Local Taxonomy and Diversity of Chadian Sorghum [<i>Sorghum bicolor</i> (L.) Moench] Accessions

Abstract

The integration of local plant genetic resources into the breeding program is an asset for research. The objective of this study is to assess the diversity and analyze the management practices of cultivated sorghum. A questionnaire following a participatory approach was submitted to 675 producers in 45 villages. The cultivars collected were characterized using 9 qualitative descriptors. In total, 151 accessions and 191 names were inventoried. On average, 25.17 accessions per department and 3.36 accessions per village. Local taxonomy is based on many criteria expressed in different local languages. The most common method of naming is that to the word sorghum is added either the color of the grain, the precocity, or any element deemed relevant by the farmers. Significant variability in grain and panicle traits was observed within the collection, except the color of the endosperm. The rate of diversity loss is 11.52% and red grain sorghums are the most threatened with extinction. Five accessions groups are differentiated by the presence or absence of awns, the color of glumes, and amount of grain covered by glumes, grain plumpness, and form. Based on productivity, precocity, plant size, seed shape, and color, the farmers identified seven promising accessions. This potential will be preserved and developed in the sorghum varietal improvement program in Chad.