Agromophological charecterization of tropical sorghum genetic resources by farmers

Abstract

The global characterization of genetic resources remains a key priority in crop breeding and improvement of neglected crops, such as sorghum. The current study sought to determine preferred agromorphological traits of selected sorghum genetic resources by farmers selected in three districts of Matabeleland, North Province of Zimbabwe. Two demonstration plots were set out in each district following a seven genotype × three blocks lattice design to grow the selected genotypes during the 2022/23 cropping season. A field day was organized in each district, where 40 panelists of sorghum farmers characterized sorghum genetic resources from African gene banks on key agromorphological traits using a uniform score sheet. Highly significant (χ2- pr < 0.001) differences in the preference of sorghum genotypes by farmers were revealed by the Kruskal Wallis test. Genotype IS24426 ranked first and was considered superior by farmers for agromorphological, yield component, and grain quality traits. SV4, a popular commercial Seedco. Variety, was ranked first in terms of stem thickness; panicle shape, grain color, and endosperm texture. Genotype IS30015 had the least preferred traits and scored the lowest. Spearman’s correlation revealed a positive correlation in almost all the traits with the strongest association between grain color and three traits: endosperm texture (r = 0.80***), grain size (r = 0.77***), and day to maturity (0.77***). The most preferred traits should be considered by breeders when developing improved sorghum varieties to increase farmers’ adoption in typical semi-arid areas.