Participatory sorghum varietal evaluation and selection in Pakistan

Abstract

A number of improved pipeline varieties of sorghum including PARC SS-1, PARC SS-2 and PARC Ss-15 were planted in various agro-ecological zones of Pakistan for 2 years (2004 and 2005). The participatory Mother-Baby Trial methodology was used for the first time in Pakistan for varietal evaluation and selection. Six varieties of sorghum were evaluated along with the local checks. In general, the pipeline varieties developed at the National Agricultural Research Centre had a yield advantage of 15 to 20% over the local checks and other improved varieties included in the trial. The farmers were involved in the varietal selection process. These varieties were selected by the farmers on the basis of maturity, higher yield, resistance to leaf blight and red rot diseases, drought tolerance, and the dual (grain cum fodder) nature of the varieties. Based on the evaluation and selection, these varieties are being released for general cultivation in various ecologies. The results from participatory trials on various agronomic aspects are presented and discussed in this paper.