HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Blum, A. Articles by Arkin, G. F. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Blum, A. Articles by Arkin, G. F. Agricola Articles by Blum, A. Articles by Arkin, G. F.

Sorghum Root Morphogenesis and Growth. II. Manifestation of Heterosis¹

Manifestations of heterosis in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] aerial growth and grain yield are well documented. Meterosis in sorghum roots has not been reported. This study compared three grain sorghum hybrids (‘Combine Kafir-60’ x ‘Combine 7078’, Combine Kafir-60 x ‘Tx 2536’, and ‘Wheatland’ x Tx 2536) and their parents, in order to determine if and how heterosis is manifested in root morphogenesis and growth. Plants were grown in hydroponics in the greenhouse until 40 days after emergence. Measurements were made on leaf area, length of seminal and adventitious roots, initiation rate of adventitious roots and root volume.

Heterosis (advantage of the hybrid over its best parent) was significant in all hybrids for length of the seminal root, growth rate of adventitious roots, and root volume. Heterosis in root volume was probably a result of promoted number and growth of lateral root branches. Consistent heterosis was not revealed in number of adventitious roots per plant, nor in seminal and adventitious root dry matter.

The results are discussed in terms of current concepts of heterosis in sorghum. Possibilities for the development of some selection criteria for root improvement are suggested.

Key Words: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench • Hybrid vigor • Hydroponics • Breeding • Hybrid • Selection

² Visiting associate professor, presently at the Volcani Center, ARO, POB 6, Bet Dagan, Israel; and associate professors, Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Blackland Research Center, Temple, Tex.

Received for publication July 6, 1976.