Evaluation of Seven Sorghums, Selfed and Crossed to Three Cytoplasmic Male-Sterile Lines

Abstract

Seven grain sorghum lines (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) selected from the Sorghum Conversion Program (SCP) and their F₁ hybrids from crosses with CK-60, Martin, and Redlan were evaluated. Days to midflower, height, rust (Puccinia purpurea Ckd.) reaction, number of heads/plot, test weight, threshing percentage, and grain yield were rated or measured. The seven lines when selfed were, in general, the latest to reach midf lower. Four height groups were observed; the taller hybrids were the result of the complementary effect of different height factors in the parents. Rust ratings ranged from 2.9 to 4.9; F₁ hybrids Martin x 4, Martin x 7, and Redlan x 7 were the most susceptible to rust. Generally, sorghums with a high grain yield also had a high test weight and thresh ing percentage. The grain yield ranged from 1,866 to 4,261 kg/ha. Mean yields were, on the average, 26% higher for F₁ hybrids than for their respective male parents. A 67% heterosis for grain yield was observed in two crosses invo lving Martin and Redlan female parents.