Researcher(s)
- Randii James, Biological Sciences, University Of Maryland Global Campus
- , , University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Qi Mu, Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Delaware
Abstract
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an essential cereal crop cultivated for its diverse uses in food, fodder, and fuel. As climate change increasingly impacts crop productivity, genetic improvement is key to developing sorghum varieties that can better withstand these environmental shifts. Characterization of genetic diversity of sorghum is vital for understanding the dynamics of the genetic resources and for enhancing its resilience and productivity in the face of climate variability. The study aims to assess phenotypic diversity of three yield-associated traits using a sorghum genetic population. Additionally, we aim to determine whether the variability in these traits were primarily attributed to genetic effects. A field trial was conducted during the summer of 2024 at the University of Delaware Research Farm in Newark, DE. A total of 246 sorghum lines, encompassing 243 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two sorghum inbred lines, Tx430 and P898012, were planted in randomized complete block design with two replications. Three yield-associated traits, stand count, plant height, and SPAD readings, were collected to provide insights into plant density, growth vigor, and chlorophyll content, respectively, to evaluate overall growth and performance of the sorghum genotypes. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that genotype has a significant effect on plant height, stand count, and SPAD readings. Our preliminary results showed ranges of 1 to 47 for stand count, 79 cm to 259 cm for plant height measured 62 days after planting, and 32.4 to 65.1 for SPAD readings measured 60 days after planting, highlighting the extent of phenotypic diversity present in the experimental population. The study showed significant phenotypic variability present among the sorghum genotypes for the yield-associated traits, which can be used as genetic resources for the genetic improvement of sorghum in breeding programs. Future research will focus on mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these traits to better understand the genetic basis and enhance targeted improvements in sorghum’s resilience and productivity.