Evaluation of advanced-generation selections from a random mating-population of sorghum with respect to variability, heritability and correlation of

Seventy six advanced generation selfed genotypes selected from a random-mating sorghum population introduced from Nebraska (USA) were evaluated in two growing seasons, (1990 and 1991) at the University of Gezira Experimental Farm, Wad Medani, Sudan. Results revealed the significance of sorghum population breeding in creating genetic diversity which can be used in developing genetic material to suit the short rainy seasons of the semi-arid tropics. The undesirable characters associated with selection in• introduced population under such environments e.g. grain size and color, emphasizes the importance of populations developments and improvements using selection indices to help in upgrading such traits in the required direction simultaneously. Heritability estimates were high for most characters except yield. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations were similar in sign and magnitude indicating tbat association between characters were mostly of a genetic nature. The undesirable positive correlation between yield and days to flowering necessitates cyclic improvement •of the population especially for material to be used under erratic rainy seasons of sub-tropical areas