Variation of adaptation of selected commercial hybrid grain sorghums (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and their two successive segregating generations to variable environments

Abstract

Crop performance depends on genotype, the environment in which the crop is grown, and interaction between genotype and environment. A measure of these effects is important in determining adaptation and in recommending crop genotypes to growers. In instances where hybrid seed has been introduced into developing countries, which often traditionally save seed for the next planting, determining the adaptation of genotypes and making accurate recomendations may be difficult. This experiment evaluated 15 commercial hybrid grain sorghums (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), along with their segregating F₂ and F₃ generations, for adaptation to variable moisture environments. Grain yield per entry in all tests was the main phenotypic character used to measure adaptation in environments differing in mean moisture stress. Grain yield was also the main characteristic used to observe changes through generations F₁ to F₃.There was an expected decrease in yield with decreased irrigation, and with advanced generations. A close association was observed between mean 3-year grain yield of the selected hybrids and their F₂ and F₃ progenies when grown in the same environment.