Genetic analysis of male sterility genes in different A and B sorghum lines

Abstract

Hybrid seed production requires use of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). Without this system, hybrid seed production would not be economically feasible. There is, therefore, need for developing A and B sorghum lines, as an essential step for development of hybrid sorghum industry.  A genetic study of male sterility in different A and B sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) lines was conducted at the research farm Institute for Agriculture Research in Samaru and Kadawa. Chi-square test revealed goodness-of-fit to single gene of observed proportion of sterile and fertile plants to the expected ratio in all the backcross generations, thereby upholding the assumption of single gene inheritance for the traits studied. Stability of male sterile genes across generations of backcrosses indicated that sterility was inherited 68 to 95% among the different genotypes. Based on high number of sterile plants, crosses 159 x 160 and 421 x 422 are the best in terms of breeding potential for male sterility.
Sorghum bicolor

Key words:  Backcrosses, Chisquare, Sorghum bicolor