Unlocking the Potential of Sorghum: Genetic Analysis for Dual-Purpose Genotypes with High Fodder and Grain Yield

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a dual-purpose crop, helps bridge the feed gap and integrate crop-livestock systems, especially in places with significant forage deficiencies. To address the need for superior dual-purpose sorghum lines with improved fodder quality and high grain production, this study evaluated 121 sorghum lines during kharif 2022 in Ludhiana and Faridkot, Punjab, India, using an alpha lattice design to assess genetic variability, heritability, and trait correlations among agro-morphological and quality traits. High (≥80%) genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for traits such as number of tillers/plant, 100-grain weight, and plant height, with high heritability (broad sense) observed for 100- grain weight and flavonoids (mg/g) content. The identification of high-performing lines like SCL4, ICS 14334, IS 8282, SL 44, SSV 84, and SCL 2, which combine high crude protein content (>8.0%) and increased grain production (>650 g/plot), highlights the potential of developing dual-purpose sorghum lines with improved nutritional and yield characteristics. Significant positive correlations were observed between crude protein (CP) and growth parameters, including leaf width, plant height, and dry matter yield (DMY). Furthermore, DMY was significantly associated with flavonoids and starch, underscoring the intricate balance between nutrient uptake, biomass production, and protein synthesis. These findings provide a strong foundation for breeding programs aimed at improving both production and nutritional quality in forage sorghum, addressing the growing need for sustainable dual-purpose crops.