| Abstrakt: |
Sorghum is a major staple crop in India and the fifth most important cereal globally. Drought significantly impacts sorghum production, reducing growth and yield. Developing drought-tolerant genotypes is crucial. This study evaluated drought tolerance in rabi sorghum genotypes based on biochemical and yield parameters during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 rabi seasons. Using a split-plot design with two replications, the study aimed to identify the best drought-tolerant genotype. Results showed that the BJV-44 genotype had the highest proline content, with 23.36 µmol/g fresh leaf weight under rainfed conditions at 90 days after sowing, compared to 14.70 µmol/g under irrigated conditions. Basavan Moti and M-35-1 genotypes followed with 20.50 µmol/g and 22.40 µmol/g, respectively, under rainfed conditions. Additionally, BJV-44 and M-35-1 exhibited the smallest decline in grain yield per plant under rainfed conditions (76.17 and 73.50 g plant-1, respectively) versus irrigated conditions (80.08 and 79.88 g plant-1, respectively). Conversely, M 148-138 and Tandur L showed the largest yield declines under rainfed conditions (44.36 and 40.04 g plant-1, respectively) compared to irrigated conditions (78.67 and 70.96 g plant-1, respectively). Out of 20 sorghum genotypes studied, M-35-1, BJV-44, Basavan Motti, DKS-35, SPV 486, Phule Anuradha, and Phule Vasudha exhibited superior biochemical and yield traits under rainfed conditions, demonstrating their drought tolerance and capacity to perform well with limited water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
