Stability analysis for quality traits in Forage Sorghum (Sorghum bicolour L. Moench)

The study involved the stability analysis of the parents and hybrids, using line x tester mating design. Twenty four hybrids along with their ten parents and checks ((SSG 59-3 and MFSH 4)) were evaluated at two locations with two dates of sowing (Early and late sowing) during the kharif season of 2015-16 for quality traits. Data on different qualiitative characters at first cut (55 days after sowing) and second cut (45 days after first cut) were recorded. Stable hybrids are desirable for commercial exploitation over a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. It is clear that mean sum of squares due to genotypes for all the characters were highly significant when tested against pooled deviation, which revealed that the hybrids had significant differences in response to varying environmental conditions. Five hybrids were found to have both bi and ¯Sdi2 significant, indicating the presence of both linear and non-linear components of G × E interaction for protein content. Hybrids 56A × IS 2389 was found stable, average responsive and suitable for all the test environments for IVDMD. The cross combination of 14A × HJ 513, 31A × HJ 541 and 14A × IS 2389 were found stable, average responsive and suitable for all the test environments for HCN content. On the otherhand, hybrids 465A × G 46 and 465A × IS 2389 and parent G 46 were found highly responsive and suitable for the favourable environments. Therefore, these hybrids can be utilized in further genetic study in future in plant breeding.