Assessment of a New Senegalese Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Collection for Grain Yield and Tolerance to Anthracnose and Grain Molds

Abstract

Sorghum is an important cereal crop for smallholder farmers’ food security in many countries in West Africa. However, its production has stagnated due to several factors, such as anthracnose and grain molds. Thus, a study was conducted to identify local germplasms that combine high grain yield and resistance to anthracnose and grain molds under Senegalese environments. A set of 256 genotypes was assessed at Sefa, Sinthiou and Kolda research stations using an incomplete blocks design with two replications. Agro-morphological and phytopathological data were collected. The results revealed a huge phenotypic variation between the genotypes for all traits. The flowering time varied from 43 to 126 days after sowing, while the panicle length varied from 10 to 60 cm. The genotypes were generally more productive at Sinthiou (1653 Kg ha − 1 ) compared to Kolda (164 kg ha − 1 ) research stations. The disease parameters were significantly and positively associated, while the flowering time was strongly and positively associated to grain mold score. The genotypes were classified into three groups with plant height, panicle diameter and length, flowering time and grain mold score as the most discriminating parameters. The genotypes belonging to cluster 3, in addition of being more productive and more resistant to grain mold and anthracnose, have longer panicles. These genotypes present promising prospects for inclusion in breeding programs focused on advancing sorghum yield and disease resistance in Senegal.