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Yield Stability of Sorghum Random-Mating Populations¹

With the advent of random-mating populations in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], recurrent selection techniques are being utilized. The success of recurrent selection procedures depends on the yield level and yield stability of the base population to which the selection method is applied. To determine yield level and yield stability, four random-mating populations (two fertility restoring or R and two fertility nonrestoring or B), eight population crosses (combinations of R x and B x R), and two F₁ hybrids were tested in five environments. Although no group was clearly the most stable, the F₁ hybrids had the highest yield and their coefficient for the regression of yield on an environmental index was nearest to unity. However, their deviation from regression was significantly higher than the pooled error. The population crosses, having the second best yield level and regression coefficient, the smallest deviation from regression, and presumably, the largest genetic variance for yield, were judged to be the most stable group.

The analysis of variance showed significant differences for yield within the F₁ hybrids, within the populations, and among the means of the F₁'s and the population material. In addition, a significant entry X environment interaction was found. This interaction was shown to be significant in its component terms of comparison x environment (linear) among and within groups. These interactions indicated differences among and within groups for their response to a change in environment.

Within each population type, the wide based population with a larger genetic variance for yield was as stable as its narrower based counterpart. These wider based populations should respond successfully to population improvement techniques.

Key Words: Yield level • Regression • Population crosses • Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

² Research assistant, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE; geneticist, SEA, USDA, Lincoln, NE; and professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583.

Received for publication October 27, 1977.