Working Document Series Open Access 2012 RUF-31508

Development of Dual-Purpose Sorghum for Grain and Forage

S. ChikutaP. Okori

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Abstract

159 words

Sorghum varieties have been developed specifically for grain, forage or stem sugar but not for dual-purpose combining grain and forage use. Dual-purpose varieties could be beneficial to the resource-poor farmers by providing grain for human consumption and forage for livestock feed. In addition, there is also limited information about the combining ability, gene action and genetic effects and relationships between grain and forage yield which is required in devising appropriate strategies for developing dual-purpose sorghum varieties. Furthermore, there is also lack of information about the perceptions of resourcepoor, small-scale farmers and other important stakeholders on the potential of dual-purpose sorghum production. This study has just been initiated. Its specific objectives are: determination of the farmers views on the potential use of sorghum as a dual purpose crop for grain and forage, characterization of the phenotypic and genetic diversity of sorghum genotypes for grain and forage yield and determination of gene action associated with grain and forage yield in sorghum.

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