Studies on grain mold tolerance in kharif sorghum (Sorghum bocolor L.)

The present study was conducted to find out the traits conferring grain mould tolerance in kharif sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and to study the genetic variability and character association related to grain mold tolerance. Experimental material comprising eighty four kharif sorghum genotypes (Table 3.1) along with 3 checks (296B (SC), B58586 (RC) and PVK 801) were sown following randamised block design with two replications. The characters grain color, FGMR, TGMR, glume color and grain hardness expressed high estimate of heritability accompanied with moderate to high genetic advance indicating additive gene action and thus selection for these characters in genetically diverse material would be more effective for desired genetic improvement. The significant and positive correlation of field grain mold rating had recorded with panicle compactness at both genotypic and phenotypic level. Whereas association was significant in negative and desirable direction with glume coverage, glume color, grain color, grain density, seed hardness and germination percentage. It may be concluded from the present study that the traits like glume coverage, glume color, grain color, grain hardness are important for improving grain mold tolerance. Hence, due consideration should be given to these characters, while planning a breeding strategy for increased grain yield and grain mold tolerance in kharif sorghum.