Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
M Vijayalakshmi, D Kavithamani, R Chandirakala, A Senthil and R Rajeshwari

Abstract:
The adaptable crop sorghum excels at withstanding drought conditions better than other crops ensuring food security, it is regarded as a valuable food and feed crop all over the world. Fifty sorghum genotypes were evaluated based on the seedling shoot and root characters for drought tolerance by inducing artificial drought stress using PEG 6000MW on different osmotic stress viz., 0 bar, -2 bar, -5 bar and -7.5 bar. The highest germination percentage was recorded under severe stress condition (-7.5 bar) in Paiyur 2 and Tenkasi local. The genotypes viz., CSV 24 SS, K12, Maduraikattaivellai local, Muthaiyampalayam local, Tenkasi local and Vilathikulam local showed maximum shoot and root length under maximum osmotic stress imposed. In addition, K12 and TNS 661 were observed as the best performer for fresh and dry root weight whereas Muthaiyampalayam local and Chittalanthur local had high seedling vigour index.The traits viz., shoot length, root length, root-shoot length, fresh root weight, dry root weight and seedling vigour indexhadhigh heritability and genetic advance as percent of meanwhile germination percentage had moderate heritability and genetic advance as percent of mean. Hence, drought tolerant assessment and selection on seedling stage could be carried on the above seven traits. The trait seedling vigour index was highly associated with germination percentage, shoot length and root length, followed by root length with germination percentage and shoot length. The association studies revealed that trait seedling vigour index had a strong relationship with other traits considered. The present study identified the drought tolerant genotypes viz., K12, Muthaiyampalayam local and Tenkasi local and it could be utilized in the sorghum crop improvement programmes to develop drought tolerant varities/hybrids.