Heterosis and components of genetic variation for protein and lysine content in some grain sorghums

Twelve varieties representing six geographical regions and nine taxonomic groups from a World Collection of Sorghum were used in a diallel and line × tester analysis of the nature of genetic variation for protein and lysine content. In a majority of crosses, heterosis was negative for protein, and positive for lysine. Analysis of combining ability indicated that both additive and non-additive variation were important for protein, while the non-additive component was predominant for lysine. Heterosis in low × low and medium × low crosses also indicated the presence of substantial non-allelic gene interactions for both the characters. Associations between protein, lysine and yield in parents were significantly different from those in the hybrids indicating considerable scope for genetic manipulation. Negative correlations between protein and lysine (% protein) and between protein and grain yield were very low. The results indicated that a high level of protein and moderately high lysine may be incorporated in high yielding varieties of sorghum, by using Caudatum kaura, Roxburghii shallu and durra from Nigeria and Sudan in the hybridisation programme