Genetic analysis of certain morpho-physiological characters in rab; sorghum

Abstract

The productivity of rabi sorghum in India (611 kg ha-1) is lower compared to kharif sorghum (1000 kg ha-1) [1]. Unlike kharif scenario, wherein perceptible area is under hybrids, much of post rainy season sorghum area is still under local cultivars or land races. Therefore, there is a need for the development of hybrids adapted to post rainy season, to enhance production and productivity levels. Use of rabi based cytoplasmic male sterile and restorer lines is a recent concept, based on which two hybrids viz., CSH 15R and 19R with yield potential of 3.0-3.5 t ha-1 were released. For further yield improvement, it is necessary that heterosis level and stability of productivity under rabi production system should be improved [2]. An attempt has been made in the present investigation to estimate the nature of gene action and to identify good general combiners for grain yield as well as certain physiological characters important for rabi adaptation, by combining ability analysis.