Stability analysis for seed longevity in landraces of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Abstract

Seed longevity in sorghum is a major determinant in seed production and germplasm preservation. Forty-six local landraces representing nine genetic races of sorghum were evaluated under accelerated aging and natural storage conditions to study the genotype-environment interactions and the stability of landraces for seed longevity. Genotype-environment interactions were highly significant indicating the influence of storage conditions on seed longevity. The stability of landraces was estimated using mean (xi), regression coefficient (bi) and regression deviation (S2di). Environmental indices for the seed longevity traits were high in E1 (fresh seed) followed by E2 (accelerated aged seeds), E3 (stored seeds for 12 months) and E4 (stored seeds for 24 months). Seven sorghum landraces viz., IC-345729 (Bicolor), IC-347571 (Caudatum), IC-347577 (Durra), IC-345244 (Durra), IC-415803 (Durra), IC-415822 (Durra bicolor) and IC-415829 (Guinea bicolor) were stable for seed longevity. These genotypes are therefore, recommended for use in further breeding to improve seed longevity in sorghum, which otherwise is generally poor.