Identification of germplasm lines for diversification of dual-purpose sorghums

Abstract

Characterization and evaluation of germplasm is a pre-requisite for diversifying the genetic base in breedingpopulations. Preliminary evaluation of 642 germplasm lines for 25 traits at MPUAT, Udaipur during 2014 rainyseason led to the identification of promising germplasm lines for each of the traits. Looking into the climatic patternof the region, early flowering, dual-purpose lines with terminal drought tolerance are preferred. The germplasmlines IC 484464, IC 484889 and IC 240866 were found promising. The principal components analysis clearlyshowed that the entire variation in the 642 sorghum germplasm lines cannot be explained on the basis of fewcharacters though glume covering, plant height and the number of leaves explained the variation in PC I explaining19.5% of the total variability. Trait association showed that the yield enhancement in Udaipur location representingzone III, can be brought about by breeding for early flowering, terminal drought tolerance (non-senescence), boldgrain, medium height, and tan plant colour background, apart from other significantly associated traits.