Combining Ability of Lowland Adapted Ethiopian Sorghum Hybrids for Yield

Abstract

Abstract
This study was conducted with the objective to assess the performances of hybrids
developed from early and medium maturing lowland adapted Ethiopian sorghum
inbred lines. A total of 95 hybrids and three checks were tested using alpha lettuce
design with two replications at Meiso and Sheraro. All agronomic practices were
done on time as recommended. Based on the results obtained from the analysis
positive and significant GCA values among the female lines were recorded by
ICSV96143, ICSR93034, IESV92168-DC and ETSL101565. Likewise, tester
TX623A were identified as most promising parents having good general
combining ability for grain yield and almost all its major yield components.
Similarly, for grain yield, 15 hybrid combinations had significant advantage over
their respective standard check Melkam. Among these hybrids the highest was
obtained from MARC6A x IESV23010DL (78%) followed by TX623A x
ETSL101859 (71%) and TX623A x ETSL100684 (67%). The information generated
from the present study can be used for breeders who want to improve yield and
yield-contributing traits of sorghum by understanding the genetic relationship
among inbred lines.