Breeding Sorghums for High Protein Content and Quality

Considerable variability exists in sorghum for protein content (%), 100-seed weight, DBC values, DBC/Protein and protein per grain. Interesting cross combinations were observed where simultanous improvement in protein quantity and quality traits could be achieved. In breeding programmes aimed at protein improvement, it is essential to select parents with high protein synthesizing ability instead of choosing parents solely on protein percentage. The methodology of DBC per unit protein used in the present investigation is likely to be useful in identifying high lysine lines.