Comparative Evaluation of Different Sorghum (Sorghum hieolor L. Moench) Cultivars on the Basis of Chemical Tests

Twelve varieties of sorghum (Sorghum hicolor) were studied by chemical tests viz. phenol and modified phenol test, FeSO₄ test, KOH-bleach test, and response of GA₃ and 2, 4-D. The varieties included were HC-136, HC-171, HC-260, HC-308, PC-1, PC-6, PC-9, PC-23, PC-121, SSG59-3,CSV-15 and MP-Chari. Based on phenol test sorghum varieties can be grouped into four categories viz. light brown (PC-6, PC-9), brown and black (SSG 59-8). In the case of modified phenol test, two groups were identified i.e. group A and group B, group A is characterized into dull grey, light grey, dark grey and brown colour and group B included light buff colour, yellow colour light brown, brown and brownish red. Seven varieties showed light grey colours, one variety (PC-6) showed yellow colour, two grey and two black colour in response to ferrous sulphate test. KOH-bleach test broadly divided these varieties into two groups, off white colour (seven varieties) and red colour (five varieties). Response to GA₃ and 2,4-D in comparison to control helped to differentiate the varieties from each other on the basis of effect on germination (plumule and radicle length).