Studies on Genetic Divergence and Selection Parameters for Quantitative Traits in Forage Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L. Moench)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on genetic divergence and selection parameters for quantitative traits in forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)” involving thirty genotypes was undertaken to examine the genetic variability, heritability, genetic advance, character assoociation, path coefficient analysis and genetic divergence. All the thirty 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. Variability studies suggest that all characters like 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 indicated that this variation provides ample scope for the plant breeder in selection of superior genotypes for crop improvement. 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. Hence, selection made through these characters would be effective as they are more predominantly controlled by additive gene effects. Green fodder yield exhibited significant stable and positive association with leaf area at both genotypic and phenotypic level. These traits may be considered as important yield component in sorghum. Plant height displayed high order of direct effect on green fodder yield followed by stem girth, leaf breadth and leaf stem ratio 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 plant height followed by green fodder yield, leaf stem ratio and number of leaves per plant contributed most towards genetic divergence. Genetic divergence study suggested that crosses between the genotypes cluster VI (Pant Chari-8, CSV-16 and Pant Chari-7) and cluster III (CSV-15) and genotypes of cluster IV (CSV-17) for getting better hybrid vigour in F1 or better hybrids and also for good recombinants in segregating population.