Genetic Divergence and Path Coefficient Studies in Forage Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Genetic divergence and path coefficient studies in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)” involving thirty five genotypes was undertaken to examine the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence. All the thirty five forage sorghum genotypes were tested in randomized block design with three replications during Kharif 2017. Observations were recorded for days to 50% flowering, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, total soluble solids and green fodder yield. Analysis of variance revealed substantial amount of variability among the genotypes for all the characters under study, indicated wide spectrum of variability among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for plant height, leaf area, stem girth, number of leaves per plant and leaf stem ratio, indicating the preponderance of additive gene effects for these traits and hence may prove useful for effective selection. Green fodder yield exhibited significant stable and positive association with leaf length, leaf breadth and number of leaves per plant at genotypic and phenotypic level. These traits may be considered as important yield component in sorghum. Leaf area displayed high order of direct effect on green fodder yield followed by leaf breadth and leaf length suggested that these characters should be used for selection of desirable genotype after hybridization between the accessions for creating wide spectrum of favorable genetic variability for improvement of green fodder yield in sorghum. Genotype from the same geographical region fell into different clusters and vice-versa. This suggested that selections of parents for hybridization should be on genetic diversity rather than on the geographical areas. The percent contribution of leaf stem ratio followed by green fodder yield, plant height and number of leaves per plant contributed most towards genetic divergence. Genetic divergence study suggested that crosses between the genotypes cluster IV (HJ-513 and UP Chari-1) and cluster V (CSV-15 and SPV-815) and genotypes of cluster VI (Pant Chari-4) for getting better hybrid vigour in F1 or better hybrids and also for good recombinants in segregating population.