Development of Sorghum Genotypes for Improved Yield and Resistance to Grain Mold Using Population Breeding Approach

Area of Science:

• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Agronomy
• Crop Science

Background:

• Grain mold infection in sorghum significantly reduces grain quality and usability, necessitating breeding for resistance.
• Traditional pedigree breeding is common, but complex genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) challenge the development of stable, high-performing resistant lines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop sorghum genotypes with enhanced grain mold resistance using a population breeding strategy.
• To analyze genotype × environment interactions (GEIs) affecting grain yield (GY) and grain mold resistance.
• To identify stable, high-yielding, and mold-resistant sorghum genotypes through multi-location evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 33 population breeding derivatives across four locations during the rainy season.
• Utilized Genotype plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis to dissect GEIs for GY and grain mold resistance.
• Employed genotype-by-trait biplots to understand trait associations and identify ideal testing locations.

Main Results:

• Location and genotype × location (G × L) interactions significantly influenced GY and grain mold resistance.
• Dharwad emerged as an ideal location for simultaneously selecting for GY and grain mold resistance.
• Genotype-by-trait analysis revealed GY is influenced by flowering time, 100-grain weight, and plant height, while resistance is linked to glume coverage and plant height.

Conclusions:

• Population breeding effectively identified promising sorghum genotypes for grain mold resistance and yield.
• The independence of GY and grain mold score suggests potential for simultaneous improvement of both traits.
• Targeted breeding strategies within identified location clusters can optimize the selection of superior genotypes.