Inheritance of Stimulant Production by Sorghum Roots for Striga (Striga Asiatiga [L.]) Germination

The inheritance of stimulant production of sorghum genotypes for two strlga sources was studied with the help of 7×7 diallel. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were found important in the inheritance of this character. However, the magnitude of additive gene action was higher indicating effectiveness of selection for low stimulant lines. The reciprocal differences were also significant and hence this source of variation requires to be accounted while making crosses between low and high stimulant producing lines.

The genotype × striga source interaction was significant indicating differential behaviour of sorghum genotypes to the two striga sources. The variety S-1841 was stimulant negative and good combiner for low stimulant production for both the striga sources. The varieties CSV-5, CSV-8R and 2077B had differential response to the striga source.