Yield of Photoperiod‐sensitive Sorghum Hybrids Based on Guinea‐race Germplasm under Farmers’ Field Conditions in Mali

• DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2013.03.0182
• Publication Date: 2013-10-08T18:28:13Z
• Authors: H.F.W. Rattunde; E. Weltzien; B. Diallo; A.G. Diallo; M. Sidibe; A.O. Touré; A. Rathore; R.R. Das; W.L. Leiser; A. Touré
• Keywords: Germ plasm; Plant Breeding

ABSTRACT The first sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] hybrids based on West African Guinea‐race‐derived parents were created to enhance farmer's food security and income through increased yields. To assess their performance, eight hybrids, six experimental pure‐line cultivars, one check (Lata), a highly adapted landrace cultivar (Tieble) evaluated in 27 farmer‐managed two on‐station yield trials Mali, Africa, from 2009 2011. confirmed have photoperiod sensitivity similar the well‐adapted Guinea cultivar. Genotypic differences for on‐farm grain significant genotype × environment crossover interactions limited. superiorities of individual relative check, ranged 17 37% over trials. three top yielding showed 30% advantages across productivity levels, with absolute averaging 380 kg ha −1 under lower (1.0–1.5 t ) 660 higher (2.0–3.5 conditions. A mean male‐parent (better parent) heterosis 26% was observed four having Lata as male parent. As studied here obtained low intensity selection using limited number parents, even greater may be attained development distinct parental pools scaled‐up hybrid breeding.