Quantitative-genetic parameters of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in semi-arid areas of Kenya

Haussmann, B I G and Obilana, A B and Ayiecho, P O and Blum, A and Schipprack, W and Geiger, H H (1999) Quantitative-genetic parameters of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Euphytica, 105 (2). pp. 109-118. ISSN 0014-2336

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Abstract

Low and erratic rainfall constitutes a major constraint to sorghum production, and impedes sorghum improvement in semi-arid tropics. To estimate quantitative-genetic parameters for sorghum under variable stress conditions, three sets of factorial crosses between four by four lines each were grown with parents and a local cultivar in eight macro-environments in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Fourteen traits were recorded including grain yield, above-ground drymatter, harvest index, days to anthesis, leaf rolling score, and stay-green. Environmental means for grain yield ranged from 167 to 595 g m-2. Mean hybrid superiority over mid-parent values was 47, 31, and 9% for grain yield, above-ground drymatter, and harvest index, respectively. Differences among both lines and hybrids were highly significant for all traits. Genotype × environment interaction variances were larger than genotypic variances for grain yield, above-ground drymatter, and harvest index. Corresponding heritabilities ranged between 0.72 and 0.84. Variation among hybrids was determined by GCA and SCA effects for most characters. Predominance of additive-genetic effects was found for grain yield components, plant height, and leaf rolling score. Lack of variation in GCA was noted among female lines for major performance traits. While low leaf rolling score was correlated with high grain yield, there was no such association for stay-green. Hybrid breeding could contribute to sorghum improvement for semi-arid areas of Kenya. To increase selection progress for major performance traits, genetic variation among female lines should be enhanced. Importance of genotype × environment interaction underlines the necessity of evaluating breeding materials under a broad range of dryland conditions.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	Mandate crops > Sorghum
Depositing User:	Library ICRISAT
Date Deposited:	28 Dec 2011 05:16
Last Modified:	28 Dec 2011 05:16
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/5106
Official URL:	Http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1003469528461
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	German Israel Agricultural Research Agreement for Developing Countries
Acknowledgement:	The authors thank the following persons for their contribution to this investigation: the Director of the University of Nairobi Dryland Research Station at Kibwezi, Chris Mukindia and Eli Barak (Kibwezi Irrigation Project), the Directors, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) at Kiboko and Marigat, Mr Mutinda and Mr Haggai (KARI), Dr S.Z. Mukuru and Mr Kibuka (ICRISAT Kenya), Anthony Mutie and his family, Daniel Kalua, Vernand Ziro, and all other Kenyans who carefully assisted in the field work, Prof. Dr H.F. Utz, Dr G. Seitz, and Dr H.G. Welz (University of Hohenheim). Finally, they highly appreciate the generous financial support by the German Israel Agricultural Research Agreement for Developing Countries (GIARA).
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