Abstract:
The objective of this work was to compare the genetic gains obtained by different selection indices applied to various agronomic traits of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Evaluations were carried out for 189 F5 progenies and seven controls, in an incomplete block design, with three replicates. The measured traits were green matter yield, content of total soluble solids, juice extraction, sucrose content in juice, and total soluble solids per hectare. The rank summation index of Mulamba and Mock (or index of ranks), standardized value summation index (or Z index), standardized by the mean index, and the modified standardized by the mean index were analyzed. The correlations and coincidence percentages in the progeny selections were high between the Z index, the standardized by the mean index, and the modified standardized by the mean index. Among the tested selection indices, the rank summation index of Mulamba and Mock was the less efficient. The simultaneous selection of sweet sorghum progenies allows expressive genetic gains for all measured traits.
Index terms:
Sorghum bicolor; genetic gain; plant breeding