Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-32546

Inheritance of Phosphorus use Efficiency and Resistance to Anthracnose in Selected Sorghum Genotypes Grown in the Acid Soils of Western Kenya

S. GuduA. NyambokP. Okori

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Abstract

186 words

The acid soils of Western Kenya where most of the sorghum is grown have very low available phosphorus, and thus cannot support optimal sorghum productivity. In addition, foliar anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum L.) also reduces sorghum yield. Inorganic phosphorus fertiliser supplementation is not economically viable for resource constrained farmers in these areas. Since both problems tend to occur together, there is need for varieties that carry both anthracnose resistance and high phosphorus use efficiency (PUE). This study seeks to determine the mode of inheritance to PUE and resistance to anthracnose to support breeding for multiple stress tolerance in sorghum. Crosses were made between parents contrasting for the two traits and genetic analysis conducted on F2 progeny for both traits. Recombinant F2 populations were screened at Sega, a low P site in Western Kenya for PUE and at Kibos, a disease hotspot for anthracnose reaction. It is expected that some families/recombinants will be recovered that are PUE and resistant to anthracnose. Such lines will be advanced to develop varieties with multiple stress tolerance to both stresses. Such varieties will have potential for cultivation in western Kenya and Uganda

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