Sorghum Genotypes Research Articles

Screening of Different Sorghum Genotypes against Sitophilus Oryzae Under Storage Condition

Intelligent In present, studies were taken different sorghum genotypes including CSV-20, CSV-23, PC-615, CSH-16, CSH-30 and Maldandi. They were screened for their relative susceptibility against the sitophilus oryzae under storage. The percentage of seed damage was recorded from 30 DAS up to 180 DAS. This damage ranged from 3.11 (CSH-30) to 51.80 (Maldandi) and seed weight loss percentage ranged from 5.66% (CSH-30) to 36.75% (Maldandi) all among the six different genotypes variety Maldandi was found most susceptible and hybrid CSH-30 was least susceptible comparatively to other genotypes.

Interactions between the soil bacterial community assembly and gene regulation in salt‐sensitive and salt‐tolerant sweet sorghum cultivars

AbstractComplex bacterial communities in the rhizosphere play a crucial role in plant growth and stress tolerance. These communities vary across cultivars and external environments. However, the influences of salt stress on the structural composition of bacterial microbiome and gene expression of salt‐sensitive and salt‐tolerant sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cultivars have not been studied sufficiently. Here, we employed a combination of 16S rRNA gene profiling and RNA‐seq analysis to characterize changes in root‐associated microbiomes and determine differentially expressed genes (DEG) in the roots of salt‐tolerant M‐81E and salt‐sensitive 'Roma' var. sweet sorghum cultivars under soil conditions with/without salinity. Results revealed that the two contrasting sweet sorghum genotypes selectively filtered and recruited distinct root microbiota in response to salt stress. M‐81E‐enriched bacterial taxa were more diverse and exhibited a higher abundance of metabolic functions than Roma‐enriched taxa. M‐81E‐associated bacterial co‐occurrence networks were more complex and harboured more positive links than Roma‐associated bacterial networks. Furthermore, nine DEG were identified as core salt‐responsive genes and were central to the salt tolerance of sweet sorghum. Correlation analysis revealed that the expression of HSP70, a molecular chaperone, is linked to the recruitment of numerous M‐81E‐enriched bacteria; their relationship needs further exploration. The study supplements the comprehension of the potential role of host–microbe interactions in the response of sweet sorghum to salt stress.

GGE biplot vs. AMMI analysis of promising sorghum lines in the warm-temperate regions of Iran

ABSTRACT Due to increasing farmers’ attention to sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions, it is necessary to introduce new, suitable sorghum cultivars. The present study aimed to evaluate the yield stability of grain sorghum genotypes via AMMI and GGE biplot analyses to identify high-yielding and best adapted genotypes for release in Iran’s warm-temperate regions. Seven promising grain sorghum lines (KGS15, KGS19, KGS23, KGS25, KGS27, KGS32, and KGS36), along with three commercial cultivars (Kimiya, Payam, and Sepideh), were studied in seven regions of Iran (Karaj, Isfahan, Gorgan, Birjand, Shiraz, Zabol, and Hamedan) during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. AMMI analysis showed that genotypes G7, G3, and G6 had the lowest AMMI stability values (ASV). GGE biplot analysis showed that genotype G6 had the highest grain yield (GY) in most environments, whereas genotype G1 was specifically adapted to the Hamedan province. According to the average-environment coordination of the GGE biplot, genotype G6 was the most desirable genotype, significantly better than the second and third best genotypes G4 and G3 (G4 was missed by AMMI). This study also indicated that the GGE biplot method was more effective than the AMMI method in analyzing genotype by environment and identifying superior genotypes. Overall, G6 can be introduced as the superior-most genotype for cultivation in Iran’s warm-temperate regions.

GT‐biplot analysis of some biochemical characteristics and mineral composition of different sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) sprouts

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe nutritional value of the sprouts has gained interest in recent years because of supplying to fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as antioxidants into the diet. The aim of the present study was to reveal the nutritional characteristics of the different sorghum genotypes exposed to sprouting process. For this purpose, some biochemical characteristics and basic mineral profiles of the sorghum sprouts were investigated.FindingsAccording to the results, protein content ranged between 12.17% and 32.24% while the lowest total starch content was determined as to be 3.37% and the highest was 32.71%. Besides, dietary fiber content was in the range of 30.27%–46.42%. Total phenolic content and antiradical activity values of the sprouts were determined as in the range of 3.61–8.42 mg GAE/g and 11.63%–19.51%, respectively.ConclusionThe results showed that the sprouting process improved the nutritional quality of sorghum compared to grains and also significant variation was observed among the genotypes in terms of examined properties.Significance and NoveltyThe results showed that the nutritional parameters especially phytic acid levels of the sorghum grains could be decreased by sprouting process.

Physical characteristics, nutritional composition and phenolic compounds of some of the sorghum landraces obtained in South Africa

Sorghum is among the predominant food plants in sub-Saharan Africa with established dietary and health benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and nutritional characteristics and phenolic compounds of some of the sorghum genotypes grown in South Africa. The varieties investigated were white (Macia-SA), red (M48) and brown sorghum (M153). The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method was used for physical, nutritional and mineral examination and the Waters Synapt G2 quadruple time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer (MS) for the evaluation of the phenolic compound. The highest mineral content for the genotypes was potassium, in the range of 3599.24, 4248.04, and 4763.45 mg/kg; the highest value recorded was in the brown sorghum (SBrown) variety. The white sorghum (SWhite) variety had higher dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and starch contents compared to the red and brown types. Furthermore, higher ash, crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) values were observed in respect of the red sorghum variety. The most abundant phenolic compound in this study was caffeic acid, and this was more in the red sorghum. Naringenin-7-O-glucoside was the only quantified flavonoid, the highest content was reported in the red sorghum genotype. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and naringenin-7-O-glucoside contributed largely to the clustering of the genotypes in component 1 (PC1), while feruloylquinic acid and ferulic acid contributed to the clustering of component 2 (PC2). High component loadings for PC1 were contributed by the red sorghum (SRed) variety. These results suggest that sorghum varieties grown under South African climatic conditions are rich sources of valuable nutrients and diverse phenolic compounds, with brown and red sorghum types being the outstanding varieties. Sorghum’s unique phenolic profile qualifies it to be used to lessen oxidative stress and prevent diseases such as cancer. It has the potential to be utilized in the development of functional food additives.

Comparing the effects of grain weathering and presence of fungal communities on waxy and non‐waxy sorghum hybrids grown across Texas

AbstractGrain weathering in grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a persistent concern for producers in warm and humid climates. Further, grain sorghum genotypes are known to vary in their response to grain weathering; in some cases, this response is associated with a specific grain trait. For example, waxy endosperm sorghum is perceived to be more susceptible to grain weathering. This study herein compared waxy, heterozygous waxy, and non‐waxy sorghum hybrids grown in multiple environments for grain weathering susceptibility and characterization of the fungal communities on the grain. The traits used to evaluate grain weathering included first grain weathering rating (FGWR), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), initial germination (IG), and reduction in germination (RIG). Grain weathering intensity varied among the tested environments; increased weathering occurred with wetter conditions. In combined analyses, the environment accounted for more variation (70.2, 38.2, 39.9, and 81.1%) than did genotype (9.0, 26.9, 15.8, and 5.0%) for FGWR, AUDPC, IG, and RIG, respectively. In only one of the four environments were the waxy and heterozygous waxy hybrids statistically different from the non‐waxy genotypes. Ultimately, variation was more associated with genotypes than endosperm classes. Overall, Alternaria spp., Bipolaris spp., Fusarium semitectum, Curvularia spp., and Aspergillus niger were the most frequently observed pathogens across environments. Within an environment, the percent of different fungal pathogens remained relatively constant, but varied across environments. There was no clear distinction between either the level of grain weathering or the presence of a particular pathogen and endosperm type. The results indicate that grain sorghums with waxy endosperm are no more susceptible to grain weathering than those with normal, non‐waxy endosperm.

Dehydration stress influences the expression of brevis radix gene family members in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Brevis radix (BRX) constitutes a small gene family in angiosperms. It was first identified in Arabidopsis thaliana where it contributed to cell proliferation and root elongation. New roles of BRX family members in plant developmental processes and abiotic stress tolerance are getting revealed lately. In this study, we have identified six members belonging to the BRX gene family from Sorghum bicolor. Based on similarity analysis, two each of these members were found to be belonging to BRXL1 (Sobic.007G151500, Sobic.002G218600) and BRXL2 (Sobic.006G203200, Sobic.004G270100) classes and one was of BRXL4 (Sobic.001G008400) class. The sixth member (Sobic.006G117900) with a partial amino acid sequence was a pseudogene. All members except Sobic.006G117900 and Sobic.006G203200 had three conserved BRX domains. The number of exons of the members ranged from 3 to 6 and protein length from 313 to 469aa. All proteins had nuclear localization signals in them. Drought stress imposed on M35-1 genotype of sorghum for a duration of 7 days and 14 days brought about observable changes in root morphology. Mean root length per seedling significantly increased in the drought stressed seedlings. Expression analysis of sorghum BRX members using quantitative PCR showed enhanced expression of all members in drought stressed leaf as well as root tissues. While in leaves the expression of all BRX genes were up-regulated as duration of drought stress increased, only Sobic.007G151500 and Sobic.002G218600 showed enhanced expression in 14-day drought in the roots. Members of BRX gene family may be involved in drought tolerance in sorghum.

Effect of genotype in the production and quality of sweet sorghum juice [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Objectives: To evaluate the production of juice and sugar, the physicochemical parameters of the juice during extraction and quantify the differences between genotypes.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: An experiment under irrigation was established with 10 genotypes of sweet sorghum in southern Sonora, México, during the autumn-winter cycle, under a randomized block complete design with four replicates. The sowing dates were 03/15/2015 and 02/20/2016. The variables were: days to flowering (DF), weight of fresh biomass (T ha-1): whole plant (WTo), stem (WSt), leaf (WLf), and panicle (WP). After extraction, juice weight (WJ), bagasse weight (WBz), juice volume (JV), and extraction efficiency (EFx:WJ/WSt) were determined. The juice was sieved to remove impurities. There were determinate at the time of extraction: pH, temperature (°C) and degrees Brix.
 Results: The sources of variation had a significant effect on the production of biomass, juice, and sugar. The year contributed to explain 53 % of the variation, the genotype explained 36 %, while the interaction (GxA) only 5 %. On average, the production of fresh stem biomass was 38 t ha-1, with 28 % efficiency in juice extraction. The SWS686 and SWS694 genotypes exceeded the average in juice production and the control (M81E). Juice production in 2016 was higher (31 %) than in 2015. In average, the juice values were of 32 °C, 12.9 oBrix and pH 3.8.
 Study/Limitations/Implications: The decrease in the content of soluble solids and spontaneous fermentation during the conservation of the juice under room temperature can limit the use of sweet sorghum in areas where temperatures are >30 °C in post-harvest stage.
 Findings/Conclusions:There was an effect of the environment and genotype on the production and quality of sweet sorghum juice. It is necessary to make a complete analysis of the life cycle that indicates the challenges and opportunities to improve the efficiency of the processes to obtain sweet sorghum juice

Humic Acid-Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Confer Resistance to Acremonium Wilt Disease and Improve Physiological and Morphological Attributes of Grain Sorghum.

Acremonium wilt disease affects grain quality and reduces sorghum yield around the globe. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of humic acid (HA)-coated Fe3O4 (Fe3O4/HA) nanoparticles (NPs) in controlling acremonium wilt disease and improving sorghum growth and yields. During the season 2019, twenty-one sorghum genotypes were screened to assess their response to Acremonium striticum via artificial infection under field conditions and each genotype was assigned to one of six groups, ranging from highly susceptible to highly resistant. Subsequently, over the two successive seasons 2020 and 2021, three different concentrations of 10, 40 and 80 mg L−1 of Fe3O4/HA NPs were tested against A. striticum. The concentrations of 40 and 80 mg L−1 were found to be highly effective in controlling acremonium wilt disease on different sorghum genotypes: LG1 (highly susceptible), Giza-3 (susceptible), and Local 119 (resistant) genotypes. After harvest, the physiological (growth and yield) and biochemical (peroxidase, catalase, and gibberellic acid) attributes of sorghum plants were determined, and the results demonstrated that concentrations of 40 and 80 mg L−1 increased peroxidase and catalase activities in healthy (uninoculated) sorghum genotypes compared to inoculated sorghum genotypes. Additionally, the toxicity of Fe3O4/HA NPs on male albino rats was investigated via hematological (CBC), chemical (ALT and AST) and histopathological analyses. The concentration 80 mg L−1 of Fe3O4/HA NPs caused a marked increase in ALT and creatinine level after 51 days of feeding. Severe pathological alterations were also observed in liver and kidney tissues of rats administered with grain sorghums treated with 80 mg L−1. In comparison with the untreated control plants, a concentration of 40 mg L−1 significantly increased the growth, yield and gibberellic acid levels (p ≤ 0.05) and was found to be safe in male albino rats. Conclusively, a concentration of 40 mg L−1 of Fe3O4/HA NPs showed promising results in curtailing A. striticum infections in sorghum, indicating its great potential to substitute harmful fertilizers and fungicides as a smart agriculture strategy.

Physiological performance of sweet sorghum in Assam

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n=20), C4 grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a drought tolerant crop, used as food for humans and feed for animals. Currently, the crop has been given more importance due to its capacity to produce bio-ethanol or bio fuels. As in Assam, its cultivation is very limited, therefore, a field experiment was conducted at ICR farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during rabi season of 2019-20 with twelve diverse genotypes of sweet sorghum with the objectives to evaluate sweet sorghum genotypes on the basis of morpho- physiological traits under rabi season. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the crop was raised following the recommended package of practices. The morpho-physiological parameters of the crop and yield were recorded following standard methodologies. The results indicated significant differences in all the morpho-physiological parameters and grain yield among different sweet sorghum genotypes. All these characters were found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274, while significantly lower values of all the above were recorded in ICSV 13012. Among the genotypes, ICSV15006 possessed significantly higher plant height, number of tillers, total dry matter and total sugars in both stalks and grains at harvest. The number of green leaves, leaf area index, relative leaf water content, total leaf chlorophyll and absolute growth rate were also found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274. Significantly higher grain yield with 1.06 t ha-1 was observed in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274 with 1.03 t ha-1. Based on morpho-physiological characters and yield, the genotypes ICSV 15006 and ICSV 25274 were identified as the superior genotypes which can be used in different breeding programme for yield improvement in sweet sorghum, more particularly during rabi season in Assam.

Physiological performance of sweet sorghum in Assam

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a self-pollinated, diploid (2n=20), C4 grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. It is a drought tolerant crop, used as food for humans and feed for animals. Currently, the crop has been given more importance due to its capacity to produce bio-ethanol or bio fuels. As in Assam, its cultivation is very limited, therefore, a field experiment was conducted at ICR farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during rabi season of 2019-20 with twelve diverse genotypes of sweet sorghum with the objectives to evaluate sweet sorghum genotypes on the basis of morpho- physiological traits under rabi season. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and the crop was raised following the recommended package of practices. The morpho-physiological parameters of the crop and yield were recorded following standard methodologies. The results indicated significant differences in all the morpho-physiological parameters and grain yield among different sweet sorghum genotypes. All these characters were found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274, while significantly lower values of all the above were recorded in ICSV 13012. Among the genotypes, ICSV15006 possessed significantly higher plant height, number of tillers, total dry matter and total sugars in both stalks and grains at harvest. The number of green leaves, leaf area index, relative leaf water content, total leaf chlorophyll and absolute growth rate were also found significantly higher in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274. Significantly higher grain yield with 1.06 t ha-1 was observed in the genotype ICSV 15006 followed by ICSV 25274 with 1.03 t ha-1. Based on morpho-physiological characters and yield, the genotypes ICSV 15006 and ICSV 25274 were identified as the superior genotypes which can be used in different breeding programme for yield improvement in sweet sorghum, more particularly during rabi season in Assam.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.). Moench) Genotypes using Principal Components and Cluster Analysis

Aims: Understanding and using the genetic variation in sorghum genotypes is crucial for enhancing the crop because sorghum is a significant grain yield crop in worldwide. Selective breeding will be made possible by a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity among the genotypes. So, it will soon be possible to profile the genetic diversity of sorghum. In the current study, the genetic diversity of 28 sorghum genotypes was examined using 10 quantitative characters.
 Study Design: Randomized block design (RBD) with four replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Between February 2022 and May 2022.
 Methodology: The descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were carried out for each of the 10 quantitative characters. Using principal component analysis (PCA), the proportion of each trait's contribution to overall genetic variation was looked at. Plotting the first two Principal components in opposition to one another allowed the identification of patterns of variability among genotypes and characteristics. Using the Ward’s linkage approach, hierarchical clustering was carried out on the Euclidean distance matrix.
 Results: Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) shows the significant genetic variability inherent in the sorghum genotype at 1% level of significance. Correlation revealed the connection between panicle width and 1000 seed weight to grain yield per plant was quite favorable and significant. The Scree plot of the variables gives that the first three Principal components (PC), which have eigenvalues greater than one, collectively explained about 74.15% of the total variation. By Biplot, ICSB 541, ICSV 15013, ICSB 52, ICSB 24001 and Macia show higher value of Panicle width, 1000 Seed weight and Grain yield per plant. B35 has considerably longer and wider leaves. By Cluster analysis, cluster II is important which had the greatest mean values for panicle width, 1000 seed weight and Grain yield per plant. Cluster II and III had the maximum intercluster distance (4.43).
 Conclusion: Based on the quantitative character data, the genotypes ICSB 541 and ICSV 15013 were shown to be superior for earliness and high yield for grain yield in this study. Therefore, in order to produce better types, these genotypes should be utilized in subsequent breeding programmes.

Increased signal-to-noise ratios within experimental field trials by regressing spatially distributed soil properties as principal components.

Environmental variability poses a major challenge to any field study. Researchers attempt to mitigate this challenge through replication. Thus, the ability to detect experimental signals is determined by the degree of replication and the amount of environmental variation, noise, within the experimental system. A major source of noise in field studies comes from the natural heterogeneity of soil properties which create microtreatments throughout the field. In addition, the variation within different soil properties is often nonrandomly distributed across a field. We explore this challenge through a sorghum field trial dataset with accompanying plant, microbiome, and soil property data. Diverse sorghum genotypes and two watering regimes were applied in a split-plot design. We describe a process of identifying, estimating, and controlling for the effects of spatially distributed soil properties on plant traits and microbial communities using minimal degrees of freedom. Importantly, this process provides a method with which sources of environmental variation in field data can be identified and adjusted, improving our ability to resolve effects of interest and to quantify subtle phenotypes.

Sorghum Physiology and Adaptation to Abiotic Stresses

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is the world's fifth most important cereal and a staple crop for nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, with great biomass production potential. In the dry and semi-arid tropics, it may be considered as a source of human food, grain, and pasture for cattle, as well as fuel. Abiotic stress factors such as drought, warmth, salt, and submergence remain key limitations to crop growth and yield as a result of climate change. Although sorghum can resist a variety of conditions such as heat, drought, salt, and floods, in dry and semi-arid areas, this crop is typically damaged by water stress at the post-flowering stage. Drought tolerance is a result of morphological and anatomical characteristics (thick leaf wax, leaf rolling, deep root system, and kranz anatomy), as well as physiological responses such as osmotic adjustment via osmoprotectants, stay green traits, quiescence, and ROS-scavenging enzymes such as catalases (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidases (POD), and ascorbate peroxida (APX). Drought resistance is enhanced by functional proteins such as aquaporin, late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins, heat shock protein, and regulatory proteins such as protein kinase, various transcription factors such as DREB2, bZIP, and phytohormones such as ABA and ethylene. Drought-tolerant sorghum genotypes contain greater osmolyte, chlorophyll, RWC decrease, leaf rolling, and up-regulation of various enzymes and regulatory proteins. When breeding for drought resistance, it's crucial to understand the various drought tolerance mechanisms in plants. The key to generating abiotic stress-tolerant agricultural plants in the future is to understand the physiological underpinning of crop production, crop responses, and crop adaptability in stress-prone locations under sustainable agriculture.

Genetic diversity analysis of East African sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) germplasm collections for agronomic and nutritional quality traits

Breeding for climate-resilient, high-yielding, and nutrient-rich sorghum cultivars is essential for sustainable food systems and enhanced livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the genetic diversity among East African sorghum germplasm collections through agronomic and nutritional quality traits to select promising lines for direct production or breeding. A collection of 348 sorghum germplasm was field evaluated at two locations in Uganda using an augmented design, and grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents were profiled. Data were collected on 20 sorghum agro-morphological traits and Fe and Zn compositions. A significant (P ≤ 0.05) variation was detected amongst the test genotypes for all the assessed traits, suggesting the presence of sufficient genetic diversity for selection. High heritability (H2 > 0.60) and genetic advance as percent of the mean (GA >20%) were computed for grain yield, Zn content, and selected agronomic traits, ensuring genetic gains through selection. A significant positive correlation was recorded between Fe and Zn concentrations (r = 0.32, P < 0.001), allowing simultaneous selection for the two nutrient compositions. Cluster analysis based on phenotypic traits resolved the test sorghum genotypes into four distinct genetic groups. Six genotypes with superior agronomic traits and high Fe and Zn contents were identified for production or potential parents for quality breeding. Overall, the current study found considerable genetic variation among East African sorghum germplasm collections for strategic conservation and breeding in Uganda or similar agro-ecologies.

Farklı Azot Dozlarının Bazı Şeker Darısı [Sorghum bicolor var. saccharatum (L.) Mohlenb.] Genotiplerinin Yem Bitkisi Verimi Üzerine Etkileri

This study was carried out to determine the forage production potentials of different sweet sorghum genotypes under Mediterranean-type climate conditions as the second crop in 2020. Three different sweet sorghum genotypes (Erdurmuş, Uzun varieties, and M81-E line) and four nitrogen doses (0.0, 7.5 12.5, 17.5 kg da-1) were used in this research. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Some parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, plant number per m2, leaf number, leaf and stem ratio, forage yield, and dry matter yield of sweet sorghum genotiyps were investigated in the experiment. According to the results, M81-E gave the highest values in terms of stem diameter, leaf number, forage yield, and dry matter yield parameter compared to other genotypes. Forage yield values of the genotypes were between 2969.9 and 5815.0 kg da-1 and dry matter yield values were 1105.7 and 2837.8 kg da-1. Forage yield values vary between 2920.1 and 4674.6 kg da-1 for the nitrogen doses. The highest forage yield was obtained at 12.5 and 17.5 kg da-1 nitrogen doses, which were in the same statistical group. Fertilization can be made with a 12.5 kg da-1 nitrogen dose in sweet sorghum due to the negative environmental effects of chemical fertilizers.

Root System Response of Selected Rabi Sorghum Genotypes to Varied Soil Moisture Regimes

Root System Response of Selected Rabi Sorghum Genotypes to Varied Soil Moisture Regimes

UTILIZATION OF MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS TO ASCERTAIN SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ENHANCED NUTRITIOUS FODDER YIELD AND CONTRIBUTING ATTRIBUTES IN SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor L.)

To get desired level of agricultural crop production, researchers are working hard to achieve appropriate plant genetics which should counterpart with management practices and prevalent environmental conditions. Plant breeders can be more effective in the development of stress tolerant crop cultivars and hybrids when the genetic mechanisms of key traits are understood. The scope of this study was to investigate the genetic potential for divergence and association analysis of fodder yield and quality contributing attributes in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench]. Twenty genotypes of sorghum from USDA and Pakistan were assessed for 10 quantitative traits to recognize the supreme genotypes with balanced fodder quality as well as nutritional aspects. Phenotypic measurements indicated significant variation in plant height (45.33cm to 104.67cm), number of leaves per plant (10.00 to 17.67), leaf area (158.20 cm2 to 356.52 cm2), inter-nodal distance (5.86 cm to 12.10 cm), stem girth (7.36 mm/inch to 11.547 mm/inch), green forage yield (259.62 g to 584.90 g), crude fibre (13.42 % to 31.64 %), crude protein (3.77 % to 6.68 %), total ash contents (8.87 % to 20.65 %) and total digestible nutrients (52.89 % to 72.47 %). Among all the genotypes under investigation U-58 and P-19 performed the best for forage yield and quality related parameters. Green forage yield, crude protein and total digestible nutrient were the traits which were positively correlated with each other in cluster 3, so can be used as selection criteria. This study provided the baseline for future breeding program to maximize the forage yield and quality attributes.

Performance of open-pollinated and hybrid fodder varieties of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)] in Grid regionLakshman

The present study was an effort to compare the performance of fodder open-pollinated and hybrids sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)] in the Grid region. Two advanced sweet sorghum genotypes of open-pollinated (SPSSV15; SPSSV20), and two hybrids (PAC52093; SPSSH19) were planted at four locations of Grid region viz. two each at Sithouli (26.140° N, 78.196° E; 27.205° N, 77.498° E) and Turari (26.122° N, 78.177° E; 26.138° N, 78.207° E) of Gwalior District during rainy season of 2021. The seeds were sown using the manual dibbling method at a uniform depth of 5 cm during the second week of June in 3 replications. The recommended dose of fertilizers was applied in the form of urea, single super phosphate, and muriate of potash. Data on plant height, biomass accumulation, days to flowering and physiological maturity were recorded using standard procedures. At the 50 per cent flowering stage, ten representative plants from the four central rows of each plot were sampled. The plant biomass was oven-dried, ground and used for chemical estimation. Suitable statistical methods were used to analyze the data. The hybrid SPSSH19 proved superior to the rest of the genotypes under study in terms overall fodder performance and can be recommended as a fodder crop in the Grid region. Keywords: Grid Region, Hybrid sorghum, Nutrient Yield, Open-pollinated sorghum, Sorghum Fodder, Sweet Sorghum.

EFFECTS OF NaCl, DROUGHT, DRAINAGE AND BIOGAS WASTE WATER APPLICATIONS ON MAIZE AND SORGHUM SEEDLING GROWTH

A research study was conducted to evaluate the impact of different stress conditions on the seedling growth rate of maize cultivars and sorghum cultivars. Drought stress, biogas water, and wastewater stress with salt NaCl were applied as treatments to maize and sorghum. The results were statistically analyzed. There were significant differences between the maize and sorghum seedling growth and development during different stress conditions. Sorghum varieties more effectively withstand stress conditions as compared with maize plants. Data was collected for plant dry weight, leaf area, fresh root weight, and fresh shoot weight. The sorghum genotypes showed batter performance and growth under biogas wastewater application. The excellent performance under biogas wastewater indicated that its applications may be helpful to improve crop plant production under stress conditions.