Variability and character association studies in multi-cut fodder sorghum

Abstract

Variability and character association studies were done in twelve genotypes of multi-cut fodder sorghum. High heritability along with high genetic advance were recorded for plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf width and green fodder yield indicating the predominance of additive effects in the inheritance of these characters. The phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV) estimates were invariably higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) values thereby suggesting the environmental influence. Moderate to high estimates of GCV and PCV were observed for plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf width and green fodder yield except leaf length, number of leaves per plant, stem girth and HR brix, suggesting that selection based on these characters would facilitate successful isolation of desirable types. The results showed that plant height, number of tillers per plant and leaf length had positive and significant correlation at genotypic as well as phenotypic level with green fodder yield and the selection based on these traits will result in improving the green fodder yield in multi-cut sorghum. Plant height exerted the highest direct effect on green fodder yield followed by stem girth and leaf length.