Evaluation of selected grain sorghum hybrids (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and their three successive segregating generations in three different environments

Abstract

The introduction of hybrid seed in developing countries may be in conflict with the tradition of saving seed for the next planting. This study evaluates 15 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) hybrids and their three successive generations in three environments. Under optimum conditions for all 15 genotypes segregating generations yielded as well as the F1 generation. Under moisture stress and late planting, the F2 generation showed inbreeding depression for yield and kernels per panicle. Height, panicle length and test weight were reduced and flowering was hastened for all segregating generations. Kernel weight was not affected by segregation. This study indicates that under optimal conditions it is possible to find a line among segregating generations of sorghum that is superior to its F1 hybrid.