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Original Research
Potential traits for aiding selection for high grain yield based on trait association and path analysis in sorghum
Submitted: 14 October 2024 | Published: 13 June 2025
About the author(s)
Miriam K. Chibvongodze, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, ZimbabweEdmore Gasura, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Casper N. Kamutando, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Stanford Mabasa, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Brighton Makovere, Department of Plant Production Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Elijah Nyakudya, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Ancilia Nhamo, Department of History, Heritage and Knowledge Systems, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Florence Mtambanengwe, Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Paul Mapfumo, Department of Soil Science and Environment, Faculty of Agriculture Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Abstract
Background: Simultaneous breeding of grain yield and desirable agronomic traits are effective when the traits are positively correlated and heritability is high. Knowledge of the magnitude of trait contribution is essential in hastening crop breeding progress.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the correlations and path analysis of yield traits in grain sorghum.
Setting: The experiment was conducted in three different agro-ecological regions in Zimbabwe.
Methods: A total of 20 experimental sorghum genotypes were evaluated during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 cropping seasons across five sites representing primary sorghum production areas in Zimbabwe. A randomised complete block design replicated thrice was used. Correlation and path analysis were performed.
Results: Correlation analysis showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) and positive correlation between grain yield and days to 50% flowering (phenotypic correlation [rp] = 0.48; genotypic correlation [rg] = 0.53), days to 95% physiological maturity (rp = 0.59; rg = 0.31) and panicle length (rp = 0.61; rg = 0.57) over the two seasons at both phenotypic and genotypic level. The path analysis revealed that days to 50% flowering (Pp = 0.185; Pg = 0.280), days to 95% physiological maturity (phenotypic path coefficient [Pp] = 0.169; genotypic path coefficient [Pg] = 0.201) and panicle length (Pp = 0.354; Pg = 0.194), had significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive direct effects on sorghum grain yield at both phenotypic and genotypic level. Days to 50% flowering and panicle length had high heritability of 0.72 and 0.86, respectively.
Conclusion: Breeders are recommended to select high sorghum grain yielding genotypes through days to 50% flowering and panicle length making effective indirect selection for sorghum grain improvement.
Contribution: Identification and use of correlated traits for grain yield saves resources and increases breeding efficiency.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
Metrics
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