Genetic variability and heritability for shoot fly tolerance in F₂ population of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

An experiment was conducted to estimate the genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for shoot fly resistance parameters in F₂ population of rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] at the experimental farm of Sorghum Research Station, VNMKV, Parbhani during rabi 2022-23. Experimental material for present investigation included 04 F₂ populations along with 06 parents and 02 checks. Analysis of variance showed the significant variability for all the studied characters. The values of phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher in magnitude than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for seedling vigor, leaf glossiness, trichome density (adaxial and abaxial), dead heart percent at 14 DAE and 28 DAE and grain yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for leaf angle, trichome density (adaxial and abaxial), plant height, fodder yield per plant, grain yield per plant, dead hearts percent at 28 DAE indicating these traits are primarily controlled by additive gene effects. Hence these traits can be utilized effectively in sorghum improvement programs to develop and enhance shoot fly-resistant varieties through direct selection.