Selection for drought resistance in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)moench)

摘要

The influence of moisture stress on grain yield, thousand-seed mass, seed number per ear, harvest index, biomass and ear number per plot was investigated in sorghum varieties and inbreds by planting them in duplicated trials, one of which was irrigated. Characteristics most severely affected by moisture stress were seed mass, harvest index and biomass. The Loss in seed number per ear was compensated for by increases in number of tillers. Under prevailing conditions, the most effective selection procedures would include selection for resistance to losses in yield or alternatively for harvest index, followed by selection far yield potential. Varieties were identified for various target areas with respect to differences in expected soil moisture conditions. Yield potential was negatively correlated with drought resistance and this became more pronounced under more severe moisture stress conditions.