Title: Assessment of genetic diversity in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) for reactions to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth
Abstract: Striga is the largest biological barrier to sorghum production in several sorghum growing areas in Africa and Asia. Field experiments were conducted to assess the diversity of 49 sorghum genotypes for their reaction to Striga hermonthica and grouped them. Different multivariate analysis, including principal component and cluster analysis, were made on 15 (for Striga-infested) and 6 (for non-infested) yield, yield attributes and Striga resistance/tolerance parameters. The result showed that the first four and three PCs explained 77 and 73 % of the total variation under Striga infested and non-infested conditions, respectively. Emerged Striga counts at 17 and 20 weeks after planting, Striga severity , Striga vigor, area under Striga number progress curve and area under Striga severity progress curve were the most important traits in the first PC. However, grain yield and dry weight had strong association and were loaded on the second PC. Scatter plot of PC1 and PC2 revealed sufficient diversity among genotypes and separated them with those field resistant and tolerant to Striga from the susceptible ones. The Ward's minimum variance cluster analysis grouped the 49 sorghum genotypes in to four and three distinct clusters under Striga infested and non-infested conditions, respectively. Under Striga infested condition, most members of cluster I and III showed adequate degree of Striga resistance and tolerance, while cluster II and IV exhibited susceptibility to Striga. From these observations, it could be suggested that rich genetic sources of resistance and tolerance are available in a range of landrace, which could be utilized for future breeding and germplasm conservation programs aimed at improving Striga resistance and tolerance in sorghum.
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 10
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