Heterosis response and combining ability for green fodder yield and its quality traits in forage sorghum

A study was conducted to investigate the possibility of exploiting heterosis in breeding for improved quality in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and to identify parents with desirable genetic effects. 45 hybrids produced by crossing 3 cytoplasmic male sterile lines with 15 local males were evaluated for quality trait. Line x tester analysis was performed to study general and specific combining ability. The magnitudes of mid-parent, better-parent heterosis and standard heterosis were investigated. Hybrids with best heterotic and specific effects for some traits were also among the best in per se performance for the same traits. Crosses SURAT-1 x C-10-2 and SURAT-1 x GUNDRI exhibited significant standard heterosis in desirable direction for green fodder yield per plant, crude protein content and hydrocyanic acid content. The parental genotype SURAT-2 among females and GUNDRI & C-10-2 among males showed the highest gca effects, whereas the crosses SURAT-1 x C-10-2, SURAT-4 x UP CHARI and SURAT-2 x PHULE AMRUTA among hybrids exhibited the highest and significant sca effects for yield and its quality components. Hybrids low in NDF and CF percentage appears to be attainable without sacrificing high yield levels. It was concluded that exploiting heterosis in forage sorghum to improve quality traits might be promising.