Analysis of the combining ability in interespecific hybrids of forage sorghum

Abstract

Starting from hybrid seeds of 36 interespecific hybrids (Sorghum bicolor x “sudangrass”), nine varieties of “sudangrass”, four “A” male-sterile lines of S. bicolor and two cultivars PU7664128 and IPASF-25, the analysis of the general and specific combining ability for the variable dry matter yield was carried out, using an experimental design in randomized blocks with common treatments. The hybrids Lme-2 x Vs-2, Lme-2 x Vs-5, Lme-4 x Vs-1 and Lme-4 x Vs-6  provided the best contributions for the increase in the levels of dry matter productivity. The breeding among the lines and varieties Lme2 x Vs-5 was the  most productive and presented addictive effects greater than non-addictive ones. The results showed the possibility of the use of some hybrids in the genetic improvement of forage sorghum.