Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EXPLORING HETEROSIS IN KHARIF SORGHUM LANDRACES (SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH) FOR YIELD AND ITS ASSOCIATED TRAITS

N. Pugahendhi, B. Sunil Kumar, Karnam Venkatesh and P. Rajendrakumar

Abstract

The extent of heterosis was evaluated through Line x Tester analysis for twenty-seven hybrids, derived from 9 kharif landrace lines and 3 grain sorghum variety testers. Heterosis levels varied across all traits examined for each cross. Significantly high standard heterosis values were observed for grain yield per plant, panicle width, panicle length of primary branches, plant height, and number of leaves, while the remaining traits displayed moderate to low levels of heterosis. The highest positive heterosis for grain yield over the better parent was recorded at 44.17 percent. This enhancement in grain yield could be attributed to the heterosis exhibited in its constituent traits, particularly panicle width and panicle length of primary branches. Among the crosses, namely, EG 54XCSV 15 and ERN 26XCSV 15, exhibited high per se performance, high positive and statistically significant standard heterosis, as well as heterobeltiosis, along with high sca effects and involved at least one good combiner parent. Consequently, these specific crosses hold the potential for commercial exploitation in heterosis breeding programs.