Genetic analysis for yield and quality traits in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Genetic and joint regression analysis was carried out in 28 F-1 hybrids and their 8 diverse parents for fodder yield, its quality and other yield related traits. Predominant nonadditive type gene effects for yield, whereas additive type for quality traits were observed. The parents SRF286, SRF305 and RSSV104 had good gca effects for yield and component characters. High sca effect for yield was recorded for hybrid GFS3xGFS4 involving parents with poor gca effects. Amongst the parents, SRF 286, SRF305 and SRF311 and hybrids SRF286xSRF305, RSSV104xAKFSV2 were stable across the environments with high mean values for yield, quality and other yield contributing traits. The linear and non-linear components were significant for all the characters studied which indicated significant differences among the genotypes for their regression on environmental indices. GxE interaction played a significant role in determining linear and non-linear regression for the traits viz., plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf: stem ratio, stem juiciness, green fodder yield and dry matter yield revealing differences in stability across the environments.