Integration of canonical correlation, cluster analysis, and MGISI for identifying stable fertility restorers in Maldandi cytoplasmic background of sorghum

Abstract

Sorghum, often referred to as the “camel crop,” is one of the most important nutri-cereals for the global population. Though rabi sorghum is better in quality as compared to kharif crop, the yield level of rabi hybrids is lesser, which necessitates development of high yielding rabi hybrids. Additionally, to overcome cytoplasmic uniformity, it is essential to develop hybrids based on alternate cytoplasmic sources other than milo (A1 cytoplasm). In this context, a study was conducted using an F­4 population derived from the cross PKV Kranti × DSMR 8, where DSMR 8 is a reported restorer for the A4 cytoplasm, while PKV Kranti is known for its quality and is a ruling rabi variety. The population was subjected to Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) to identify the relationships between fertility restoration traits and yield-related traits. A mutualistic association was observed between the two groups of variables, indicating that improvement in one could positively influence the other. Among the ten F4 families evaluated, the families 75R, 69R, and 54R exhibited strong restoration ability along with desirable yield traits, as confirmed through integrated multivariate analyses. These promising families can be further advanced in cascade breeding programs to develop superior restorers with enhanced agronomic performance for the maldandi cytoplasmic background in sorghum.