SHOWEMIMO F.A., KIMBENG C.A.
Abstract
Performances of five genetically diverse but homozygote sorghum cultivars were studied under uniform Striga infestation for three years in one location, using randomized complete block design with three replications. The genotypic performance revealed enough variability for further improvement. KSV-4 and SK-5912 are least affected by Striga activities, with their resistance dominant over susceptibility, thus, they are promising resistant cultivars. Genetic analysis revealed genetic component of variance to be higher in magnitude for shoot weight, Striga count and grain yield than those of genotype x year and error component of variance. Inheritance of Striga resistance traits was quantitatively inherited for grain yield (89.96%), Striga count (88.53%), plant height (82.75%), plant vigour (81.33%) and stem girth (51.74%).
Key words:
Variance components, heritability, genotypic performance, resistance, sorghum, Striga