Morphological Variation in the Wild-Weedy Complex of Sorghum Bicolour In Situ in Western Kenya: Preliminary Evidence of Crop-To-Wild Gene Flow ?

Okeno, J A and Mutegi, E and de Villiers, S and et al, . (2012) Morphological Variation in the Wild-Weedy Complex of Sorghum Bicolour In Situ in Western Kenya: Preliminary Evidence of Crop-To-Wild Gene Flow ? International Journal of Plant Sciences, 173 (5). pp. 507-515. ISSN 1058-5893

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Abstract

Crop wild relatives are important components of agroecosystems and have over the years been exploited in breeding programs as sources of genes for novel traits. Information on the extent and patterns of variability is important in formulating effective conservation and utilization strategies for existing crop wild relative populations. We conducted surveys and collections of wild and weedy accessions of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench in Lambwe Valley in western Kenya in order to investigate occurrence, distribution, and morphological variability in the wild-weedy complex of S. bicolor under local agroecological conditions. We also attempted to understand the role, if any, of crop-to-wild gene flow in structuring variability within and among populations. The morphological data presented here showed wide variability within wild-weedy sorghum populations with respect to habitats and morphotypes. True wild sorghum populations in national parks and the sugarcane belt were clearly distinguishable from the putative hybrids or intermediate forms found in sorghum fields, in sorghum field margins, and, to some extent, by the roadside near sorghum fields. The existence of these intermediate forms is empirical evidence of introgression between cultivated sorghum and its wild-weedy relatives. Extensive introgression, especially within in situ conservation areas and/or in areas of high diversity, would lead to genetic erosion and possible depletion of these important wild sorghum genetic resources.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	morphological diversity, sorghum, farmer practices, introgression.
Subjects:	Mandate crops > Sorghum
Depositing User:	Mr Siva Shankar
Date Deposited:	30 May 2012 03:22
Last Modified:	16 Aug 2013 10:32
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/5939
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/665266
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products, Iowa State University
Acknowledgement:	The funds from the Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products, Iowa State University, for the visiting scientist program enabled J. A. Okeno to participate in this study. Also appreciated is Dr. Kendall Lamkey, Chair of the Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, for providing an Agronomy Endowment travel grant to J. A. Okeno to make a reconnaissance trip to sorghum fields in Lambwe Valley, Kenya. We are also grateful to Zachary Muthamia for logistical support we obtained from the National Gene Bank of Kenya. We highly acknowledge the entry permit and security accorded us by the Kenya Wildlife Services to enter and collect wild sorghum in Ruma National Park. Last, but not least, we are indebted to Jonathan Hirsi, Charles Ndiege, and Richard Otip for participating in all sample collection trips.
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