH, except for plumule length in Line 5.
Highlights
In commercial seed production of single cross hybrids of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] two lines are involved: a male-sterile line (A- line, female), and a male fertile line (R- line, restorer) (León-Velasco, Mendoza-Onofre, CastilloGonzález, Cervantes-Santana, & Martínez-Garza, 2009a)
The seed from the R- lines group was as good as the seed from the single cross and three-way hybrids regarding sed physiological quality traits
There were no differences in seed physiological quality traits between the single cross hybrids and the three-way hybrids
Summary
In commercial seed production of single cross hybrids of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] two lines are involved: a male-sterile line (A- line, female), and a male fertile line (R- line, restorer) (León-Velasco, Mendoza-Onofre, CastilloGonzález, Cervantes-Santana, & Martínez-Garza, 2009a). In the three-way sorghum hybrids three lines are used since the female parent is a male-sterile cross. Agronomy of an A- line and a B- non isogenic line, and the male parent is an R- line. In both hybrid types, the progenie may express a higher plant vigour than the parents, an effect named heterosis, which is a relevant genetic trait frequently measured and used in plant breeding. Heterosis brings gains in grain yield, earlier flowering, greater number of leaves, taller plants, more tillers and panicles per plant, heavier seeds, more seeds per panicle (Acquaah, 2012), a faster seedling emergence rate, more vigourous seedlings and a higher plumule dry weight
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