NRCS Annual Report 2007-08 - :: Indian Institute of ... · NRCS Annual Report 2007-08 The area under grain sorghum cultivation in India has stabilized around 9 million hectares per

2007-08

NRCS Annual Report 2007-08

ISSN-0972-6608 This report is meant only for official use by ICAR staff, their close associates, collaborators, central and state government officials, and Indian national and state public agencies. It is meant for official purposes only. It should not be quoted without explicit permission from NRCS or ICAR Headquarters.

Correct Citation: National Research Centre for sorghum Annual Report 2007-08 Rajendranagar, Hyderabad Andhar Pradesh – 500 030, India pp. 114. Editors Dr. B. Venkatesh Bhat Dr. K.V. Raghavendra Rao Dr. N. Seetharama Photo Credits Mr. H.S. Gawali

Published by: Director National Research Centre for sorghum (NRCS) Rajendranagar, Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh – 500 030, India Phone +91-40-24015225 Fax: +91-40-24016378 Web: www.nrcjowar.res.in E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.nrcjowar.res.in/

mailto:[email protected]


The area under grain sorghum cultivation in India has stabilized around 9 million hectares per year while

the trend in area under forage sorghum is slightly increasing. In the recent years, the potential of

sorghum as an important feed and biofuel crop, besides supplier of raw materials for other industrial

uses, is becoming clear; The potential of this low-input demanding crop for such diverse uses is

anticipated to bring significant benefits to the farmers in the years to come. NRCS is aiming at facilitating

realization of that potential through collaborations with SAUs and other partners. NRCS organizes multi-

location testing of sorghum technologies through the nation-wide network of All-India Coordinated

Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP) at 16 locations and many other voluntary centres. NRCS has

strong linkages with institutions within and outside ICAR to complement the national goal of increasing

efficiency and profitability of Indian agriculture, specifically of dryland. The symbiotic interface with

private players for tapping the use of sorghum for industrial production is resulting in increased

collaboration opportunities that may enhance the prospects of this crop.

During the year, we have taken initiatives to promote diversified uses of sorghum. Strategic efforts were

made for popularizing the sorghum foods in different regions of the country and in public gatherings and

get the feedback for further research required. Innovations in dissemination of public-bred superior

cultivars to reach farmers directly and in partnership with private players have yielded encouraging

results.

Diversification of parental lines to evolve new cultivars, focused efforts to enhance host resistance to

insect pests and diseases have made significant, though modest, progress to assure more stable

cultivars in future. We have received a timely National Innovation Agriculture Project (NAIP) grant to

address the challenging area of creating demand for millet foods, involving partners from public and

private sectors. We have also been given the onus of coordinating a Dept. of Biotechnology (DBT) forage

biotechnology research network involving several national institutes and universities, besides specific

grants for NRCS to work on sorghum fodder quality. Similarly, in association with ICRISAT and Tata

Energy Research Institute (TERI), the research efforts in sweet sorghum utilization as a high energy crop

are being strengthened, with financial assistance from NAIP, DBT and Praj Industries.

We are grateful for the constant guidance and support provided by the exemplary leadership of Dr.

Mangala Rai, Director-General-ICAR and Secretary-DARE, and Dr. PL Gautam, Deputy Director-Generals

(Crop Science). We express our gratitude for the encouragement and support of officials at the ICAR

headquarters, especially Dr. SN Shukla, Assistant Director-General (Food and fodder crops) and the

various administrative functionaries led by the ICAR Secretary. We place on record our gratitude for the

continued external funding support of AP-Netherlands Biotechnology Project, NAIP, DBT and ICAR

network for thirteen research projects. We also appreciate the cooperation received from the

universities in implementing the nation-wide sorghum research network. ICRISAT, ILRI and other many

non-governmental and private organizations have been working with us very closely; we thank them all.


The Research Advisory Committee headed by Dr. IV Subba Rao, Ex-VC, ANGRAU, Hyderabad and the

Institute Management Committee, need to be thanked for the guidance during the year. We thank the

project leaders, scientists, technical and supporting staff at NRCS, and the multidisciplinary teams of

sorghum scientists at AICSIP centres, voluntary centres and private participants from all over the

country. In the coming years we look forward for the continued support from all to spearhead the

mission of rendering sorghum production profitable and sustainable for the farming community,

contributing to the growth of Indian agriculture. We welcome the comments and suggestions of the

readers of this report for improvement in future.

(N. SEETHARAMA)


Contents

1. Summary ............................................................................ i

A. Sorghum genetic resources ................................................ i

B. Grain sorghum .................................................................... i B1. Kharif sorghum ....................................................................................................... i

B2. Rabi sorghum ........................................................................................................ ii

B3. Dual-purpose sorghum ........................................................................................ iii

B4. Sorghum foods and food safety ........................................................................... iii

B5. Sorghum economics ............................................................................................. iv

C. Sweet Sorghum ................................................................. iv

D. Forage sorghum ................................................................ iv

E. Service activities ............................................................... v

2. Introduction .................................................................... 1

3. Research Achievements ................................................ 3

A. Sorghum Genetic Resources ............................................ 3

1. Characterization and preliminary evaluation of new sorghum germplasm (M. Elangovan) ........................................................................................................... 3

2. Evaluation of rabi germplasm for terminal drought adaptation (SS Rao) .......... 4

3. Evaluation of local rabi germplasm at solapur (Raut) ......................................... 5

4. Characterizing sweet sorghum germplasm for rabi adaptation (SS Rao) ........... 6

5. Evaluation of sorghum germplasm for sugar content (Audilakshmi) ................. 7

B. Grain sorghum ................................................................. 9

B1. Kharif sorghum .................................................................. 9

Cultivar Development ...........................................................................................9 1. Evaluation of kharif restorer lines for fodder, cane and seed yield (Aruna) ....... 9

2. Evaluation of new B lines for grain, cane and stover yield (Audilakshmi) ........ 10

3. Line improvement of 27 B for shoot fly resistance (Aruna and Padmaja) ........ 12

4. Parental line development on A2 cytoplasm in kharif sorghum (Kaul) ............ 12

5. Screening of elite line of sorghum for salinity tolerance (Talwar) .................... 12


6. Evaluation of F4, F6 and advanced progenies for shoot fly incidence (Aruna and Padmaja)............................................................................................................ 14

7. Evaluation of segregating and advanced progenies for shoot fly resistance (Padmaja and Aruna) ......................................................................................... 15

8. Evaluation of R lines for resistance to shoot fly (Bhagwat) .............................. 16

9. Evaluation of SPV lines for shoot fly resistance (Bhagwat) ............................... 18

10. Evaluation of F3 progeny of elite x stem borer resistant crosses (Padmaja and Aruna) ................................................................................................................ 19

11. Evaluation of S2 families for grain mold resistance (TGN Rao) ......................... 19

12. Evaluation of varieties, hybrids from public and private institutes for shoot fly resistance (Bhagwat) ......................................................................................... 20

Plant Protection ...................................................................................................20 1. Effect of Harpin on the incidence of shoot fly and stem borer (Bhagwat) ...... 20

2. Evaluation of Bt formulation against shoot fly incidence (Shyamprasad) ........ 22

Biotechnology ......................................................................................................23 1. Molecular analysis of transgenic plants carrying Cry1B gene (Balakrishna). .... 23

2. Quantification of Bt protein (Cry1B) in sorghum transgenics (Balakrishna) ..... 24

3. Molecular analysis of Cry1B transgenics in different generations (Visarada) .. 24

4. Bt transgene expression analysis (Visarada) ..................................................... 25

5. Estimation of transgene copy number (Visarada) ............................................ 25

6. Bioassay of Bt transgenic plants for resistance to stem borer (Padmaja) ........ 26

B2. Rabi sorghum .................................................................. 28

Cultivar Development .........................................................................................28 1. Development of genetically diverse rabi parental lines (Prabhakar) ................ 28

2. Rabi varietal improvement (Prabhakar) ............................................................ 28

3. Evaluation of rabi sorghum parental lines (Prabhakar) .................................... 28

4. Development of restorers in A2 cytoplasmic background in rabi (Kaul) .......... 30

5. Line improvement of AKR 354 (Audilakshmi) ................................................... 30

6. Genetics of important traits in rabi sorghum (Madhusudhana) ....................... 30

7. Evaluation of breeding stocks for terminal drought tolerance in rabi sorghum (Talwar) ............................................................................................................. 33

8. Evaluation for reaction to shoot bug and sugarcane aphid, in Rabi sorghum (Bhagwat) .......................................................................................................... 33

9. Evaluation of rabi breeding lines for shoot fly resistance at Solapur (Bhagwat)34

Plant Protection ...................................................................................................35 1. Field-efficacy of native biocontrol agents in charcoal rot suppression (Das) ... 35

2. Nitrate utilization by M. phaseolina isolates and their aggressiveness (Das) ... 35

3. Molecular and cultural characterization of nit-variants of M phaseolina (Das)37

4. Evaluation of bacterial strains from non-sorghum system for sorghum growth improvement (Das) ........................................................................................... 37

Crop Production ...................................................................................................39 1. Effect of organic manures and tillage on rabi sorghum (Raut) ......................... 39


2. Response of rabi sorghum to inorganic and organic fertilizer manures in different mulch treatment(Raut) ..................................................................................... 39

3. Rabi sorghum based intercropping system with Safflower and Chickpea (Raut)40

1. INM in Soybean – rabi sorghum sequence cropping (Raut) ............................. 40

Biotechnology ......................................................................................................42 1. Enhancing drought tolerance through genetic manipulation (SV Rao) ............ 42

2. Sorghum transgenics for salinity tolerance (Balakrishna) ................................. 42

Molecular markers ...............................................................................................42 1. Genotyping and linkage map construction (Madhusudhana) .......................... 42

2. Genotyping of sorghum parental lines using EST-SSR markers (Balakrishna) .. 44

B3. Dual-purpose sorghum .................................................... 45

1. Evaluation of F6 generation of promising dual-purpose lines and brown midrib lines (Umakanth) ............................................................................................... 45

2. Evaluation of dual purpose lines against shoot fly (Shyamprasad) .................. 47

3. Evaluation of dual purpose lines for resistance to spotted stem borer (Shyamprasad) ................................................................................................... 48

B4. Sorghum foods and food safety ...................................... 50

1. Preparation of the sorghum rawa, parboiled rawa and flakes (Ratnavathi) .... 50

2. Sorghum composite flour preparation and shelf life (Ratnavathi) ................... 50

3. Screening of sorghum seeds for Aspergillus and aflatoxin infestation (Ratnavathi) ........................................................................................................................... 51

4. Rhizobacteria for the control of mycotoxigenic Fusarium in sorghum (Das).... 51

5. Bio-management of mycotoxigenic Fusarium in grain sorghum. (Das) ............ 52

B5. Sorghum economics ........................................................ 54

1. Market prices for the grains of AICSIP entries (BD Rao) ................................... 54

C. Sweet Sorghum ................................................................. 55

Cultivar Development .........................................................................................55 1. Evaluation of sweet sorghum lines for bioethanol and biomass yield (SS Rao)55

2. Assessment of fodder value of sweet sorghum cultivars (SS Rao) ................... 57

3. Genetic studies of sweet stalk (Audilakshmi)................................................... 58

4. Histochemistry of sorghum and sugarcane parenchyma at harvest (SV Rao, KBRS Visarada and SS Rao) ......................................................................................... 59

5. Evaluation of sweet sorghum progenies for shoot fly reaction (Padmaja and Elangovan) ......................................................................................................... 61

Crop Production ...................................................................................................61 1. Influence of stage of harvest on bioethanol yield in sweet sorghum (SS Rao) . 61

D. Forage sorghum ................................................................ 64

Cultivar Development .........................................................................................64


1. Evaluation of genotypes for forage potential (Bhat) ........................................ 64

2. Determination of HCN levels in sorghum genotypes (Bhat) ............................. 64

3. Identification of multicut forage lines tolerant to stem borer (Shyamprasad). 65

Biotechnology ......................................................................................................66 1. Development of low-HCN sorghum using anti-sense approach (Bhat) ............ 66

E. Institutional services ...................................................... 67

1. Characterization of released varieties of sorghum for DUS traits (Kannababu)67

2. Breeder seed production (Kannababu) ............................................................. 67

4. Education & training ..................................................... 69

5. Awards & Recognitions ................................................ 73

6. Externally Funded Projects ..................................... 74

7. Highlights of All India Coordinated Sorghum

Improvement Project (AICSIP) ..................................... 75

8. List of Publications ....................................................... 77

9. List of approved ongoing research projects ........... 85

10. RAC meetings and significant decisions ................. 87

11. Participation of scientists in Conference,

Symposia, Seminars and Meetings ................................. 88

13. Field days and meetings organized at NRCS ....... 93

14. Personnel ................................................................... 100


______________________________________________________________________________ Summary i

1. Summary

A. Sorghum genetic resources

A total of 45 new germplasm collected from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were characterized.

The stem fresh weight, stem dry weight, plant height and grain yield were the most variable

characters.

Sixteen local rabi germplasm were evaluated at Solapur and it was found that land race Mardi

produced the highest grain yield (3639 kg/ha) followed by Katarkhatav (3572 kg/ha) and

Mangalwedha-2 (3108 kg/ha) compared to checks M35-1, Phule Maulee, CSV-216R and CSV-18.

Seven potential sources have been identified for earliness in rabi.

Four germplasm lines with higher brix (more than that of check RSSV 9) were identified.

B. Grain sorghum

B1. Kharif sorghum

Cultivar Development

Evaluation of new B lines for grain, cane and stover yield: 50 superior MS lines from last year’s results

were evaluated along with the checks in RCBD for grain yield, cane yield and other agronomical traits. 42

MS lines showed grain yield on par and 6 B lines were significantly superior to 296 B for grain yield. 30

lines were on par with RSSV 9 and 6 MS lines showed brix of 17.1 to 19.1 % against 19.6 % of RSSV 9.

Only one MS line, CB 201 (496 g/plant) was statistically on par with RSSV 9 (504 %) for cane yield.

Development of A2 restorer lines: A total of 30 hybrids based on six A2 cytoplasm lines were evaluated

for fertility reaction and agronomic characters. Eight hybrids were fertile. The hybrid RS 115A2x K101

exhibited 17% higher grain yield than check hybrid CSH 18. The mid–tall hybrids RS74Ax K105, RS115A2x

K105, RS1096A2x K150 and RS 1182A2x K150 registered 15 -27% increase in grain yield.

Screening of genotypes for resistance to shootfly: A total of 160 R lines, 220 test entries (SPV lines) and

61 hybrids and varieties developed by private and public sectors were screened in late kharif 2007. R

line ICSR No 89071 recorded lowest shootfly infestation. The R lines ICSR Nos. 89071, 90017, 89045,

89059, 9, 89015, 93004, 89022, 116, 91034, 165, 23 and 18 were tolerant to shoot fly hence, can be

used as restorers in shoot fly breeding program. The SPV lines SPV-1290 and SPV-1267 were tolerant to

shoot fly. Among the lines from public and private institutes’ entries, Local yellow Jowar, JKSH 22 and

Utavali were tolerant to shootfly. Rests of entries were susceptible with damage ranging from 55-86 %.

Biotechnology

Bioassay of Bt transgenic plants for resistance to stem borer: T1 generation Cry 1B transgenic plants of

7 events derived from 296B were evaluated. Two transgenic events were promising that recorded lesser

leaf feeding and higher larval mortality (BB 118 and BB 119).


______________________________________________________________________________ Summary ii

B2. Rabi sorghum


Development of genetically diverse rabi parental lines : In order to develop new parental lines with

diversity and broaden the genetic base in rabi materials, 161 indigenous and 159 exotic lines were used

for identifying B and R gene reactions on A1 cytoplasm. About 195 B and 175 R lines with diverse genetic

base were derived. Conversion programme was undertaken for 195 MS lines pairs and out of them, 53

best MS lines and 60 R lines have been selected.

Evaluation of rabi sorghum parental lines: Of the 24 B lines evaluated, 10 lines flowered earlier than

M35-1 and six B lines gave significantly superior grain yield (12.9 to 63.3%) than check. Out of 36 R lines

tested, 10 flowered earlier than M35-1 and Six R lines gave significantly superior grain yield (5.9 to

30.7%) than check RS-585.

Development of restorers in A2 cytoplasmic background in rabi: Seven lines (RS 4001, RS 4002, RS

4003, RS 4004, RS4005, RS 4006, RS 4007) were fully fertile on A2 cytoplasm and thus identified as

fertile restorers.

Genetics of important traits in rabi sorghum: Midrib colour (brown vs. white), Awning (awned vs.

awnless) and plant colour (tan vs. purple) were found to be under monogenic control and may be used

effectively as phenotypic tags in maker-aided selection to follow the introgression of QTLs/genes if

found tightly linked with these important quantitative characters.

Plant Protection

Field-efficacy of native biocontrol agents in charcoal rot suppression: Sorghum seed treatment with

talc based formulation of five selected elite bioagent strains resulted in promotion of plant growth in

rabi sorghum. The Pseudomonas strain B4 significantly increased plant biomass and reduce charcoal rot

incidence at field level. Mixed application of the strains B1 and B5 derived synergistic effect on CR

suppression.

Nitrate utilization by M. phaseolina isolates and their aggressiveness: Fungal growth was more on

glutamate and nitrate nitrogen than on ammonium nitrogen indicating preferential use of different form

of nitrogen by M phaseolina. Aggressiveness of the charcoal rot pathogen was found to be influenced by

nitrogen level in the plant, due to differences in nitrate utilization capabilities of the isolates. NR+ strains

were found more aggressive and caused more disease than the NR- strains.

Evaluation of bacterial strains for sorghum growth improvement: Fifteen elite bacterial strains (Rb197

to Rb211) from non-sorghum rhizosphere (chickpea) were evaluated for efficacy in stimulation of

growth of sorghum seedling. The strain Rb202, which increased biomass and vigor and had no inhibitory

effect on seed germination, is the most promising strain.


______________________________________________________________________________ Summary iii

Crop Production

Effect of organic manures and tillage on rabi sorghum: The soil incorporation of glyricidia @ 3 t/ha

increased grain yield to 2435 kg/ha, stover yield to 6098 kg/ha and total biomass to 8995 kg/ha

compared to no organic manures (2323, 5691 and 8495 kg/ha grain, stover and total biomass yields

respectively).

Response of rabi sorghum to inorganic and organic fertilizer manures in different mulch treatment:

The grain yield with 75% RDF + 3 t/ha FYM (1291 kg/ha) and 75% RDF + 1.5 t/ha vermicompost (1221

kg/ha) were on par with 100% RDF (1352 kg/ha). An application of organic manures viz FYM and

vermicompost (3t/ha) alone, significantly produced grain and stover yields of rabi sorghum compared to

100% RDF (1352 kg/ha).

Molecular markers

Genotyping and linkage map construction: Of the 408 SSR markers covering all the 10 sorghum linkage

groups surveyed, 209 SSRs (51%) were found to be polymorphic between the two parents M35-1 and

B35. So far 73 SSRs were used to genotype 190 F7 RIL progeny and 55 markers have been used to

construct linkage map.

B3. Dual-purpose sorghum

Evaluation of F6 generation of promising dual-purpose lines and brown midrib lines: (M 11 x B 35)-1-1-

2-1 was the highest yielding dual-purpose genotype with a grain yield of 2282 kg/ha and fodder yield of

133 q/ha over the check SPV 1616 (1914 kg/ha grain and 53 q/ha fodder). (HC 260 x SPV 1474)-1-1-1-1

was early to flower (60 days) while Highest panicle length (32 cm) was recorded by (Palem 2 x SPV

1474)-7-1-1-1.None of the brown midrib genotypes has exhibited any significant superiority over the

checks for grain yield.

Evaluation of dual purpose lines against shoot fly and stem borer: Out of 94 genotypes, PGN-53, PFGS-

93, P-45, PGN-49, Lawa, PGN-39, SPV 1388 x Lawa, PGN-111, LDR-210, PGN-75, PGN-61, PUGL-9, Local-

8, PFGS-48, PFGS-94 and PGN-102 were tolerant to shoot fly (37.87 – 46.20% dead hearts) and were on

par to IS 18551 (resistant check). Genotypes PGN-30, PUGL-9, PGN-56, LDR-218, P-23, PGN-35, P-45,

PGN-61, PGN-102, PFGS-37, PGN-126, PGN-90, Satpani, Lawa, SPV 1388, LDR-210, PGN-40, Local-8,

PFGS-94, PFGS-93 and PFGS-47 were tolerant to stemborer recording 10.7-15.2% dead hearts and were

on par to resistant check IS 2205.

B4. Sorghum foods and food safety

Study on shelf life of the products: After 5 months of storage, normal samples were affected by insect,

while irradiated samples were safe without any insect damage. The shelf life of the products fine rawa,

coarse rawa and flour was 3-4 months without any chemical deterioration when packed air tight in

polythene bags and stored in dry place at room temperature.


______________________________________________________________________________ Summary iv

The parboiled rawa was found to be more suitable than the normal rawa for fermented foods like idli

and Dosa

B5. Sorghum economics

Market prices for the grains of AICSIP entries: A sorghum market survey was conducted to assess

market prices of the grain samples to test the feasibility of advancing the material in AICSIP trials using

market price criteria. Three of the advanced varietal (AVT) entries were found as superior across the

markets and the overall mean too indicated the same. Unlike the AVT entries, there was no agreement

on superiority of any single hybrid (AHT) entry over the other. In all, the variation in prices across the

entries is not highly significant. The prices realized from them were interestingly above MSP of Maldandi

variety (Rs 555/q). This narrowing gap of market prices between hybrids and varieties is unusual feature,

prompting that the currently bred hybrids are qualitatively closer to new varieties.

C. Sweet Sorghum


Evaluation of sweet sorghum lines for bioethanol and biomass yield: SPSSV30 and PAC52093 had

produced higher bioethanol yields even at the lower stalk yields indicating that these entries have

higher resources-use efficiency in producing bioethanol yield per unit stalk yields. Such type of entries

has advantage when resources are constrained by water and fertility limitations. The results suggests

that improving stalk yields without decreasing both sugar content and extraction rate leads to the

higher bioethanol recovery and this would be the goal of sweet sorghum improvement.

Evaluation of sweet sorghum progenies for shoot fly reaction: 87 F5 sweet sorghum lines were

screened in shoot fly nursery of which 6 were at par (<40% deadhearts) with the resistant check (33.3%).

Crop Production

Influence of stage of harvest on bioethanol yield in sweet sorghum: Bioethanol yields increased from

flowering until hard-dough stage, while it declined at physiological maturity. Bioethanol yields increased

(9% more) when sweet sorghum harvested at hard-dough stage than at physiological maturity. Among

the cultivars, CSH22SS recorded highest bioethanol yield than others. The per day bioethanol yield

trends observed were similar to that of bioethanol yields among cultivars and treatments.

D. Forage sorghum


Evaluation of genotypes for forage potential: A total of 20 genotypes were evaluated; highest green

fodder yield was recorded in PL-9 (871.33g) compared to control HC 308 (802.44g). The advanced

progeny of the NSS 1005A X RSSV-4 cross also showed more fodder yield than the multi-cut checks SSG

59-3 and CSH 20MF.


______________________________________________________________________________ Summary v

Determination of HCN levels in sorghum genotypes: Cyanogenesis in five genotypes were determined

The HCN levels increased with crop growth till 55-65 days in all genotypes tested and decreased

thereafter till 80 days after sowing as observed in the study. The genotypes EJ24, CSV 15, SPV 462 and IS

18845 (Sorghum halepense) exhibited HCN levels above threshold limits of 200 ppm before flowering.

The forage variety SSG 59-3 exhibited safe levels of HCN throughout the period tested.

Identification of multicut forage lines tolerant to stem borer: The variety NSF-2 was least susceptible

recording 15.08 % dead hearts, followed by NSF-4, Kh-179, PCD-8, NSS100SxRSSV4, Kh-67, PCD-9, Kh

101, Kh-180 and NSF-2 and they were was on par with resistant check IS 2205.

Biotechnology

Development of low-HCN sorghum using anti-sense approach: The HCN content was significantly

reduced in the CYP79A1 antisense gene transformed To plants which ranged from 17.25 to 178.66 ppm

with a mean of 104.06 ppm as compared to 192.08 ppm in the non-transformed control.

E. Service activities

Characterization of released varieties of sorghum for DUS traits: The observations were recorded in 23

entries in rabi 2006-07 and 77 entries in kharif 2007 (extant / notified varieties, hybrids and parental

lines, including forage) for 33 characteristics (21 qualitative characteristics and 12 quantitative

characteristics as per the latest DUS test guidelines published by PPV& FRA) and were grouped

accordingly.


______________________________________________________________________________ Summary vi

Hon’ble Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar and Dr. Mangala Rai, DG (ICAR) discussing about the latest sorghum cultivars released by NRCS

Dr. PL Gautam, DDG (Crop Science) being briefed about the activities of the Centre


______________________________________________________________________________ Introduction 1

2. Introduction

The National Research Centre for Sorghum (NRCS) was established in 1987 to strengthen the basic and strategic research activities related to sorghum productivity enhancement, sustainability of production, product utilization, and profitability in India. NRCS is situated over an area of 70 acres juxtaposed to the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. A regional rabi sorghum research centre of NRCS was established in 1991 at Solapur, Maharashtra, to strengthen rabi sorghum research. In addition, an off-season nursery centre was established in 1995 at Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, primarily to facilitate multiplication of sorghum breeding lines during off-season. Some research on insect resistance breeding and salinity tolerance is also carried out at Warangal. NRCS is the lead centre on sorghum research with a national perspective. The history of this centre is filled with highly significant and research accomplishments. (For more details see our web site www.nrcjowar.res.in. As a coordinating unit of All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project (AICSIP), this centre helped in strengthening the national network involving SAUs created for conducting applied research on sorghum improvement and testing at the national level. AICSIP system also interacts with the private sector, and other research and developmental agencies for evaluating their technologies. The NRCS-AICSIP system serves as the national advisory agency on all aspects of sorghum research, production, and utilization of sorghum. Mandate of NRCS and AICSIP: NRCS has the mandate to conduct basic and strategic research to increase productivity of sorghum, its diversified utilization, and enhancement of profitability; to collect, evaluate, distribute and conserve sorghum germplasm, and to serve as a national centre for training and consultancy on sorghum production and utilization. The AICSIP has the mandate to Conduct coordinated multi-location programmes at the national level on sorghum improvement and utilization; to develop superior hybrids and varieties; to evolve appropriate crop management practices; to promote linkage with seed production and developmental agencies for transfer of technology, and to document and disseminate research findings and exchange material for mutual benefit with bonafide collaborators. Current Research Activities: The emphasis is on interdisciplinary team approach and generation of impact closely working with various partners. The major themes of research at NRCS are genetic enhancement, cultivar development, biotechnology, crop utilization and basic studies, crop production and marketing, besides strategic services, commercialization and knowledge management. AICSIP is currently involved in development and identification of superior production technologies through multi-locational testing; developing improved grain, forage, and sweet sorghum cultivars with enhanced productivity and response to biotic and abiotic stresses and formulating crop production technologies as well as sorghum-based cropping systems for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Revenue generation: Total revenue generated during 2007-08 was Rs. twenty lakhs The revenue was earned mainly by developing and selling certified seed of released hybrids, trainings and proximate analysis of the biological samples.

http://www.nrcjowar.res.in/


______________________________________________________________________________ Introduction 2

Staff Position (As on 31 March, 08)

Cadres Sanctioned In position Vacant

Scientific 48 31 17

Technical 45 39 6

Administrative 19 18 1

Supporting 29 26 3

Total 141 114 27

Financial Status 2007-08 (As on 31 March, 08)

Rs. In Lakhs

Scheme Plan Non-Plan

Sanction Expenditure Sanction Expenditure

NRCS 224 224 465 465

AICSIP 375 375 - -


______________________________________________________________________________ Research achievements 3

3. Research Achievements

A. Sorghum Genetic Resources

1. Characterization and preliminary evaluation of new sorghum germplasm (M.

Elangovan) A total of 45 new germplasm collected from Maharashtra (24 acc.) and Uttar Pradesh (21 acc.) were

characterized along with CSV-15, and SPV – 462 as checks. The stem fresh weight, stem dry weight, plant

height and grain yield were the most variable characters (Table 1). The range of stem fresh weight (1250

– 7500 g/5plant), stem dry weight (850 – 4000 g/5plant), grain yield (7 – 118 g/plant), 100-seed weight

(0.8 – 3.9 g) and plant height (190 – 422 cm) are most important traits observed.

Table 1: Descriptive statistics on characterization of 45 new germplasm lines

Characters Minimum Maximum Range Mean SE SD CV (%)

Time to 50% flowering (days) 58 102 44 83 1.5 10.0 12.1

Number of leaves 9 20 11 16 0.4 2.8 17.5

Leaf length (cm) 60.0 104.0 44.0 87.4 1.2 8.1 9.3

Leaf width (cm) 6.0 10.6 4.6 8.6 0.1 1.0 11.7

Plant height (cm) 190 422 232 329 9.0 60.7 18.4

Earhead length (cm) 13.2 39.3 26.1 25.7 1.2 7.7 30.1

Earhead width (cm) 4.4 14.9 10.5 8.0 0.4 2.5 31.2

Stem thickness (cm) 1.7 3.4 1.7 2.4 0.1 0.3 13.6

Stem fresh weight (g/5plant) 1250 7500 6250 3392 187.1 1255.1 37.0

Stem dry weight (g/5plant) 850 4000 3150 2050 126.0 845.0 41.2

Field brix (%) 5 19 14 12 0.5 3.5 29.6

Grain yield (g/plant) 7 118 111 56 3.9 26.6 47.72

100-seed weight (g) 0.8 3.9 3.1 2.5 0.1 0.8 32.89

Days to maturity 110 132 22 123 1.3 8.4 6.8

A total of 15 qualitative characters were observed in these new germplasm lines. The very good seedling

vigour (35), tan leaf pigmentation (46), dark green leaf (34), drooping leaves (37), white midrib colour

(31), semi compact (20), elliptical earhead shape (20), straw glume colour (27), short glume coverage

(18), absence of awns (33), bold seed size (25), pearly white seed (21), non-senescence leaves (33),

durra race (25) and non-lustrous seed (62) were found most frequent.

The promising accessions identified for various agro-morphological traits are presented in Table 2. The

accession ELG – 20 was identified with longer leaves, tall, high biomass and dry matter yield. The

accession ELG – 19 was identified is with longer earhead, high brix and higher yield, the accession ELG –

9 was with wider earhead and higher yield. The accession VKG – 34/53 was with more number of

leaves, longer, wider, tall and high biomass. The accession VKG – 34/49 was identified with longer

earhead, tall, thick stem and high yielding.



Table 2: Promising sorghum germplasm lines identified for utilization

SN Character Collector number No. of acc.

1 Time to flowering (< 65days) ELG – 1, ELG – 8, ELG – 10, SPV - 1616 3

2 More number of leaves (>18) ELG – 20, VKG - 34/9, VKG - 34/12, VKG - 34/25, VKG - 34/53,

VKG - 34/55, VKG - 34/56

7

3 Longer leaves (>95cm) ELG – 13, ELG – 18, ELG – 20, ELG – 21, VKG - 34/15, VKG -

34/37, VKG - 34/53

7

4 Wider leaves (>10cm) ELG – 2, ELG – 21, VKG - 34/47, VKG - 34/53, VKG - 34/66 5

5 Longer earhead (>35cm) ELG – 8, ELG – 9, ELG – 19, VKG - 34/47, VKG - 34/49 5

6 Wider earhead (>11cm) ELG – 9, VKG - 34/14, VKG - 34/37, VKG - 34/55 4

7 Short plant (<200cm) VKG – 34/69, SPV - 1616 1

8 Tall plant (>375 cm) ELG – 6, ELG – 17, ELG – 20, VKG - 34/9, VKG - 34/12, VKG -

34/25, VKG - 34/28, VKG - 34/47, VKG - ,34/49, VKG - 34/53

10

9 Thicker stem (>2.8 cm) ELG – 2, ELG – 18, VKG - 34/47, VKG - 34/49, VKG - 34/53 5

10 High brix (18%) ELG – 3, ELG – 19 2

11 High biomass (>5kg/5 plant) ELG – 5, ELG – 18, ELG – 20, VKG - 34/53 4

12 High dry matter

(>3kg/5plant)

ELG – 3, ELG – 5, ELG – 18, ELG – 20, VKG - 34/25, VKG -

34/53, VKG - 34/54

7

13 High yield (>70g/plant) ELG – 9, ELG – 18, ELG – 19, VKG - 34/37, VKG - 34/47, VKG -

34/49, VKG - 34/54, VKG - 34/55, CSV – 15, SPV - 1616

8

14 100-seed weight (>3.5g) ELG – 2, ELG – 3, ELG – 4, CSV - 15 3

2. Evaluation of rabi germplasm for terminal drought adaptation (SS Rao)

Sixty landraces of rabi sorghum germplasm lines along with temperate stay-green types were evaluated

for preliminary characterization of rabi adaptation traits that improve productivity and stress tolerance.

Biomass ranged from 75-231g/plant. Sixteen entries recorded high biomass than the check Maulee

(160g). Biomass has shown a high significant positive correlation with grain yield(r= 0.733**). Grain yield

ranged from 21.4 –55.1g/pl with a mean of 36 g. Seven entries which yielded significantly higher than

checks (>44 g) include IS 17972, IS 5589, PEC 17, RSV 283, PVR 621, PVR 623, and RSV 919. Ten

promising entries yielded higher biomass and grain yield combining stress tolerance traits are presented

in Table 3.

Entries that flowered early than the check Maulee (73 days) include IS17910, (72 d), IS 18424(71), BJ

111(70), IS 22380(71), N 13(69), QL 10(70), and TX 7078(69). Days to flowering have shown negative

relationship with panicle exsertion (P0.05). In the medium to shallow soil ecologies of rabi, flowering of

about 72 days (Maulee) should be desirable. Plant height ranged from 110-245 cm and all the staygreen

entries were semi-tall than rabi adapted. Plant height had a positive relationship with biomass and grain

yield (r=0.436* and 0.507**, respectively). HI and 1000 seed weight ranged from 19.0-35.1% and 14.0-

40.0 respectively and sixteen entries recorded greater HI than check CSV 216 R (28.5%).



Table 3. Promising rabi germplasm for grain yield and drought stress tolerance traits in rabi.

S Days Grain Yield Biomass CSI at RWC at flow.

no Entry flowg. R (g/pt) R (g/pt) R Flowg. R (%) R

1 IS 17972 74 2 55.1 1 215 2 0.059 14 76.3

2 IS 5589 83 8 46.8 3 192 5 0.312 4 88.1 4

3 PEC 17 84 9 45.4 5 168 7 0.092 13 83.0

4 RSV 283 78 4 46.8 3 167 8 0.570 3 78.6

5 PVR 621 83 8 47.2 2 231 1 0.104 12 83.5

6 PVR 623 83 8 45.8 4 167 9 0.614 1 96.5 1

7 RSV 919 79 5 45.1 6 210 3 0.578 2 90.5

8 PEC 15 83 8 38.2 11 194 4 0.147 11 92.5 2

9 PVR 620 82 7 41.4 7 161 10 0.214 9 85.6 5

10 RSV 902 81 6 40.3 8 172 6 0.213 10 90.2 3

Mean of checks

Maulee 72.6 37.5 160 0.250 73.4

M 35-1 75.7 36.0 149 0.300 78.9

CSV 14R 76.2 37.3 150 0.278 77.0

CSV 216R 81.4 44.0 154 0.240 79.9

Grand Mean 78.1 36.0 140 0.354 80.7

CV (%) 5.9 18.4 24 7.8

CD (0.05) 1 1.43 7.3 1.37

Minimum 69 21.4 75 0.052 63.3

Maximum 88.25 55.1 231 0.689 96.5

CSI: Chlorophyll stability Index; RWC: Relative water content; R: Rank

Traits associated with stress tolerance such as relative leaf water content (RWC) and Chlorophyll

stability Index (CSI) varied significantly and ranged from 0.052-0.689 and 63.3-96.5 %, respectively.

Twenty entries recorded higher RWC (>85%) than all which include IS 6452, IS 21971, IS 23459, IS

5589,IS 6368, PEC 15, RSV 197, RSV 297, RSV 91, RSV 356, RSV 365, PVR 620, PVR 623, BTX 623, TX

7078, B 35, RSV 912, RSV 919 and RSV 902. While sources (16 no) for CSI include IS 6458, IS 17972, IS

18424, IS 1122, PEC 17, PEC 35, RSV 365, RSLG 333, PVR 619, PVR 620, PVR 621, BJ 111, N 13 and QL 10.

3. Evaluation of local rabi germplasm at solapur (Raut)

Sixteen selected local germplasms were evaluated under rainfed conditions with CSV-18, M35-1, CSV-

216R and Phule Maulee as check. Local germplasm Mardi produced the highest grain yield (3639 kg/ha)

followed by Katarkhatav (3572 kg/ha) and Mangalwedha-2 (3108 kg/ha) compared to M35-1, Phule

Maulee, CSV-216R and CSV-18 (2309, 2188, 2930 and 2952 kg/ha respectively) (Table 4). Local

germplasm, Katarkhatav produced the highest stover yield (12222 kg/ha) followed by Mandroop-1

(10678 kg/ha), Pusegaon-2 (10308 kg/ha) and Aundha (10246 kg/ha) compared to M35-1, Phule Maulee,

CSV-216R and CSV-18 (6852, 5432, 7098 and 11049 kg/ha respectively).



Table 4: Yields of promising local germplasm under rainfed condition

Name of Entry Plant height (cm)

Grain yield (kg/ha)

Stover yield (kg/ha)

Total biomass (kg/ha)

Days to 50% flowering

Grain wt / ear head (g)

HI (%)

Mangalwedha-2 255 3108 7963 12345 74 54.0 25.3

Mardi 258 3639 7656 12284 71 60.6 29.6

Katarkhatav 278 3572 12222 17098 82 60.6 20.6

Mandroop-1 265 2867 10678 15061 76 49.6 19.0

Aurad (Shendage) 251 2881 5370 9259 77 47.0 31.1

Boramani 255 2825 8148 12037 77 47.6 23.3

Sangavi 268 2747 9136 12900 75 57.0 21.3

Ranmasale 262 2727 8765 12592 74 55.0 21.3

Aundha 281 2688 10246 13889 87 43.4 20.6

CSV-18 295 2952 11049 15061 84 52.4 19.6

M35-1 261 2309 6852 10246 70 47.0 22.6

CSV-216R 279 2930 7098 11234 80 55.0 26.0

Maulee 248 2188 5432 8395 70 43.6 26.6

4. Characterizing sweet sorghum germplasm for rabi adaptation (SS Rao)

Forty sweet sorghum germplasm along with two checks were SSV84 and RSSV9 were evaluated in

augmented design during rabi season and were sown during the first week of December on vertisol. The

crop was raised with minimum supplementary irrigations and recommended package of practices were

followed.

Phenology and plant height: Days 50% flowering observed was ranged from 79 to 127 days with an

average value of 100. Majority of the entries especially temperate sources such as Wray, Keller, BJ 248,

EC538170 etc. being photoperiod sensitive took more time to flower i.e., 110 to 127 days. While entries

IS7543, IS7547, IS8553 and IS9609 did not flower even at 150 days after planting (Table 5). Plant height

varied from 106 to 250cm with a mean of 185 cm. Plant height realized in rabi was much lower than the

kharif season crop which usually reach to a height of 280 to 300cm. In general higher days to flowering

was associated with greater stalk yield(r=0.688, P0.01).

Stalk yield and quality parameters

Fresh stalk yield ranged from 30 to 487g/plant. Twenty entries recorded significantly higher stalk yield

(13-487 g/pl) than check SSV84 (62g). They include Wray (487g), EC538164 (444g), Keller (379g), EC

538170(324g), EC538165 (348g), IS18725 (260g), IS7543 (350g) etc. (Table1&Figure 1). In the stem dry

weight too, the above listed entries recorded higher values. Juice brix and extraction was ranged from 5-

23% and 8-41.3%, respectively. In general, entries that recorded higher stalk yield also recorded superior

brix and extraction values. Similar trend was observed in bagasse fresh and dry weights (Table 1).



Table 5: Genetic variation in promising sweet sorghum germplasm grown in rabi 2006-07

S.No ENTRY Days to Plant Stem Fresh Juice Juice Juice Bagasse Bagasse

flower height dry wt Stalk yield Yield Extration brix fresh wt dry wt

(days) (cm) (g/pt) (g/pt) (g/pt) (%) % (g/pt) (g/pt)

1 NSSV258 99 219 52.4 142.4 16.0 11.2 17.0 113.6 31.6

2 BJ 248 127 140 44.0 272.4 62.8 23.1 14.0 194.8 32.4

3 KELLER 124 201 157.6 379.2 133.6 35.2 18.0 218.4 42.4

4 WRAY 119 222 188.4 487.2 172.8 35.5 23.0 80.4 67.2

5 EC538164 119 211 219.6 443.6 183.2 41.3 16.0 231.6 44.8

6 EC 538165 110 225 156.0 347.6 118.0 33.9 16.0 206.0 52.0

7 EC 538170 124 185 165.2 323.6 114.0 35.2 15.0 178.4 25.6

8 IS 7543 NF 155 98.8 349.6 75.2 21.5 13.0 232.0 68.0

9 IS 7547 NF 239 105.6 296.8 51.2 17.3 15.5 80.8 60.0

10 IS 9609 NF 128 104.4 266.0 87.2 32.8 13.0 152.4 26.4

11 IS 14904 127 219 126.8 234.4 17.6 7.5 14.0 190.8 53.6

12 IS 17825 126 236 86.0 260.0 30.0 11.5 18.0 194.4 63.2

SSV 84( C ) 92 154 27.4 60 7.0 12.0 11.5 51.9 18.0

RSSV 9 (C) 85.6 166 50.0 62 9.4 14.3 11.7 46.5 15.4

Grand mean 99.9 185.0 66.0 157.5 34.6 16.6 12.9 100.0 28.3

Range (n=42) 79-127 106-250 9.2-220 30-487 2.4-183 3.8-41.3 5 to 23 25 -232 9.2 - 68

Fourteen entries recorded higher brix values (14-23%) than check SSV84 (12.0%). Juice brix had a highly

significant positive correlation (P0.05) with plant height; stalk yield, juice extraction, juice extraction &

weight and bagasse yield. The entries which are listed in Figure1 were possessing desirable stalk and

quality traits excepting that they were very late in flowering (105-150 days). These entries could form

the useful donors in sweet sorghum improvement aimed at high stalk yields and quality. It may essential

that these lines should be converted in to relatively photoperiod insensitive types in order to enhance

their value in the breeding program. On the other hand, these entries with late flowering behaviour may

also be used directly as desirable high biomass feedstock for staggered supply to the industry.

5. Evaluation of sorghum germplasm for sugar content (Audilakshmi)

Mean performance of 32 germplasm lines for various agronomic traits is given in Table 6. The

germplasm lines, Urja (22.7%), EC 538171 (22.3%), EC 538164 (21.2%) and IS 6962 (20.0%) recorded

highest brix against the check, RSSV 9 (20.3%). Correlation studies showed (Table 7) that stem diameter

and number of leaves were significantly (-ve) correlated to high brix. However, juice yield and cane yield

were highly significantly correlated to plant height, stem diameter, length and number of internodes etc.



Table 6. Performance of germplasm lines for brix and other agronomic traits S. No. Accession PH SD LIN NIN NL CY/ P JY Brix

1 IS 3556 288.1 2.1 26.1 13.7 14.0 485.3 182.0 18.3

2 IS 5357 318.1 2.2 27.2 15.0 17.5 623.7 177.3 14.0

3 IS 6936 282.1 1.8 13.9 13.3 13.6 226.2 26.0 17.7

4 IS 6962 323.7 1.9 28.2 13.9 14.4 322.3 87.7 20.0

5 IS 7073 315.3 1.9 21.7 13.5 14.5 348.7 75.7 18.7

6 IS 7080 299.9 1.9 17.8 14.2 15.1 400.0 130.3 16.3

7 IS 7541 360.4 2.5 21.2 17.5 19.8 654.7 143.3 10.7

8 IS 7546 270.1 2.4 20.8 15.4 17.2 447.7 116.9 14.0

9 IS 7553 302.1 2.5 19.9 17.3 18.3 580.7 163.3 11.3

10 IS 12135 297.7 2.2 30.3 13.3 15.8 443.0 90.0 12.3

11 EC 538163 233.6 2.2 18.3 10.8 11.4 455.8 152.5 17.3

12 EC 538164 218.1 1.6 16.7 9.5 9.8 190.8 67.0 21.2

13 EC 538169 316.3 2.2 19.7 13.6 14.1 394.7 41.3 19.0

14 EC 538171 227.1 2.0 16.4 10.4 11.0 308.7 127.3 22.3

15 EC 538176 299.1 2.2 14.8 13.3 13.7 498.7 190.7 16.3

16 JKSH 02 308.2 1.9 24.1 13.1 13.4 452.3 129.3 18.7

17 NARI- SSH -47 359.9 2.1 21.5 14.2 14.5 511.3 98.3 19.3

18 NSSH 104 321.7 2.2 19.0 13.0 13.5 658.3 190.7 17.7

19 RSSV 9 305.7 1.7 20.4 13.4 13.4 448.3 104.0 20.3

20 SSV 84 240.6 2.0 21.2 11.4 12.3 356.3 63.1 17.7

21 NSSV 260 257.6 1.5 18.1 10.9 11.2 253.3 60.7 19.3

22 PAC 52093 267.1 1.9 19.5 11.5 12.6 410.7 143.3 17.7

23 NTJ 2 257.7 2.1 15.4 12.9 13.3 451.7 128.7 18.0

24 URJA 288.2 1.7 21.4 11.4 11.4 377.3 124.0 22.7

25 C 43 124.9 1.6 7.1 9.2 10.4 100.7 21.7 13.0

26 27 B 127.4 1.7 7.1 8.4 8.0 92.7 33.2 13.7

27 AKMS 14 B 107.7 1.1 7.0 7.2 6.9 41.9 14.6 17.7

28 296 B 121.4 1.6 6.2 8.5 8.9 76.8 13.0 13.7

29 463 B 93.9 1.9 5.1 7.9 9.3 78.3 21.3 13.7

30 CSV 15 216.2 1.7 14.8 9.5 10.7 185.0 38.0 18.5

31 SPV 1616 223.1 1.6 19.1 10.0 10.3 202.0 42.7 17.3

32 NR 486 198.4 1.6 16.5 10.3 10.7 156.7 44.7 17.0

Mean 255.35 1.92 18.01 12.10 12.84 351.08 95.08 17.04

C.V. 9.04 8.53 15.69 14.00 9.19 27.20 31.44 11.46

C.D. 5% 37.68 0.27 4.61 2.76 1.93 155.87 48.80 3.19

C.D. 1% 50.09 0.36 6.13 3.68 2.56 207.22 64.87 4.24

Table 7: Correlation coefficient for various traits in sweet sorghum lines PH SD LIN NIN NL CY/P JY Brix

PH 1

SD 0.61** 1.00

LIN 0.83** 0.48** 1.00

NIN 0.88** 0.78** 0.70** 1.00

NL 0.83** 0.82** 0.69** 0.98** 1.00

CY/P 0.86** 0.80** 0.71** 0.86** 0.84** 1.00

JY 0.66** 0.66** 0.57** 0.65** 0.63** 0.88** 1.00

Brix 0.18 -0.39* 0.18 -0.20 -0.32* -0.08 0.01 1.00



B. Grain sorghum

B1. Kharif sorghum


1. Evaluation of kharif restorer lines for fodder, cane and seed yield (Aruna)

Sixty-five restorer lines were evaluated for green fodder yield, cane yield, brix content and seed yield.

Six R lines were found to be significantly superior to C43 for green fodder yield (Table 8). CB 439 was the

best line. 25 R lines showed significant superiority over C 43 for brix. CB 443 and CB 328 showed highest

brix of 18%. Nine R lines recorded significantly higher seed yield over C 43. CB 84 was the best among all

the lines. In general the R lines, CB 84 and CB 439 were good lines for grain and fodder yields and brix.

Table 8: R lines evaluated during kharif 2007

R line Green fodder yield

(kg/5plants)

Cane yield (g/pl) Brix (%) No. of Primary

Branches

Seed wt (g/pl)

CB 78 2.34 310 7.47 65* 114.6*

CB 79 3.62* 336 8.67 76* 94.3*

CB 81 2.50 381* 11.20 78* 82.3

CB 84 2.94* 324 16.87* 56 125*

CB 86 2.70 386* 16.93* 51 93.7

CB 431 3.02* 317 16.8* 52 35.3

CB 434 2.33 519* 15.6* 58 70.8

CB 437 2.16 319 7.13 67* 111.6*

CB 438 2.43 479* 12.26* 60* 80.0

CB 439 3.95* 541* 15.4* 61* 96*

CB 442 2.31 310 17.93* 58 61.0

CB 443 2.78 381* 18.06* 57 66.3

CB 307 1.81 228 11.13 62* 96.6*

CB 447 2.24 270 15.26* 66* 92.7

CB 449 3.19* 469* 12.33 86* 68.7

CB 450 1.53 215 15.3* 60* 76.1

CB 452 2.72 314 16.6* 55 79.0

CB 453 2.57 327 12.4* 60 75.7

CB 455 2.85 383* 9.07 73* 103.6*

CB 456 2.95* 400* 11.73 84* 91.3

CB 306 1.39 169 13.6* 59 59.3

CB 457 2.10 312 9.13 56 96.3*

CB 459 2.78 392* 11.40 63* 94.3*

CB 462 1.64 246 14.8* 60* 87.7

CB 308 2.51 246 19.26* 67* 41.7

CB 309 1.59 206 15.63* 57 40.7

CB 312 2.34 267 17* 42 58.3



CB 318 2.28 241 12.6* 59 61.3

CB 319 1.34 230 17.73* 60* 48.0

CB 320 2.01 198 12.66* 50 73.7

CB 322 2.41 271 15.53* 58 88.9

CB 324 2.24 271 13.3* 53 52.0

CB 325 1.81 223 13.93* 57 67.7

CB 327 2.20 210 7.87 70* 91.0

CB 328 2.64 364* 18.06* 60* 40.7

CB 329 2.35 263 9.60 53 55.0

CB 115 2.37 252 16.86* 55 72.0

CB 116 2.06 243 8.80 62 95.0

Indore 12 1.08 86 8.07 63 65.7

AKR150 2.15 285 10.87 63 71.0

RS627 3.09 419 16.33 56 83.3

AKR354 2.26 258 8.67 51 77.0

C43 2.25 290 12.09 61 76.6

C.V. 18.83 20.33 16.71 8.93 13.87

C.D. 5% 0.68 95.23 3.27 8.87 17.17

C.D. 1% 0.90 125.85 4.32 11.73 22.69

2. Evaluation of new B lines for grain, cane and stover yield (Audilakshmi)

50 superior MS lines from last year’s results were reevaluated along with the checks in RCBD for grain

yield, cane yield and other agronomical traits. The results are shown in Table 9. 42 of these 50 MS lines

ranged from 56 to 69 days for days to flowering, varied from 103 -223 cm for plant height and 26 to 36

cm for panicle length. 42 MS lines showed grain yield on par and 6 B lines were significantly superior to

296 B for grain yield. MS lines showing significantly superior grain yield are 3175 (85.5 g/plant), 3219

(80.2), CB 175 (80.8g/plant), 3059 (65.6), BX 280 (67.2 g/plant), CB 176 (67.2 g/plant). 30 lines were on

par with RSSV 9 and 6 MS lines showed brix of 17.1 to 19.1 % against 19.6 % of RSSV 9. Superior MS lines

for high brix were BX3021 (17.7 %), BX 514(19.1%), BX 3215(18.2%), CB 166(17.1%), CB 202 (17.5%) and

CB 386 (19.1%) against 19.7 % of RSSV 9. Only one MS line, CB 201 (496 g/plant) was statistically on par

with RSSV 9 (504 %) for cane yield.

Table 9: Performance of B lines for grain yield and other agronomic traits

B Line ID Days to flower

Plant height cm

Panicle length cm

Stover yield g/plant

Cane yield g/plant

Brix %

Grain yield y/plant

3003 1 58 116.7 30.0 261.3 132.6 11.7 56.2

3008 2 61 103.1 28.3 242.0 143.5 9.9 51.3

3014 3 58 126.4 32.1 184.3 99.4 11.6 54.1

3019 4 65 161.5 30.4 504.0 355.4 9.3 80.2

3021 5 69 211.9 30.1 635.3 436.1 17.7 26.1

3059 6 56 158.8 30.3 302.0 145.2 16.0 65.6



3066 7 59 144.3 30.1 283.7 158.3 12.6 53.8

3085 8 66 165.0 27.6 338.7 199.3 16.1 61.8

3120 9 67 132.4 31.3 328.7 170.9 10.7 44.7

3121 10 63 145.2 26.0 399.0 278.7 16.3 33.0

3128 11 57 148.6 30.6 325.7 204.0 14.2 48.2

3164 12 63 144.3 30.7 298.3 214.1 15.3 58.8

3168 13 56 139.3 31.2 266.0 128.0 15.3 54.2

474 14 67 133.1 31.3 314.0 174.5 14.6 47.8

3173 15 69 126.4 32.3 351.3 206.8 16.1 54.5

3175 16 62 166.2 27.0 441.3 307.2 12.0 85.5

480 17 58 127.4 28.4 292.3 177.7 14.3 50.7

484 18 53 139.8 31.0 340.0 195.9 15.7 62.2

3182 19 58 111.9 25.9 184.3 100.4 15.7 31.5

3185 20 67 127.1 29.8 413.7 201.5 12.9 36.6

512 21 59 144.0 31.4 386.3 206.0 11.8 64.8

586 22 61 130.7 29.3 334.7 207.1 14.1 55.6

636 B 23 60 125.4 30.7 236.0 124.6 11.9 33.5

3068 24 65 130.0 30.9 235.3 144.4 12.0 45.0

3108 25 65 122.1 27.9 370.3 217.9 14.9 57.6

280 26 67 223.6 31.8 373.3 257.6 11.3 67.2

3179 27 55 159.3 27.5 381.7 222.5 14.3 47.5

478 29 74 135.5 26.4 242.3 150.2 14.9 53.9

514 30 65 140.3 26.9 414.7 243.6 19.1 17.1

3215 31 64 139.8 32.1 330.3 180.5 18.2 43.8

CB 160 35 69 121.5 31.8 357.0 210.7 15.1 28.0

BX 128-R04 36 65 176.9 36.3 474.0 355.1 11.4 59.6

CB 163 37 69 163.1 36.9 416.0 236.4 14.2 47.1

CB 168 38 69 193.5 33.4 500.0 298.3 13.8 44.8

CB 166 39 69 128.2 31.2 443.3 294.8 17.1 50.0

CB 175 41 63 140.0 31.2 418.3 248.8 14.7 80.8

CB 176 42 63 129.0 28.9 274.7 148.5 12.2 66.2

CB 184 43 69 128.3 28.8 362.3 226.9 13.9 63.7

CB 201 44 67 205.4 30.9 690.7 492.5 13.9 43.3

CB 202 45 69 153.9 31.2 505.7 283.2 17.7 36.9

CB 355 46 66 149.0 32.3 405.7 289.1 15.8 59.7

CB 361 47 62 126.9 35.1 279.0 151.9 15.1 54.9

CB 363 48 67 139.4 30.4 436.0 288.5 16.2 55.0

CB 386 49 69 145.2 29.0 469.7 233.5 19.1 30.2

CB 401 50 68 112.7 29.8 292.7 160.4 12.6 49.8

27 B 32 64 125.7 35.5 256.0 172.7 10.7 45.4

296 B 33 69 121.4 34.7 262.3 131.0 12.7 50.4

AKMS 14 B 34 56 134.8 31.2 247.3 129.5 12.9 53.8

RSSV 9 70 305.3 17.7 762.0 504.0 19.6 25.0

Mean 146.5 30.3 364.6 221.2 14.3 50.8

CV 15.1 5.8 16.3 15.8 17.2 20.3

CD at 5% 35.8 2.9 96.6 56.7 4.0 16.7

CD at 1% 47.4 3.8 127.9 75.1 5.3 22.1



3. Line improvement of 27 B for shoot fly resistance (Aruna and Padmaja)

It was attempted to improve the level of shoot fly resistance in the elite line 27 B. 45 derivatives from BC1F3, BC2F2 and BC3F1 of the cross 27 B x IS 18551 and the elite parent, 27 B were studied in kharif 2007. Six derivatives, one in BC1F3, 4 in BC1F4 and one in BC3F2 recorded deadheart percentage less than 50%, where the parent 27B showed 83% deadhearts.

4. Parental line development on A2 cytoplasm in kharif sorghum (Kaul)

The currently available commercial sorghum hybrids are based on A1 cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic

diversification in A2 may widen the use of improved germplasm which otherwise restorers on A1 (milo)

cytoplasm. Since present day hybrids have little tolerance to grain mold (GM) and get seriously damaged

during extended rainfall at crop maturity, use of A2 cytoplasm will promote the use of GM tolerant lines

into CMS lines. However, restoration on A2 cytoplasm has been a difficult process. Therefore, the

current interest on restoration has been to promote utilization of alternate on A2 cytoplasm to breed

superior hybrids.

i. Identifying restorers among breeding lines

A large number of progenies have been bred in the programme. Some of these progenies have been

used as pollinators to develop 30 hybrids based on 6 CMS (A2 cytoplasm) lines. These hybrids along with

4 checks (CSH 14, CSH 16, CSH 18, CSH 23) were evaluated in RBD in 3 replications for fertility reaction

and agronomic characters. The fertility/ sterility reaction was observed in 15 plants of each F1 cross.

Eight hybrids were fertile. The hybrid RS 115A2x K101 was high yielding (95.7g/pl) exhibited 17% higher

grain yield than check hybrid CSH 18 (Table 10). It was tall with medium maturity. The mid – tall hybrids

RS74Ax K105, RS115A2x K105, RS1096A2x K150 and RS 1182A2x K150,were also high yielding and

registered 15 -27% increase in grain yield.

ii. Development of A2 Restorers: The promising advance generation (F6) fertile lines derived from A2

based crosses cytoplasm were again crossed with unrelated A2 CMS lines.These nine F1 crosses were

raised and advanced to F2. These F2’s were evaluated in large population (approximately 1000 selfed

plants). From these F2’s, 109 agronomically superior fertile plants were selected with tolerance to grain

mold. Their grain yield ranged from 78g-104g/pl (Table 11). The GM score (4-5) was also low compared

7 to 8 in checks( RS 627, RS 673, I 12) in the scale of 1-10 indicating higher level of resistance in these

derived lines.

5. Screening of elite line of sorghum for salinity tolerance (Talwar)

64 elite lines at were screened in saline field at NRCS Hyderabad during kharif 2007. The trial was sown

in 8 x 8 lattice in four replications. A subset of 64 entries (6x6 lattice, 4 replications) was evaluated in

saline field at Warangal. Based on these observations at both locations, the best performers and poor

performers were identified (Table 12). The line RS 585 is among the best performers at both locations.



Table 10: Fertile A2 based hybrids

Hybrid Days to

flower

Plant

Height

(cm)

No. Of

leaves

Leaf

Length

(cm)

Leaf

width

(cm)

Panicle

Length

(cm)

No.

P. Br

Seeds/

P.br.

Seed

wt/pl

(g)

% inc

SPH 1467 63.3 207.3 13.1 79.0 8.7 30.7 55.0 65.2 95.3 16.0

RS1096A2xK150 67.3 179.3 13.3 70.8 9.4 24.7 48.4 50.1 95.2 26.0

RS 1103A2 x K BN 858 67.7 196.0 13.7 66.9 8.3 23.5 49.1 71.4 90.0 20.0

RS 1223A2 x K BN 227 68.3 178.7 13.0 63.9 9.1 27.1 52.8 49.5 88.6 18.0

RS 74A2 x K 164 67.7 180.7 13.3 65.3 8.1 26.8 67.5 72.4 86.6 15.0

RS 1182A2 x K 850 70.7 167.7 12.7 63.8 8.0 25.9 58.6 71.7 95.3 27.0

RS 1182A x K854 71.7 239.0 13.3 68.8 9.4 26.7 71.4 65.2 68.9 -9.0

RS 115A2 K 105 67.3 185.0 14.0 68.3 8.1 25.0 69.7 73.3 87.3 16.0

RS 115A2 x K101 70.3 206.0 13.7 60.0 7.9 25.5 60.2 63.5 95.7 17.0

CSH 14 ( c ) 60.3 173.3 11.3 70.0 8.7 26.1 59.0 63.1 71.9

CSH 16 ( c ) 63.7 185.0 12.7 70.0 9.3 30.1 61.2 56.6 75.0

CSH 18 ( c ) 69.0 214.3 12.7 73.3 8.3 30.2 68.0 67.1 82.1

CSH 23 (c ) 60.3 172.3 11.7 69.3 9.0 26.7 58.5 57.1 81.9

Mean 67.3 193.1 12.9 68.1 8.5 26.4 58.6 64.2 79.7

C.V. 2.6 3.1 6.3 3.1 4.3 3.4 4.4 4.3 8.2

F ratio 12.5 38.4 2.2 13.6 9.5 17.9 29.6 25.2 17.6

F Prob. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

S.E. 1.0 3.5 0.5 1.2 0.2 0.5 1.5 1.6 3.8

C.D. 5% 2.9 10.0 1.4 3.6 0.6 1.5 4.3 4.6 10.8

C.D. 1% 4.0 13.5 1.8 4.8 0.8 2.0 5.8 6.2 14.6

Table 11: Fertile A2 restorers

S. No

Entrys Days to

flower

Plant Height (cm)

No. of leaves

Leaf Length

(cm)

Leaf Width (cm)

Panicle Length

(cm)

Panicle Width (cm)

No. P. Br

Seeds/

P.Br

Seed wt

1 RS 1103A2 x K 235-2 74 182 13.8 81.6 9.6 23.4 5.6 53.4 69.8 97

2 RS 1103A2 x K 237-1 74 179 13.8 81.2 9.4 25 5.4 60.8 81.2 82

3 RS 1103A2 x K 239-1 68 184 14.2 78 9.6 26.2 5.2 55.2 43.8 95

4 RS 1103A2 x K240-2 73 182 14.2 80 9.2 27.2 5.6 53.6 48 95

5 RS 1103A2 x K250-1 69 182 14.8 84.2 9.4 25 6 42 71.6 96

6 RS 301A2 x K239-1 70 191 14 79 9.8 25.8 5.2 51.8 76.6 91

7 RS 301A2 x K240- 69 194 14.8 79.2 10 27.4 5 52.8 49.4 77.8

8 RS 301A2 x K241-1 67 191 14 82.2 10 24.6 5.4 71 82 94

9 RS 301A2 x K250-1 66 181 13.2 78.2 10 27.4 5 52.6 60 104



Table 12: Five best and poor performers at NRCS Hyderabad and OSN Warangal.

NRCS Warangal

Best Performer Poor performer Best performer Poor performer

RS 585 296 B SSG 59-3 RS 29

ICSR 196 27 B BJ 248 IS10284

S35 SP36257 N13 CSV 17

SP 47513 ICSB 405 RSSV 9 CS 3541

SPV 1825 CS 3541 RS 585 C 43

6. Evaluation of F4, F6 and advanced progenies for shoot fly incidence (Aruna and

Padmaja)

A total of 430 F4, and 60 F6 and advanced derivatives from crosses between the elite and shoot fly resistant sources and the checks were evaluated for shoot fly resistance in the shoot fly screening nursery, and under late sowing conditions. The breeding nursery was sown on 18th July 2007. The breeding nursery was sown in augmented design in 4 blocks using 5 checks, i.e. three elite lines and 2 shoot fly resistant sources. The shoot fly infestation was observed to be high and the percent deadhearts (%DH) at 28 days after emergence was recorded.

Eighty six genotypes belonging to different pedigrees were found to show less than 40% deadhearts at

28 days after emergence under late sowing conditions, where the elite lines 27B and 296 B showed 90%

and 84% deadhearts respectively, and the resistant check showed 35% DH.

Table 13: Crosses with less than 40% deadheart due to shoot fly incidence

S No. Pedigree No. of promising progenies

Range of DH%

1 IS 18551 x C 43 3 24-30.6

2 296B x IS 2122 2 24-27.3

3 IS 2122 x C43 3 33.3-40.0

4 SPV1518 x IS 2122 1 25.0

5 27B x IS 18551 3 29.1-35.3

6 C 43 x IS 18551 1 40.0

7 SR 2701 x PS 35805 6 21.7-35.0

8 (422B x SPSFR 94036) x SFCR 1009 3 26.3-28.0

9 (C43 x ICSV705) x (C43 x IS23509) 5 25-40

10 27B x{(296B x IS18551) x 296B}x 296B 2 33.3-37.5

11 27B x ICSV 705 8 18.8-39.1

12 IMS 9B x B 55301 6 22.7-39.1

13 IMS 9B x PS 35805 1 21.4



14 463B x B 55301 1 26.1

15 463B x SFCR 1143 2 30.4-40

16 I 12 x SR 770-2-2 1 40.0

17 463B x SPSFR 94032 5 26.3-38.1

18 I 12 x SU1069 1 32.0

19 NR 486 x SFCR1012 7 23.0-38.9

20 C 43 x SR 770-2-2 2 21.7-23.8

21 C43 x ICSV 705 4 25-40.0

22 (AKR354 x IS 18551)x R 354 1 36.0

23 IS 18551 x C43- birental 1 38.5

24 (IS 18551 x C43) x (296B x IS 2122) 1 36.4

25 (296B x IS2122) x (IS18551 x 27B) 1 35.0

26 (IS2122 x C43) x (IS18551 x 27B) 2 32.0-39.1

27 SFCR 1058 x IMS9B 1 33.3

28 (296B x IS 18551) x 296B 1 37.5

29 (296B x IS 2122) x (296B x IS 18551)- Biparental 3 28-38.1

30 27B x IS 2122- Biparental 2 23.8-36.8

31 C 43 x IS 2122- Biparental 2 20.8-33.3

32 296B x IS 18551- Biparental 4 22.7-30.0

33 27 B 89.96

34 296 B 84.07

35 C 43 49.94

36 IS 18551 34.67

37 IS 2122 37.82

SE 0.94

7. Evaluation of segregating and advanced progenies for shoot fly resistance

(Padmaja and Aruna)

52 F6 and advanced progenies from crosses between the elite and shoot fly resistant sources and the

checks were evaluated for shoot fly resistance under artificial conditions using fish meal technique. 5

F6 progenies were promising to shoot fly with <50% deadhearts (Table 14).

Evaluation of F2 progenies for shoot fly resistance: F2 plants of 5 crosses (C43 x IS 18551, 296B x IS

2122, C43 x IS 2122, 27B x 296B and DJ 6514 x 27B) were evaluated. 20 single plant selections were

made from the cross C43 x IS 18551.

Evaluation of derivatives of line improvement programme for shoot fly and their phenotype: 49

entries comprising BC1F3, BC2F2 and BC3F2 of the cross 27B x IS 18551 were evaluated. 6 derivatives (<



50% deadhearts) were better than the parent 27B (83.3% deadhearts) where as the resistant check, IS

18551 recorded 35.1% (Figure 1).

Table 14: Promising F6 progenies of elite x shoot fly resistant sources to shoot fly

S.no F6 progeny Deadheart (%)

14 DAE 21 DAE 28 DAE

1 (422B x SPSFR94036) x SFCR1009 13.7 25.6 45.8

2 8.9 24.4 46.1

3 296B x IS18551 18.1 38.9 44.4

4 (296B x IS18551) x 296B 25.3 38.1 47.6

5 27B x IS 2122- 293 19.5 23.1 41.8

Elite lines

6 27B 19.6 54.2 81.5

7 296B 41.8 67.3 91.8

8 422B 15.6 34.4 66.6

Checks

9 IS 18551(R) 8.3 22.5 31.5

10 IS 2122 (R) 10.8 43.4 47.9

11 DJ 6514(S) 10.6 47.8 82.6

CD (P 0.05) 15.6 28.3 26.3

Fig. 1: Dead heart (%) in promising derivatves of 27B

8. Evaluation of R lines for resistance to shoot fly (Bhagwat)

One hundred sixty lines were planted in late kharif 2007 at NRCS, Hyderabad, along with three resistant

(IS 2312, IS 2205, IS 18551), one susceptible (DJ 6514) and local checks (SPV 1616, CSV 15). Uniform

infestation of shoot fly was ensured in experimental plot by baiting with moist fishmeal at 10 DAE of

seedlings. The data on eggs/ 5 plants at 14 DAE, per cent deadheart caused by shoot fly was recorded at

weekly intervals viz., 14, 21 and 28 DAE.

Promising derivatives of 27B for shoot fly

0

20

40

60

80

100

BC1F

3

BC1F

4

BC1F

5

BC1F

6

BC1F

7

BC3F

227

B

IS 1

8551

Generation

Dead

heart

(%

)



Among the R lines, ICSR No 89071 recorded lowest shoot fly infestation (23% at 28 DAE). The lines ICSR

Nos. 89071, 90017, 89045, 89059, 9, 89015, 93004, 89022, 116, 91034, 165, 23 and 18 recorded

significantly low shoot fly dead hearts at 28 DAE and were on par with resistant checks IS 2312, IS 2205,

IS 18551. The incidence of dead hearts in these entries ranged from 23.3 – 50.2 % (Table 15). The mean

damage at 28 DAE in the experiment was 68.8 %. The local checks (SPV 1616, CSV 15) were on par with

susceptible check (DJ 6514).

Table 15: Evaluation of R lines for shoot fly resistant at NRCS Kharif 2007

Variety Eggs/5pts at 14 DAE SHDH % at 14 DAE SHDH % at 21 DAE SHDH % at 28 DAE

ICSR No 9 6.50 34.74 39.29 45.20

ICSR No 18 7.00 34.52 46.13 50.24

ICSR No 23 8.50 31.78 40.62 50.13

ICSR No 26 11.50 40.22 50.84 54.93

ICSR No 30 10.50 30.36 38.10 54.17

ICSR No 41 8.00 37.22 46.06 52.26

ICSR No 73 8.00 43.01 49.39 55.78

ICSR No 108 10.00 41.67 50.00 54.17

ICSR No 116 9.50 32.14 39.42 47.36

ICSR No 165 10.00 37.30 43.65 50.00

ICSR No 174 12.50 27.09 45.54 53.27

ICSR No 89015 8.50 37.59 41.50 45.42

ICSR No 89017 12.00 32.45 44.05 59.19

ICSR No 89022 7.50 35.37 43.04 46.88

ICSR No 89037 7.00 43.48 52.17 56.52

ICSR No 89045 6.50 15.46 22.59 36.23

ICSR No 89059 9.00 28.76 39.04 45.12

ICSR No 89068 10.50 39.76 53.28 56.79

ICSR No 89071 7.00 16.28 20.93 23.26

ICSR No 90017 5.00 25.21 28.44 34.32

ICSR No 91027 7.50 39.57 47.25 54.93

ICSR No 91034 8.50 32.47 41.78 48.71

ICSR No 93004 8.00 28.62 39.44 45.47

IS 2312 (Res) 5.50 8.96 19.39 34.36

IS 2205 (Res) 8.50 13.86 20.68 37.32

IS 18551 (Res) 7.00 13.55 22.69 29.40

DJ 6514 (Sus) 12.00 43.53 59.79 74.17

SPV 1616 12.00 54.76 63.10 69.05

CSV 15 16.50 43.18 54.55 81.82

Mean 13.17 44.63 57.48 68.82

CV (%) 32.55 27.08 23.35 20.69

CD (0.01) 11.04 31.14 34.58 36.68

CD (0.05) 8.40 23.69 26.31 27.91



The lines ICSR Nos. 89071, 90017, 89045, 89059, 9, 89015, 93004, 89022, 116, 91034, 165, 23 and 18

are tolerant to shoot fly hence, can be used as restorers in shoot fly breeding program.

9. Evaluation of SPV lines for shoot fly resistance (Bhagwat)

Two hundred and twenty SPV lines were planted along with resistant (IS 2312, IS 2205, IS 18551) and

susceptible (DJ 6514) check in late kharif 2007 at NRCS, Hyderabad. Uniform infestation of shoot fly was

ensured in experimental plot by baiting with moist fishmeal at 10 DAE of seedlings. The data on eggs / 5

plants, per cent dead heart caused by shoot fly was recorded at weekly intervals viz., 14, 21 and 28 DAE.

The data could be collected from only 60 entries due to poor germination in rest of the entries.

The lines which have shown <50% DH are given in Table 16 at 28 DAE. There was no significant

difference between entries at 14 and 21 DAE, however at 28 DAE, there were differences. The lines SPV-

1290 (33.5%), SPV-1267 (44.1%), SPV (44.4 %) and SPV (45.9 %) recorded low dead hearts at 28 DAE and

were on par to resistant checks (IS 2312, IS 18551 and ICSV 705) (Table 16). The mean dead hearts % for

experiment was 66.2%. Rest of entries was susceptible. To conclude, among the lines evaluated SPV-

1290 and SPV-1267 were tolerant to shoot fly.

Table 16: Evaluations of SPV lines for shoot fly resistant at NRCS Kharif 2007

SPV lines Gl ossiness

(1-9)

Vigour

(1-9)

Eggs/5 pts

at 14 DAE

SFDH% at

14 DAE

SFDH% at

21 DAE

SFDH% at

28 DAE

SPV - 459 4.95 4.50 9.00 37.73 42.41 50.23

SPV - 600 2.93 3.38 4.50 26.67 41.67 46.67

SPV - 692 4.95 5.63 3.00 14.52 17.74 44.36

SPV - 778 5.63 6.30 6.00 35.42 48.21 50.06

SPV - 824 2.70 3.60 6.00 32.57 38.92 45.99

SPV - 1253 4.95 4.95 4.50 38.20 47.92 50.00

SPV - 1267 3.96 4.41 5.50 23.29 32.16 44.02

SPV - 1290 4.95 4.95 4.00 21.02 30.41 33.50

SPV - 1332 4.28 4.05 6.00 41.35 43.27 49.04

SPV - 1343 5.85 5.85 5.00 15.79 43.42 48.69

SPV - 1387 4.95 4.95 5.00 42.08 45.73 48.17

SPV - 1750 5.85 5.85 5.50 47.00 48.00 50.00

IS 2312 (Res) 3.60 3.38 2.50 12.24 20.63 37.41

IS 18551(Res) 4.95 4.50 3.50 22.18 29.29 35.42

DJ 6514 (Sus) 8.55 8.10 4.00 12.50 22.22 87.50

ICSV 705 (Res) 4.95 4.95 8.00 22.22 33.33 41.67

Mean 6.53 6.49 6.67 37.13 51.45 66.20

CV (%) 16.56 14.51 41.98 47.18 35.78 26.39

CD (0.05) 2.16 1.88 NS 35.05 NS 34.96

CD(0.01) 2.88 2.51 NS NS NS 46.51



10. Evaluation of F3 progeny of elite x stem borer resistant crosses (Padmaja and

Aruna)

A total of 285 F3 derivatives of the crosses between elite x stem borer resistant sources (I12 x ICSV

93046 and IMS 9B x SR 833) were evaluated under artifical infestation. 9 derivatives which were at par

with the resistant check (< 20% deadhearts) were selected from both the crosses.

11. Evaluation of S2 families for grain mold resistance (TGN Rao)

To identify superior S2s for grain mold resistance, 250 progenies of random mating populations were

evaluated for their reaction to grain mold during Kharif 2007 along with four checks viz., B-58586, IS

14332, IS 14338 and Bulk Y susceptible checks. The design of Experiment was RBD with three

replications. The entries were designated as St1- St 250. The trial was sown on 30th June 2007. Adequate

rain fall was received during the crop season so as to build high humidity for the development of molds.

The observations on incidence of grain mold was recorded at physiological maturity and at full maturity

of the crop on 1-9 scale, where 1= disease free, while 9= more than 75% of the panicle is molded. Out of

250 entries tested 36 recorded an average mold rating of 2.6 on 1-9 scale where in the susceptible check

Bulk Y recorded 8.3 and resistant checks IS 14332 (3.2) and B 58586 (3.33) respectively. Out of 250

entries evaluated 30 entries did not germinate, of the remaining 220 entries, 110 entries have recorded

resistant reaction when observed at physiological maturity stage. However when the crop is allowed to

stay in the field till final maturity, only 36 entries have recorded resistant reaction. The details of entries

that recorded a grain mold reaction of 2.6 or more along with disease reaction is given in Table 17.

Table 17: Incidence of grain mold in 250 random mating populations

S.No Entry no Grain mold

reaction (1-9 scale)

1 ST-4 2.6

2 ST-10 2.6

3 ST-11 2.6

4 ST-12 2.6

5 ST-15 2.6

6 ST-23 2.6

7 ST-27 2.6

8 ST-35 2.6

9 ST-67 2.6

10 ST-72 2.6

11 ST-74 2.6

12 ST-77 2.6

13 ST-82 2.6

14 ST-102 2.6

15 ST-104 2.6

16 ST-120 2.6

17 ST-143 2.6

18 ST-147 2.6

19 ST-151 2.6

20 ST-156 2.6

21 ST-161 2.6

22 ST-168 2.6

23 ST-172 2.6

24 ST-177 2.6

25 ST-184 2.6

26 ST-204 2.6

27 ST-205 2.6

28 ST-206 2.6

29 ST-211 2.6

30 ST-212 2.6

31 ST-217 2.6

32 ST-220 2.6

33 ST-224 2.6

34 ST-228 2.6

35 ST-238 2.6

36 ST-240 2.6

37 ST-36 3.0

38 ST-68 3.0

39 ST-14 3.3

40 ST-20 3.3

41 ST-30 3.3

42 ST-50 3.3

43 ST-54 3.3

44 ST-63 3.3

45 ST-65 3.3

46 ST-66 3.3

47 ST-96 3.3

48 ST-103 3.3

49 ST-123 3.3

50 ST-126 3.3

51 ST-128 3.3

52 ST-129 3.3

53 ST-140 3.3

54 ST-142 3.3

55 ST-144 3.3

56 ST-145 3.3

57 ST-146 3.3



58 ST-155 3.3

59 ST-163 3.3

60 ST-169 3.3

61 ST-175 3.3

62 ST-182 3.3

63 ST-192 3.3

64 ST-193 3.3

65 ST-197 3.3

66 ST-199 3.3

67 ST-203 3.3

68 ST-216 3.3

69 ST-242 3.3

70 ST-22 3.5

71 ST-200 3.5

Checks

72 IS14332 3.5

73 IS 14338 2.9

74 B58586 3.3

75 Bulk Y 8.6

CD 1.63

CV % 29%

12. Evaluation of varieties, hybrids from public and private institutes for shoot fly

resistance (Bhagwat)

Sixty one lines were planted along with resistant (IS 2205, IS 2312) and susceptible (DJ 6514) checks in

randomized block design with three replications in late kharif 2007 at NRCS, Hyderabad. Uniform

infestation of shoot fly was ensured in experimental plot by baiting with moist fishmeal at 10 DAE of

seedlings. The data on eggs / 5 plants, per cent dead heart caused by shoot fly was recorded at weekly

intervals viz., 14, 21 and 28 DAE.

Among the entries Local yellow Jowar (43.5%), JKSH 22 (47.9%) and Utavali (51.9%) recorded

significantly less dead hearts and were on par with resistant checks, IS 2205 (35.4%), IS 2312 (29.1%) at

28 DAE. The mean damage in experiment was 69.5 % at 28 DAE. The dead heart formation in

experiment ranged from 29.1 – 86.9% (Table 18). Thus, it can be concluded that among the lines from public

and private institutes’ entries, Local yellow Jowar, JK SH 22 and Utavali were tolerant. Rests of entries were

susceptible with damage ranging from 55-86 %.

Plant Protection

1. Effect of Harpin on the incidence of shoot fly and stem borer (Bhagwat)

Incidence of shoot fly

To study the incidence of shoot fly, Three genotypes (IS 2312, DJ 6514 and CSV 15) were planted with

four replications under field conditions in late kharif at NRCS, Hyderabad. Observations on eggs at 21

DAE, shoot fly dead hearts at 21 and 28 DAE were recorded. Harpin was applied @10 µl/m at 10 DAE.

The effect of harpin @ 10 µl/ml in reducing damage by shoot fly was studied using 3 genotypes under

field conditions. Irrespective of the genotypes there was no significant difference between application of



harpin and control on oviposition and dead hearts at 21, 28 DAE (Table 19). However between the

genotypes there was significant difference. There was significant interaction effect. The significant

differences were due to genotype and not influenced by harpin.

Table 18: Evaluation of public/private lines for shoot fly resistance

Varieties/hybrids Eggs/5pts at 14 DAE

SFDH at 14DAE

SFDH at 21DAE

SFDH at 28DAE

Co(s) 28 10.3 44.9 54.2 58.4

SPV 1616* 8.6 44.2 58.7 57.5

Snajivani 296 (SPH 296) 7.3 31.8 40.3 55.2

Local yellow Jowar 6.3 25.5 34.1 43.5

JKSH 569 10.3 51.3 61.0 65.7

JKSH 574 8.6 34.6 46.3 60.6

JK SH 22 6.3 33.6 39.3 47.9

Utavali 9.0 38.0 41.7 51.9

IS 2205 (RC) 4.3 13.5 23.2 35.4

DJ 6514 (SC) 16.0 35.4 64.0 80.8

IS 2312 (RC) 3.6 16.0 22.3 29.1

Mean 11.7 48.9 58.4 69.5

CV (%) 42.4 27.9 23.4 20.5

Cd (0.05) NS 21.8 21.9 22.8

Cd (0.01) NS 28.7 28.8 30.1

Table 19: Effect of harpin (ISR) on shoot fly incidence in sorghum genotypes

Eggs/5 pts at 21 DAE SFDH% 21DAE SFDH % 28 DAE

Genotypes

Harpin

10 µl/ml

Control Mean Harpin

10 µl/ml

Control Mean Harpin

10 µl/ml

Control Mean

IS 2312 8.3 9.0 8.6 22.6 23.2 22.9 28.2 32.3 30.2

DJ 6514 20.3 17.5 18.8 66.1 70.8 68.5 75.2 80.6 77.8

CSV 15 9.00 14.7 11.8 74.5 75.1 74.7 75.2 74.1 74.6

Mean 12.5 13.7 54.4 56.4 59.5 62.3

CV (%) 14.5 13.5 17.6

CD (5%)

Genotypes 2.02 7.9 11.4

Harpin 1.6 6.5 9.3

G x H 2.8 11.3 16.2

CD (1%)

Genotypes 2.7 11.01 15.8

Harpin 2.3 8.9 12.9

G x H 3.9 15.5 22.4



Incidence of stem borer

Three genotypes (IS 2205, DJ 6514 and CSV 15) were planted in glass house (4 plants in each pot) with

five replications. The plants were infested with neonate larvae @ 5/plants after application of Harpin

@10 µl/m on 30 Days old plants. The plants were infested after 48 hrs of Harpin applications.

The effect of harpin @ 10 µl/ml in reducing damage by stemborer was studied using 3 genotypes in pot

culture. Irrespective of the genotypes there was no significant difference between application of harpin

and control on leaf damage score leaf damage % and stem tunneling (Table 20). However between the

genotypes there was significant difference. There was significant interaction effect. The significant

differences were due to genotype and not by Harpin.

Table 20: Effect of Harpin on stem borer infestation in three genotypes under glass house Kh 2007

Leaf damage (1-9) Leaf damage (%) Tunnel damage (%)

Genotypes Harpin Control Mean Harpin Control Mean Harpin Control Mean

IS 2205 2.50 2.35 2.43 21.18 21.73 21.45 47.53 48.86 48.20

DJ 6514 7.55 7.65 7.60 43.25 44.05 44.15 79.65 82.50 81.08

CSV 15 6.60 6.60 6.60 36.39 36.69 38.04 64.62 64.13 64.38

Mean 5.55 5.53 33.60 34.15 63.94 65.17

CV (%) 7.54 3.08 3.31

LSD (0.01)

Genotypes 0.53 1.35 2.71

Treatments 0.43 1.11 2.21

G X T 0.75 1.92 3.84

LSD (0.05)

Genotypes 0.39 0.99 1.99

Treatments 0.32 0.81 1.62

G X T 0.55 1.40 2.81

It was concluded that harpin was not effective against shoot fly and stem borer at 10 µl/ml

concentration.

2. Evaluation of Bt formulation against shoot fly incidence (Shyamprasad)

The efficacy of Bt formulation developed by Directorate of Oilseeds Research (DOR), Hyderabad, was

studied on DJ 6514 (Susceptible genotype) and IS 18551 (resistant genotypes). The Bt formulation were

applied at two concentrations (1.0, 2.0 %) at 10 DAE. The experiment comprised of six treatments with

four replications. Uniform infestation of shoot fly was ensured in experimental plot by baiting with moist

fishmeal at 10 DAE of seedlings. The data on per cent dead heart caused by shoot fly was recorded at

weekly intervals viz., 14, 21 and 28 DAE.

There was no significant difference in shoot fly infestations following application of Bt formulations at 1

and 2 % concentrations. (Table 21). The Bt sprayed plants were on par to both controls.



Table 21: Efficacy of Bt (DOR) formulation against shoot fly

Treatment

Mean deadhearts (%) at

14DAE 21 DAE 28 DAE

DJ 6514 1% B.t (DOR) spray 43.64 63.62 78.05

DJ 6514 2% B.t (DOR) spray 44.16 64.26 79.15

DJ 6514 (control) 44.41 63.38 80.85

IS 2205 1% B.t (DOR) spray 13.08 29.94 39.78

IS 2205 2% B.t (DOR) spray 14.02 30.97 40.00

IS 2205 (control) 13.63 31.16 39.84

Mean 28.82 47.22 59.61

CD (5 %) 3.82 5.01 4.32

Biotechnology

1. Molecular analysis of transgenic plants carrying Cry1B gene (Balakrishna).

Integration of transgene: Integration of transgene (Cry1B) in the genome of PCR positive transgenic

plants with Cry1B gene were determined by Southern analysis. Genomic DNA prepared from the

regenerated plants was digested with Hind III, the size of the expected hybridization band was 4.3 kb

fragment containing the UBI promoter, Cry1B gene and nos terminator. The presence of one band of 4.3

kb hybridized to the 4.3 Kb probe (Fig. 2), but not in the control plant suggesting a stable integration of

Cry1B gene in the sorghum genome.

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 M

M- Hind III DNA marker; Lane 1- vector pCAMBIA 3300 – Cry1B; lane 2-nontransformed plant; lane 3 to 8- Cry1B-

transformed plants, 4.3 kb fragment

Fig 2: Southern analysis of T0 plants of sorghum transgenics

Sites of integration and copy number: Southern analysis was performed with T0 transgenic plants to estimate the number of sites of integration of transgene (Cry1B) in the sorghum genome. Genomic DNA prepared from the regenerated plants was digested with SmaI, the size of the expected hybridization band was more than 12.5 Kb fragment. We detected one band of more than 12.5 Kb in transgenic plants, suggesting a single copy integration of Cry1B gene in the sorghum genome (Fig. 3).



Fig.3: Southern blot analysis of sorghum transgenic plants carrying Cry1B gene

2. Quantification of Bt protein (Cry1B) in sorghum transgenics (Balakrishna)

Quantification of Cry1B protein in T1 sorghum transgenic plants was done using ELISA. The synthetic

Cry1B gene cloned into protein expression vector and the purified protein was used for raise the

antibodies developed against Cry1B protein in rabbit. The purified antibody was tested initially for the

presence of Cry1B protein in T3 sorghum transgenic plants. Thirty two plants detected the Cry1B protein

by ELISA; this indicates the presence of Cry1B protein and not in the non-transformed sorghum plant.

3. Molecular analysis of Cry1B transgenics in different generations (Visarada)

Southern analysis was performed to confirm the integration and copy number of the transgene in Cry1B

transformed in different generations and the results are presented in Tables 22 and 23.

Table 22: Details of PCR analysis

Generation No of plants tested

Bt gene Result Remarks

To 14 Cry1B 3 plants were positive 3 new events were confirmed in genotypes

T1 56 Cry1B 1. From 4 events were tested for advancement of generation

2. T1 progeny of transgenic event 14 showed 3:1 segregation

10 seeds from PCR positive plants were sown for advancement of generation.

T3 23 Cry1B All the progeny plants from event 23 were positive.

These seeds can be used for small scale field trials

Table 23: Details of Southern analysis

No of plants tested

No of blots prepared

Bt gene Result

5 3 Cry1B All 5 plants ( 5 events ) in 296B were positive

17 3 Cry1B 4 plants in genotype CS 3541 and 6 plants in genotype 296B were confirmed.

12 3 Cry1B Ready for autoradiography



4. Bt transgene expression analysis (Visarada)

Protein was isolated from fresh leaf tissues and was subjected to Western blotting and ELISA. Leaf

protein extract from 3 plants was used in replication for calculation of Bt protein in 1g fresh leaf tissues.

Quantification of Bt protein was done at 2 growth stages of plant (25-30 d) and 40 -50d), during the

susceptible stage of the plant growth. Bt specific band was obtained transgenic progeny plants (Fig 4)

along with the pure protein in Western blotting. ELISA results are provided in Table 1. So far, qualitative

and quantitative estimation of Bt protein in fresh leaf tissues was completed in 15 transgenic events.

(NT Non transformed control , L protein ladder, 1B Bt Cry1B protein, 14,18, 23, 24, 53 and 54 transgenic events)

Fig 4: Western blotting of Cry1B Bt protein in leaf tissues

Table 24: Bt protein expression in all the confirmed transgenic plants

S.No Transgenic event

Total plants tested

Genotype ELISA#

25-30d ELISA

#

40-50d Remarks

1 14 120 CS3541 160±21.6 293.5±18.5 **

2 18 49 CS3541 193.3±54.3 168.2±12.2 **

3 23 96 CS3541 173.3±18.7 153.1±11.2 **

4 24 87 CS3541 160±42.4 294±19.0 **

5 31 128 296B 132.7±23.1 35.3±8.6 **

6 35 40 296B 129.3±29.2 42.5±4.3 **

7 36 40 296B 106.7±41.9 47.1±4.5 **

8 37 40 296B 100±0 92.5±18.2 **

9 39 126 296B 140±8.7 63.3±10.3 **

10 40 120 296B 51.7±22.5 130±0 **

11 46 50 296B 284.6±83.5 136.6±41.6 **

12 47 - 296B 480.3±98.5 164.3±29.3 **

13 48 50 296B 75±20.4 50±4.5 *

14 53 80 296B 76.7±17.0 83.7±17.0 *

15 54 80 296B 80±8.4 75±12.2 *

**Promising event; * Not promising

5. Estimation of transgene copy number (Visarada)

Large scale DNA was isolated from leaf tissues and was restricted. Fragmented DNA was transferred to

nylon membrane and was subjected Southern blotting by Non-radioactive methods at NRCS and by



radioactive methods at Jonaki, CCMB (Fig. 5). Two more single copy events were identified. In all, four

single copy events have been identified so far.

Fig 5: Southern blotting in 3 transgenic events (single copy transgene events)

6. Bioassay of Bt transgenic plants for resistance to stem borer (Padmaja)

T1 generation Cry 1B transgenic plants (a total of 280 plants) of 7 events (BB39, BB 47, BB 115, BB116, BB

117, BB 118 and BB 119) derived from 296B were evaluated along with non-transformed control.

Bioassay on detached leaf showed that larvae feeding on non-transgenic plants consumed more than

80% of leaf compared to <30% leaf feeding with plants of transgenic events with Cry1B gene (BB 118

and BB 119). The highest larval mortality of 77.7% with minimum leaf damage of 30% was obtained in

BB 118 and BB 119 transgenic event.(Table 25). In whole plant assays these plants showed 20% leaf

feeding with no larval survival (Table 26).

Table 25: Percentage of larval mortality and leaf area damage in leaf disc bioassay

S.no Transformed Event

Transgenic Plant (no.)

Leaf damage

(%)

Larval mortality (%)

Corrected Mortality

(%)

1 BB 118 11 30 70 66.6

17 20 70 66.6

18 30 80 77.7

21 20 80 77.7

29 20 70 66.6

2 BB 119 6 30 70 66.6

8 20 80 77.7

3 Control 80 10

NT 35 37 58 p



Table 26: Leaf area damage in whole plant assay

S.No Transformed Event Transgenic plant (no.) Leaf damage (%) Larval survival (%)

1 BB 118 11 20 0.0

17 20 0.0

18 20 0.0

21 20 0.0

29 20 0.0

2 BB 119 6 20 0.0

8 20 0.0

3 Control 85 90.0

Dr. SL Kaul, Pr. Scientist, explaining the kharif research activities to the delegates of the “Seed

Researchers Meet”



B2. Rabi sorghum


1. Development of genetically diverse rabi parental lines (Prabhakar)

In order to develop new parental lines with diversity and broaden the genetic base in rabi materials,

initially, 161 indigenous and 159 exotic lines were used for identifying B and R gene reactions on A1

cytoplasm. About 195 B and 175 R lines with diverse genetic base were derived. Conversion programme

was undertaken for 195 MS lines pairs and out of them, 53 best MS lines and 60 R lines have been

selected.

Twenty three B x B and 16 R x R crosses have been made to induce rabi adaptability and better grain

quality and size. Combining ability and heterosis studies are made to select the best lines and specific

crosses (Table 27). Selections have been made in segregating generations.

Table 27: Combining ability studies in new R lines (GCA effects of rabi R lines for various characters)

Sl No

Testers/ Lines

Grain yield /plant

Fodder yield/plant Days to flower

Seed set %

1 SLR-51 6.43* 22.6* 4.3* 19.7*

2 SLR-54 5.7* 17.8* 5.6* 3.4

3 SLR-56 10.3* 2.3 -8.9* -23.1*

4 SLR-57 14.1* 18.7* 1.3 13.8*

6 SLR-62 4.6 -20.1* 2.2 3.6

7 SLR-68 3.8 14.5* 4.7* 31.5*

8 SLR-73 7.2* -7.3 2.9 24.3*

9 SLR-79 -12.3* 18.6* -3.1 15.6*

No of testers =26, No of lines=2 (42B and 104B)

2. Rabi varietal improvement (Prabhakar)

Based on the superior performances of SPV-1672 than the checks in AICSIP trials (shallow soils) from

2004-05 to 2006-07 with respect to earliness, agronomic superiority and better tolerance to insect-pests

and diseases (Table 28), a proposal was submitted to Varietal Identification Committee in 37th AICSIP

Group meeting held at Udaipur from 5-7, April 2007, for identification of this variety in shallow medium

soils of rabi areas

3. Evaluation of rabi sorghum parental lines (Prabhakar)

a) B lines: Evaluation of 24 B lines indicated that 10 B lines flowered earlier than M35-1.Six B lines gave

significantly superior grain yield than check. The selected lines SLB-1, 6, 9, 11, 19 and 20 gave –12.9 to

63.3% more yield than the check 104B (Table 29).

b) R lines: Out of 36 R lines tested, 10 R lines flowered earlier than M35-1.Six R lines gave significantly

superior grain yield than check RS-585. The selected lines SLR-17, 25,35,40,45, 46 and 57 gave 5.9 to



30.7% more yield than the check RS-585 (Table 29).

Table 28: Performance of SPV-1672 in AICSIP trials (shallow soil) (2004-05 to 2006-07)

Sl No Character SPV-1672 M35-1 Mauli % increase over Mauli

1 Grain yield (kg/ha) 1835 1849 1894 -4.63

2 Fodder yield (kg/ha) 4881 5171 5557 -4.33

3 Agronomic trials (Grain yield-kg/ha) 2124 2015 2216 -4.15

4 Days to maturity 114 116 116 1.7

5 SF DH% at 21DAE 21.3 24.7 28.2 24.46

6 Shoot bug damage% 15.4 18.1 17.9 13.96

7 Lodging % due to CR 25.4 27.4 26.6 4.51

8 Chlorotic stripe stunt 17.4 15.4 20.4 14.70

Table 29: Performance of selected B, R lines and varieties

Lines Days to flower

Plant height (cm)

Grain yield (kg/ha)

Percent Increase Over check

Seed weight (g)

B lines

SLB-22 75 166 2495 20.9 42.4

SLB-26 74 173 2186 5.9 37.3

SLB-29 77 157 2279 10.4 39.7

SLB-31 73 149 2317 12.3 40.1

SLB-37 80 182 2159 4.6 36.4

SLB-45 79 177 2239 8.5 38.8

104B 79 156 2063 - 38.6

SLB-22 75 166 2495 20.9 42.4

CD at 5% 153

CV % 9.8

R lines

SLR-17 72 2373 6644 14.6 36.6

SLR-25 71 2484 7203 20.0 37.2

SLR-40 70 2449 6367 18.3 38.5

SLR-45 69 2588 6987 25.0 40.4

SLR-46 73 2706 8388 30.7 41.6

SLR-57 72 2193 6359 5.9 39.1

RS-585 70 2069 5776 - 34.9

SLR-17 72 2373 6644 14.6 36.6

CD at 5% 263

CV % 12.6

Varieties

i)Shallow soil

SLV-15 108 2083 5576 4.3 35.5

SLV-20 107 2436 5846 22.0 38.2

SLV-27 112 2734 7382 36.9 39.4

SLV-34 111 2235 5140 11.9 37.9



SLV-51 110 2353 6823 17.8 38.6

SLV-52 113 2262 7012 13.3 36.8

Mauli 111 1996 5827 - 34.3

M35-1 114 2145 6238 7.4 35.7

CD at 5% 226

CV % 18.4

ii)Deep soil

SLV-25 116 3158 8211 11.2 37.4

SLV-29 117 2892 6844 1.9 40.6

SLV-42 117 3394 7806 19.5 42.1

SLV-46 118 3021 7552 6.4 42.8

SLV-56 120 3247 7095 14.4 41.2

CSV-18 121 2588 8281 -8.8 40.8

CSV-216R 120 2838 7662 - 39.3

M35-1 117 2276 7511 -19.8 36.8

CD at 5% 249

CV % 11.6

4. Development of restorers in A2 cytoplasmic background in rabi (Kaul)

14 crosses based on five A2 CMS lines were evaluated in large population to see their fertility/sterility

behavior in rabi as well. All plants in each cross were fully selfed. Seven lines were fully fertile on A2

cytoplasm were identified. RS 4001, RS 4002, RS 4003, RS 4004, RS4005, RS 4006, RS 4007 were

identified as fertile restorers.

5. Line improvement of AKR 354 (Audilakshmi)

AKR 354, R line of commercial hybrid CSH 19R is a good rabi R line and gives very heterotic hybrids.

However, its grain is small size (2.37 g/100 grain) and has flat shape (grain dorsal and profile view is

elliptical). Consumer acceptance is for bold round rabi grain. To improve AKR 354 for grain shape and

size it was crossed with rabi and kharif R lines with bold and round grain. The derivatives in F4, BC1F1s,

BC1F2s and BC2F2 were evaluated during rabi 2006 and superior 88 derivatives along with 7 checks were

evaluated in RCBD during rabi 2007and data on grain traits were collected. 11 derivatives showed

significant improvement for grain weight and round shape. These derivatives were on par with AKR 354

for plant height and panicle size (Table 1). Very similar (morphologically) derivatives to AKR 354 with

improved grain shape and size were BN 1858-7 and BN 1859-2 (Table 30).

6. Genetics of important traits in rabi sorghum (Madhusudhana)

A total of 26 F2s were sown and advanced to F3s. In 10 F2 crosses, genetics of brown midrib, awing and plant color was studied (Table 31).

Midrib color: The F1 plant derived from the cross E36-1 x IS21887 had white midrib, indicating

dominance for this character. In the F2 population segregating for brown midrib character revealed the

operation of a single gene as indicated by the good fit of 3:1 ratio. Out of the total 185 progenies

studied, 150 had white midrib while 35 were brown midrib types, thus the chi square test indicated a



good fit of 3:1 ratio indicating monogenic gene control. Earlier workers have also found inheritance of

brown midrib to be monogenic with white dominant over brown midrib.

Table 30. Details of superior AKR 354 derivatives for grain weight and grain shape

S.

No

BN No Pedigree 100

grain wt

(g)

Plant

height

cm

Panicle

length

cm

Grain

dorsal view

Grain

profile

view

1 1783 AKR 354 X NR 30 3.03 157.3 17.3 Circular Circular

2 1791 AKR 354 X NR 30 3.05 159.3 19.7 Circular Circular

3 1842-3 (AKR 354 X RS 585 ) X AKR 354 X RS 585 3.06 177.0 20.3 Circular Circular




7 1852-3 (AKR354 X SPV839) X AKR354 X SPV839 3.14 178.3 14.0 Circular Circular



10 1858-7 (AKR354 X SPV839) X AKR354 X AKR 354 2.87 176.0 18.3 Circular Circular

11 1859-2 (AKR354 X SPV839) X AKR354 X AKR 354 2.92 173.3 22.3 Circular Circular

12 Check RS 585 3.67 164.3 19.5 Circular Circular

13 Check NR 30 3.45 154.7 16.7 Circular Circular

14 Check C 43 2.97 112.3 18.3 Circular Elliptic

15 Check C 85 3.04 108.7 19.3 Circular Circular

16 Check NR 486 2.77 138.7 18.0 Circular Elliptic

17 Check CSV 14 R 3.35 167.7 18.3 Circular Circular

18 Check AKR 354 2.37 157.7 19.0 Elliptic Elliptic

Mean 2.86 164.6 17.8

C.V. 9.10 11.2 18.9

C.D. 5% 0.42 29.6 5.438

C.D. 1% 0.55 39.0 7.174

Awning: Segregation analysis of this character was done using three crosses representing awn x awnless

crosses, [CSV216R x CSV15, R16 x SSV84, and M35-1 x IS2014] and three awnless x awn crosses [CSV15 x

R16, E36-1 x RSSV9, E36-1 x B35]. All the six F1 plants derived from reciprocal crosses were awnless

indicating dominance of this character. The F2 population of each of these crosses gave a good fit for the

monohybrid ratio of 3:1 indicating monogenic nature of this trait in the parents involved. Over the

families, 680 were awnless and 198 were awned fitting the overall segregation into a good fit of 3:1

ratio. However contrasting reports with monogenic, digenic, trigenic and tetragenic control for this

character have been reported earlier in different genetic crosses.

Plant color: Plant color is anthocyanin pigmentation of the leaf sheath. F1 progenies of tan x purple

[CSV15 x R16 and 27B x B35], and purple x tan [CSV216R x CSV15] were purple pigmented indicating

dominance of this trait over tan pigmentation gene action. Further, F2 analysis of these crosses together

resulted in 370 purple plants out of 477 plants and remaining tan plant color. These results fit into 3:1



ratio suggesting plant color is controlled by single gene. Mono- and di-genic control of this character has

been reported in the studies earlier.

Being monogenic, these visible markers can effectively be used as markers in construction of sorghum genetic linkage maps, and intern may be used effectively as phenotypic tags in maker-aided selection to follow the introgression of QTLs/genes if found tightly linked with these important quantitative characters.

Table 31. Inheritance of some morphological traits in sorghum

Cross (P1 x P2) P1 x P2 F1 F2 plants Total plants

χ 2

P value

Midrib color (bmr) White Brown

E36-1 x IS21887 White x Brown White 150 (138.7) 35 (46.2) 185 3.64** (3:1)

0.10-0.05

Awning (A) Awn less awned

CSV15 x R16 Awnless x awned Awnless 107 (120) 53 (40) 160 5.63* (3:1) 0.05-0.01

E36-1 x B35 Awnless x awned Awnless 101 (93.75) 24 (31.25) 125 2.20** (3:1)

0.25-0.10

E36-1 x RSSV9 Awnless x awned Awnless 101 (93.75) 24 (31.25) 125 2.20** (3:1)

0.15-0.10

CSV216R x CSV15 Awned x Awnless Awnless 139 (121.5) 33 (40.5) 172 1.85** (3:1)

0.25-0.10

M35-1 x IS2014 Awned x Awnless Awnless 83 (85.3) 31(28.5) 114 0.29** (3:1)

0.75-0.50

R16 x SSV84 Awned x Awnless Awnless 149 (136.5) 33 (45.5) 182 4.57* (3:1) 0.05-0.01

Over all Awnless 680 (650.8) 198 (217) 878 2.80** (3:1)

0.10-0.05

Midrib type(D) Pithy Juicy

296A x RIL17 Pithy x Juicy Pithy 178 (182.2) 65 (60.7) 243 0.39** (3:1)

0.75-0.05

Glume type(G) open closed

296A x RIL17 Open x Close Open 157 (161.2) 58 (53.7) 215 0.44** (3:1)

0.75-0.05

Plant color (p) Purple Tan

CSV15 x R16 Purple x Tan Purple 127 (120) 33 (40) 160 1.63** (3:1)

0.25-0.10

CSV216R x CSV15 Purple x Tan Purple 129 (129) 43 (43) 172 0** (3:1) 0.99-0.95

27B x B35 Tan x Purple Purple 114 (108.7) 31 (36.2) 145 1.01** (3:1)

0.50-0.25

Over all Purple 370(357.2) 107(119.2) 477 1.67** (3:1)

0.25-0.10

Table χ 2

value 3.84(5%) and 6.63 (1%) level of significance

* Value in parenthesis denotes gene symbol, expected number of F2 plants and segregation ratio



7. Evaluation of breeding stocks for terminal drought tolerance in rabi sorghum

(Talwar)

A total of 20 elite and advanced lines were evaluated under two water regimes (+ and - irrigation during

grain filling stages) at ICRISAT farm. Planned observations- Phenological data, growth analysis, yield and

yield components at final harvest were recorded (Table 32).

Table 32: Evaluation of elite lines for yield and yield components under + (IRRI) and -irrigation (TD) during end season at ICRISAT

Genotype Fodder Yield (g m-2

) Grain yield (g m-2

)

IRRI TD IRRI TD

CSH 15 R 1840 1672 486 351

CSV 14 1695 1564 315 359

CSV 216 1652 1314 295 325

CRS 4 1740 1359 262 294

CRS 7 1660 1528 401 299

SPV 1626 1732 969 364 277

M35-1 1714 1605 303 276

Parbhani Joyti 2270 1917 263 263

Parbhani Moti 2178 1358 323 269

Phulee Maulee 1671 1441 325 267

MPKV Kranti 1556 1234 401 225

SLB 9 1763 1500 321 298

SLB 19 1915 1297 372 257

SLR 10 1867 1353 258 238

SLR 17 2461 1295 408 259

SLR 24 1668 1352 288 233

SLR 25 1868 1355 333 268

SLR 30 1501 1315 225 319

SLV 28 1788 1550 274 288

SLV 35 1902 1593 323 331

Among 20 genotypes studies, CSH 15 R, CSV 14 and SLV 35 were the best performer for both fodder and grain yield under terminal drought. Minimum reduction (%) in fodder and grain yield were observed in CSV 14 and SLR 30. Significant relationship of specific leaf area with Biomass, grain and fodder yield was noticed.

8. Evaluation for reaction to shoot bug and sugarcane aphid, in Rabi sorghum

(Bhagwat)

A trial comprising 48 entries and was tested across three test locations (ICRISAT, Bijapur, and Solapur)

for resistance mainly to shoot bug, and sugarcane aphid.

Sugarcane aphids (Melanaphis sacchari): The entries, EP 65, SLR 10, SLV 35 and Y 75 at Solapur, 61582,

CK 60B, C43, RS 29, T x 428 R at Parbhani; the entries T x 428, EP 65, SLR 37, SLV 35, PU 10-1 IS 33722

SLV 31, SLV 25, SLR 29 and SLR 10 R at Bijapur recorded low rating (<3). Overall, EP 65, PEC 10-1, and T x



428 recorded significantly low damage rating. At ICRISAT, IS 3420, EC 8-2, SLR 28, SLR 39, SLR 28, IS

3420 and EC 8-2 found lowest damage rating.

Shoot bug (Peregrinus maidis): The colonization of shoot bug adults and nymphs showed significantly

low population density on SLR 10, SLR 35, SLR 37, SLV 25, SLV 29, SLV 31, Y 75 and T x 428 at Bijapur. No

shoot bug damage was recorded at Solapur and ICRISAT.

9. Evaluation of rabi breeding lines for shoot fly resistance at Solapur (Bhagwat)

Fifteen breeding lines were evaluated against shoot fly in Rabi 2006-07 at Solapur. The data were

recorded on eggs/plant and dead hearts (%) at 14, 21 and 28 DAE. Six lines at 28 DAE were recorded

lowest dead hearts (Table 33). They are: SLB-1H-1B, SLB-12-1-3B, IS-6368-1B, ISNP-18358-2B, IS-NP-

4601-2B, REC-21-2B. These lines will be further utilized for breeding for shoot fly resistance program in

Rabi.

Table 33: Evaluation of breeding lines for shoot fly resistance (SFN)-Rabi 2006-07 at Solapur

Test entry Shoot fly

eggs/plant at

14DAE

Shoot fly

dead hearts

% at 14DAE

Shoot fly

eggs/plant

at 21DAE

Shoot fly dead

hearts % at 21

DAE

Shoot fly

eggs/plant at

28 DAE

Shoot fly dead

hearts %

at 28 DAE

SLB-19-1-3B 4.33 14.8 3.00 27.8 2.33 39.3

SLB-1H-1-1B 2.67 5.6 2.00 19.7 1.33 28.6

SLB-20-1-1B 3.00 11.6 3.33 30.1 2.33 39.0

SLB-12-1-3B 2.33 10.9 3.00 18.0 1.67 30.6

IS-18452-4B 4.00 28.2 5.67 41.0 2.33 51.4

IS-22461-1 3.67 16.2 4.00 39.2 3.33 52.8

IS-15870-1B 6.00 17.4 4.67 39.1 2.67 60.7

IS-6368-1B 3.00 11.1 2.33 17.4 0.67 32.6

IS-15058-1B 7.00 18.9 9.33 43.1 4.33 61.0

IS-4253-1B 5.67 32.8 5.33 56.5 4.00 68.8

ISNP-18358-2B 2.67 13.8 4.67 27.0 2.67 37.8

IS-NP-4540-1B 2.67 17.2 3.33 23.7 2.00 38.2

IS-NP-4601-2B 2.67 15.1 2.33 24.6 1.33 41.6

PEC-21-2B 2.00 15.3 2.67 23.9 0.33 34.2

EP-106-1B 5.67 19.1 4.67 41.3 4.67 66.7

DJ 6514 (Sus) 8.33 13.0 12.67 47.2 6.33 81.9

IS 2312 (Res) 1.67 4.8 1.67 12.7 0.67 29.0

IS 18551 (Res) 3.00 10.1 2.00 19.7 1.33 37.6

Mean 3.91 15.31 4.26 30.7 2.46 46.2

C.V. (%) 28.88 54.66 39.99 22.4 42.08 12.1

F ratio 8.27 2.01 8.02 9.4 6.94 24.0

F Prob. 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.0

S.E. 0.65 4.83 0.98 3.96 0.60 3.21

C.D. 5% 1.87 13.89 2.83 11.4 1.72 9.2

C.D. 1% 2.51 18.65 3.79 15.3 2.31 12.4



Plant Protection

1. Field-efficacy of native biocontrol agents in charcoal rot suppression (Das)

Five selected elite bioagents (B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5) were characterized for competitive abilities in

common nutrient environment, growth behavior in root exudates of sorghum cultivars, survival in plant

roots. Biological species of these strains were identified following standard laboratory protocols. Two

different doses of talc base formulation (8 & 16 g/kg seed) of these bioagents applied by seed treatment

alone and/or in combinations were tested for plant growth promotion and disease suppression under

field conditions.

Identification of the bioagents: Biological species of the elite strains B1, B2, B4 and B5 have been

identified using standard protocols. The strain B1 is identified as Bacillus subtilis (Table 1), B2 as

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B4 as Pseudomonas chlororaphis and B5 as Pseudomonas fluorescens. Cellular

structure and flagellation type of the strain B2 and B1 were confirmed by transmission electron

micrograph (TEM) (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: TEM micrograph of Bacillus subtilis strain B2 showing flagella orientation (IK Das & S Indira).

Field-efficacy for plant growth promotion and disease suppression: Seed treatment with talc based

formulation of the bioagents (B1 to B5) on testing as single inoculation or as mixture of two strains in

combinations resulted in promotion of plant growth in rabi sorghum. B1, B2 and their mixed application

significantly increased seedling biomass in field trials. B1, B2 and B3 advanced flowering time by 1-2

days in Rabi cultivar CSV8R (Table 34). The Pseudomonas strain B4 significantly increased plant biomass

and reduce CR incidence at field level. Mixed application of the strains B1 and B5 derived synergistic

effect on CR suppression.

2. Nitrate utilization by M. phaseolina isolates and their aggressiveness (Das)

Isolates of M phaseolina with nitrate reductase (NR) activity active (Mp80) or defective (Mp23) were

isolated using minimal media amended with 180 mM potassium chlorate. These isolates were used for

a

b



studying utilization of sodium nitrate, sodium glutamate and ammonium sulphate as sole source of

nitrogen by M phaseolina. Aggression of the isolates in physiologically stressed sorghum plants were

studied on 24 parental lines in field experiments.

Table 34: Effect of seed treatment of bioagents on flowering time and yield of Rabi sorghum (IK Das).

Treatments

Time to 50%

flowering (Day)

Biomass

(g/pl)

Grain yield

(g/pl)

Bacillus strain B1 64.5 154 44.8

Pseudomonas strain B2 65.3 150 42.3

Acinomycetes strain B3 65.6 151 44.0



B1+B2 65.4 168 47.7

B1+B3 65.8 168 44.7

B2+B5 66.1 155 46.5

Fungicide 65.8 143 41.1

Control 66.3 147 45.5

SE(m)± 0.39 13.7 2.94

CD (0.05) 0.79 27.8 5.96

NR+ isolates accumulated more biomass than the NR- isolates when grown in different sources of

nitrogen under in vitro conditions. Fungal growth was more on glutamate and nitrate nitrogen than on

ammonium nitrogen indicating preferential use of different form of nitrogen by M phaseolina (Fig. 7).

Quantum of charcoal rot is related to aggression of the pathogen. Aggressiveness of the charcoal rot

pathogen was found to be influenced by nitrogen level in the plant. This was chiefly because of

difference in nitrate utilization capabilities of the isolates. NR+ strains were found more aggressive and

caused more disease than the NR- strains.

Fig. 7. Growth of NR+ and NR- strains of M phaseolina on various nitrogen sources (IK Das)

350400

450500550600

650700

Sod nitrate Sod

glutamate

Amm sulp

Myc

elia

l dry

wt

(mg/

25m

l)

Mp80 (NR+)

Mp23 (NR-)



3. Molecular and cultural characterization of nit-variants of M phaseolina (Das)

Forty isolates of M. phaseolina of different sorghum growing locations were characterized for tolerance

to potassium chlorate (KClO3), an analogue for potassium nitrate. Chlorate tolerance of the isolates was

tested on minimal medium supplemented with 3 different concentrations of KClO3 (0, 90 and 180 mM).

Fungal growth, texture, and sporulation were recorded at different time intervals and data were

analyzed. Chlorate resistant nit-mutants were generated by growing chlorate sensitive isolates on

potassium chlorate-supplemented minimal medium. Pathotoxin bio-assays were carried out for two

cultures of M. phaseolina (Mp3 and Mp20) on charcoal rot susceptible (R16) and resistant (B35) cultivars

of sorghum.

M. phaseolina cultures showed high degree of variations in mycelia growth and sclerotia production

ability when grown on medium containing varying concentrations of potassium chlorate (Fig 7). The

culture Mp20 and Mp23 were highly sensitive to potassium chlorate and their growth was highly

restricted even at lower concentration of the chemical (90 mM). The culture Mp13 and Mp15 were

highly resistant and showed almost normal growth even at high concentration of KClO3 (180 mM).

Pathotoxin produced by Mp20 and Mp3 in liquid culture medium, showed adverse effect on root-hair

development in sorghum seedlings. Twelve nit-mutants have been isolated form chlorate sensitive

isolates, Mp20 and Mp3 and their stability have been tested.

Fig. 7: Vegetative growth of M phaseolina isolates on minimal medium supplemented

with potassium chlorate (IK Das, Kharif-2007).

4. Evaluation of bacterial strains from non-sorghum system for sorghum growth

improvement (Das)

Fifteen elite bacterial strains (Rb197 to Rb211) from non-sorghum rhizosphere (chickpea) were

evaluated for efficacy in stimulation of growth of sorghum seedling. The tests were carried out using

two types of growing media- i) Paper towel and ii) Sterile sand cup. Bacterized sorghum seeds were

sown in sterile paper towel and in sterile sand cup in replicated trials and incubated for 7 days at room

temperature. Seed germination, root and shoot length, and seedling biomass (dry weight) were

recorded on 7 days old seedling. Data were pooled and analyzed. These 15 strains were tested for

Mp5

Mp15

Mp13

Mp26

Mp20Mp230

1

2

3

4

5

6

0 90 180

KClO3 conc. (mM)

Fu

ng

al g

row

th (

1-5

)



production of fluorescent pigment (on King’s B medium) and property of phosphate solubilization (on

Pikovskaya’s medium amended with rock phosphate).

There were significant variations among the 15 bacterial strains in terms of response to growth of

sorghum seedling (Table 35). Two strains (Rb202 and Rb204) significantly improved seedling vigor (upto

30%) while three strains (Rb206, Rb207 and Rb208) reduced the vigor. One strain (Rb202) increased

shoot biomass while others were neutral with no deleterious effect on biomass. None of the strains was,

however, able to increase seed germination significantly. Four strains significantly reduced seed

germination while eleven strains had no significant positive or negative effect on it. The strain Rb202,

which increased biomass and vigor and had no inhibitory effect on seed germination, is the most

promising strain. This strain can be further tested for multiplication ability on sorghum root and

rhizosphere compatibility.

Table 35: Efficacy of bacterial strains of non-sorghum rhizosphere on germination, vigor and biomass

of sorghum seedlings (IK Das, Kharif-2007).

Bacterial strain Germination (%) Seedling vigor

Shoot biomass

(mg/pl)

Phosphate

solubilization

Rb197 89 2862 13.3 +

Rb198 91 2229 11.7 +

Rb199fp 88 2676 13.2 +

Rb200fp 87 2866 13.5 +

Rb201 90 2670 13.2 +

Rb202 83 3444 18.2 +

Rb203 85 3138 13.5 +

Rb204 88 3175 14.0 nt

Rb205fp 88 3140 13.8 nt

Rb206 77 1712 11.5 nt

Rb207fp 68 1646 11.5 nt

Rb208 65 1260 10.3 nt

Rb209 77 2659 13.0 nt

Rb210 85 2584 12.8 +

Rb211 59 2518 12.2 +

Control 88 2650 11.5

CD (5%) 9.4 524 3.1

CV% 10 17 20

fp= fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. ; + = positive for phosphate solubilizing property; nt= not tested

The promising bacterial strains (Rb202 and Rb204) will be evaluated for rhizosphere compatibility in

sorghum and will be further tested for antagonistic properties against soil-borne pathogens, including

M. phaseolina.



Crop Production

1. Effect of organic manures and tillage on rabi sorghum (Raut)

The effect of various organic manuring treatments comprising green manuring of sunhemp and

Dhaincha and soil incorporation of 3 t/ha gliciridia at different levels tillage (shallow/deep) on soil

moisture content of soil and productivity on rabi sorghum was found out under dry land conditions.

Deep tillage had higher soil moisture percentage particularly in 0.15 cm (31.25%) compared to shallow

tillage (21%). Deep tillage produced significantly higher stover yield compared the shallow tillage (Table

36). The increase in stover yield and biological yield due to deep tillage was 11.3 and 7.6 percent

compared to shallow tillage (5466 and 8461 kg/ha stover and total biomass). Grain yield did not vary

significantly due to tillage. The organic manuring treatments of rabi sorghum grown after green

manuring of Dhaincha produced maximum grain yield (2828 kg/ha) followed by sunhemp (2555 kg/ha)

which was 21.7 and 10.0 percent higher compared to no organic manure (2323 kg/ha) (Table A1). The

soil incorporation of glyricidia @ 3 t/ha increased grain yield to 2435 kg/ha, stover yield to 6098 kg/ha

and total biomass to 8995 kg/ha compared to no organic manures (2323, 5691 and 8495 kg/ha grain,

stover and total biomass yields respectively).

Table 36.Growth and Yields of Rabi sorghum (M35-1) as influenced by tillage and organic manures

Treatments Plant height (cm)

Grain yield (kg/ha)

Stover yield (kg/ha)

Total biomass (kg/ha)

Grain wt / ear head (g)

Tillage

Shallow 227 2556 5466 8461 38.6

Deep 232 2514 6086 9105 41.5

CD (0.05) -- NS 505.5 NS NS

Organic manures

Control 223 2323 5691 8495 36.7

Sunhemp 233 2555 5956 9031 42.5

Dhaincha 237 2828 5360 8611 37.9

Glyricidia 224 2435 3098 8995 43.2

CD (0.05) -- NS NS NS NS

2. Response of rabi sorghum to inorganic and organic fertilizer manures in

different mulch treatment(Raut)

Response of rabi sorghum to moisture conservation practices application of straw mulch and integrated

nutrient management was found out. The effect of application of straw mulch on grain and stover yields

and plant height of rabi sorghum was not significant (Table 37). The grain yield of 1118 kg/ha was

recorded with use of straw mulch compared to 1180 kg/ha with no mulch. The grain yield with 75% RDF

+ 3 t/ha FYM (1291 kg/ha) and 75% RDF + 1.5 t/ha vermicompost (1221 kg/ha) were on par with 100%

RDF (1352 kg/ha). An application of organic manures viz FYM and vermincompost (3t/ha) alone,

significantly produced grain and stover yields of rabi sorghum compared to 100% RDF (1352 kg/ha).



Table 37: Yields of rabi sorghum as influenced by INM & Mulch

Treatment Grain Yield (kg/ha) Stover Yield (kg/ha) Plant height (cm)

Mulches

No mulch 1180 3683 166

Straw mulch 1184 3498 167

Soil mulch (2 hoeings) 1118 3385 162

CD (0.05) NS NS NS

INM

Farmers Practice 1153 3704 170

75% RDF + 3t/ha FYM 1291 3930 169

75% RDF + 1.5t/ha Vermicompost 1221 3765 167

100% RDF 1352 3786 161

FYM 6 t/ha 999 3107 162

Vermicompost 3t/ha 947 2839 161

CD (0.05) 299.0 608.3 NS

3. Rabi sorghum based intercropping system with Safflower and Chickpea (Raut)

The production potential of intercropping of rabi sorghum and Safflower or Chickpea at 2:1, 6:3 and 12:3

ratio was found out in Rabi 2006-07. Intercropping of safflower and chickpea decreased grain yield of

rabi sorghum by 11.0 and 10.4 percent respectively compared to sole sorghum (1263 kg/ha) (Table 38).

The decrease in sorghum yields in 2:1 ratio was 14.8 percent compared to sole sorghum (1263 kg/ha).

The similar decrease with 6:3 and 12:3 row ratios were 11.2 and 6.2 percent respectively compared to

sole sorghum. The narrow row of 2:1 and 6:3 affected sorghum yield more compared to wider row ratio

of 12:3.

Land equivalent ratios with sorghum + safflower and sorghum + chickpea were 1.21 and 1.12

respectively. The highest LER recorded with sorghum + safflower in 12:3 ratio (1.28). The maximum

gross returns were recorded with sorghum + chickpea in 6:3 ratio (Rs.20616/ha) followed by Sorghum +

chickpea 12:3 ratio (Rs 19892/ha) compared to sole sorghum (Rs 18556/ha) and sole chickpea (Rs

19500/ha). The lowest gross returns recorded with sole safflower (Rs 7470/ha).

1. INM in Soybean – rabi sorghum sequence cropping (Raut)

Soybean was given various organic manures in Kharif viz. FYM @ 5 t/ha, 100% RDF, 50% RDF +2.5 t/ha

FYM and glyricidia soil incorporation @ 3 t/ha. INM of 50% RDF +2.5 t/ha FYM registered the highest

seed yield of soybean (2418 kg/ha) compared to FYM @ 5 t/ha (2164 kg/ha) and 100% RDF (2274 kg/ha)

(Table 39). Soil incorporation of glyricidia increased seed yield of soybean by 6.5 percent while INM

(50% RDF +2.5 t/ha FYM) increased seed of soybean 11.7 percent compared to FYM alone (2164 kg/ha).

Grain yield of rabi sorghum varied significantly due to INM to preceding soybean. Grain and stover yield

of rabi sorghum were highest when preceded by soybean given FYM alone (3425 and 12846) and 100%



RDF 3311 and 12140 kg/ha respectively) compared to when preceded by soybean with INM of 50% RDF

+ 2.5 t/ha FYM (2679 and 10445 kg/ha grain and stover yield respectively) (Table 39).

Table 38: Yields, Gross returns and LER of rabi sorghum based intercropping

Treatment Grain yields (kg/ha) Stover yields (kg/ha) Gross returns (Rs/ha) LER

Sorghum Inter crop Sorghum Inter crop Sorghum Inter crop Total

Sole Crop

Sorghum 1263 -- 5956 -- 18586 -- 18586 1.0

Safflower -- 498 -- -- -- 7470 7470 1.0

Chickpea -- 975 -- -- -- 19500 19500 1.0

Sorghum + Safflower

2 :1 1065 206 2914 -- 13564 3090 16654 1.256

6 : 3 1047 164 3732 -- 14202 2460 16662 1.157

12 : 3 1259 143 4132 -- 16722 2145 18867 1.284

Sorghum + Chickpea

2 :1 1088 221 3507 -- 14387 4420 18807 1.088

6 : 3 1197 232 4006 -- 15976 4640 20616 1.186

12 : 3 1110 205 4692 -- 15792 4100 19892 1.089

CD (0.05) NS -- 1864 -- -- -- -- --

Rabi sorghum responded significantly upto 75% RDF (3323 grain yield and 12291 kg/ha stover yield)

compared to no fertilizer (2743 and 10138 kg/ha grain and stover yield respectively) (Table A9). The

magnitude of response to 75% RDF over control was 21.1 for both grain and stover yields.

Table 39. INM in Soybean – rabi sorghum sequence cropping

Treatment Days to 50% flowering

Plant height (cm)

Grain yield (kg/ha)

Stover yield

(kg/ha)

Grain Wt / EH (g)

1000 seed

wt. (g)

HI Plant stand (000/ha)

Organic - Soybean

FYM @ 5 t/ha 74 242 3425 12846 35.8 41.1 0.20 156

100% RDF 75 230 3311 12140 35.5 40.9 0.21 144

50% RDF+2.5 t/ha FYM

75 227 2679 10445 30.4 41.2 0.20 148

Glyricidia lopping 75 236 2937 12290 30.8 40.6 0.20 154

Control no soybean 75 241 3206 12267 31.7 -- 0.22 158

CD (0.05) -- -- 402.7 1927 -- -- -- --

Fertility level to rabi sorghum (N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha)

00:00:00 78 229 2743 10138 31.1 41.1 0.21 147

40:20:00 74 236 3101 11231 35.5 41.0 0.21 153

60:30:00 74 239 3323 12291 35.6 41.4 0.21 152

80:40:00 72 234 3280 12745 33.4 40.9 0.20 157

CD (0.05) -- -- 340.2 1277.6 -- -- -- --



Biotechnology

1. Enhancing drought tolerance through genetic manipulation (SV Rao)

MtlD gene confers tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought and salinity. After selection of MtID gene

transformed explants with hygromycin, 26 putative (Swathi) T0 plants were grown to maturity. Among

them nine have been tested PCR positive and showed consistently band of 820 bp for hpt gene. In the

T1 generation seed of the 9 events were tested with 150 mM & 200mM NaCl to identify the transformed

events. Event No. 3, 6, 8, 12 and 14 had more than 70% seedlings surviving with green shoots and

developed roots. In the non-transformed controls though some of seed germinated, which produced

thin white shoots, eventually did not survive. In T2 generation of event numbers 6 and 12, three plants

were Southern positive. In SPV 462 variety, out of six events, three were confirmed by PCR.

2. Sorghum transgenics for salinity tolerance (Balakrishna)

Thirteen sorghum transgenics plants, PCR positive the presence of PcSrp gene, along with non-

transformed plant and plasmid DNA were digested with Hind III and Bam HI restriction enzymes and

probed the blots with Non-radioactive labeled (Alkphos Direct Labeling and Detection System) PCR

amplified PcSrp gene fragment for the integration of the gene. All the plants showed 1.2 Kb of PcSrp

gene indicated the stable integration of the gene (Fig. 8).

1 Kb gene ruler, P: Positive control, C: Negative control; Plant no 1-13 transformed T0 plants, Arrow indicates 1.2 kb

Fig 8: Southern hybridization of sorghum transgenics plants carrying PcSRP gene

Molecular markers

1. Genotyping and linkage map construction (Madhusudhana)

The two parents viz., M35-1 and B35 of the mapping population were surveyed for marker

polymorphism using 408 SSR markers covering all the 10 sorghum linkage groups. A total of 209 SSRs

(51%) were found to be polymorphic between the two parents. Out of these 209 polymorphic SSRs, so

far a total of 73 SSRs were used to genotype 190 F7 RIL progeny and 55 markers (19 on SBI-01, 13 on SBI-



02, 9 on SBI-03, 4 on SBI-04, 0 on SBI-05, 0 on SBI-06, 3 on SBI-07, 2 on SBI-08, 2 on SBI-09 and 3 on SBI-

10) were used to construct skeletal linkage map using JOINMAP®3.0. The marker segregation among RILs

for the SSR marker Xtxp316R is given in Fig. 9. The skeletal map involving 190 RILs and 73 SSR markers is

given in Fig. 10. Eleven markers (Xtxp129, 43, 337, 26,329, 290,353; Xcup 64, 05; Xgap15, 206) showed

distorted segregation.

Fig. 9: Segregation analysis for SSR marker Xtxp316

Xtxp343D 0.0

Xtxp158D 32.3

SBI-4-2

Xtxp145F 0.0 Xtxp45F 0.6

Xtxp127F 33.6

SBI-6

Xtxp273H 0.0

Sdre16H 29.2

SBI-8

Xgap15I 0.0

Xtxp112I 31.1

SBI-9

Xtxp290J 0.0 Xtxp337J 7.1 Xtxp353J 10.3

SBI-10

Xtxp323A 0.0 Xtxp316A 2.0 Xtxp248AA 8.4

Xtxp319A 24.4

Xcup61A 40.1

Xtxp61A 54.1 Xtxp216 57.6 Xtxp284A 65.5

Xtxp328D 87.9

Xtxp335A 97.4

Xtxp32A 110.0 Xtxp11A 114.6

Xtxp329A 126.7 Xtxp43 130.8 Xgap206u 139.7 Xtxp149A 145.4

SBI-1-1

Xtxp302A 0.0 Xtxp71A 7.8 Xtxp208A 9.7

SBI-1-2

Xtxp50B 0.0 Xtxp304B 5.0 Xtxp211B 8.2 Xtxp80B 17.0 Xtxp25B 21.0 Xcup64B 29.8 SbAGH4B 34.3

SBI-2-1

Xtxp7B 0.0

Xgap84B 23.5

Sdre32B 36.3

SBI-2-2

Xtxp19B 0.0 Xtxp72B 5.0 Xtxp3B 5.3

SBI-2-3

Xcup05C 0.0 Sdre10C 7.0

Xtxp48C 19.5

Xcup14C 33.7

Xtxp38C 48.4 Stg9C 55.8 Stg2C 60.1 Xtxp218CU 60.5 SbAGE01C 64.0

SBI-3-1

Xtxp51D 0.0

Xtxp212D 11.9

SBI-4-1

Fig. 10: Skeletal linkage map of

sorghum cross M35-1 x B35. The loci

in bold are common to Bhattramakki

et al. 2000.



2. Genotyping of sorghum parental lines using EST-SSR markers (Balakrishna)

A total of 100 EST-SSRs were developed by using NCBI dbEST of sorghum, out of which 50 EST-SSRs were

tested for polymorphism between 296B & IS 18551 and M35 & B35 parents. Twenty seven out of 50

EST-SSRs were showed polymorphism between 296B & IS 18551 and 21 out of 50 between M35 & B35

parents.

Meeting on collaborative SNP genotyping of sorghum with partners from Sequinom, Australia



B3. Dual-purpose sorghum

1. Evaluation of F6 generation of promising dual-purpose lines and brown

midrib lines (Umakanth)

The material included around 24 progenies (F70’s) of known dual-purpose lines and drought tolerant sources/ brown midrib lines. The results are summarized below.

Dual-purpose genotypes

1. (M 11 x B 35)-1-1-2-1 (Fig. 11) was the highest yielding dual-purpose genotype with a grain yield of

2282 kg/ha and fodder yield of 133 q/ha. It recorded 19% numerical superiority for grain yield and

151% significant superiority for fodder yield over the check SPV 1616 (1914 kg/ha grain and 53 q/ha

fodder) (Table 40).

2. The next best progenies which registered a numerical superiority of 11-17% over SPV 1616 for grain

yield were viz., (Palem 2 x SPV 1474)-7-1-1-1, (M 11x B 35)-1-1-2-2, (SPV 1022 x CSV 17)-1-1-3-1, (GJ

38 x SPV 1474)-7-1-1-1, (GJ 38 x Indore 12)-2-1-2-1, (GJ 38 x Indore 12)-2-1-3-1 and (HC 260 x B 35)-

2-2-1-5. (Fig. 11) These progenies were at par with the check for fodder yield except (M 11x B 35)-1-

1-2-2 and (HC 260 x B 35)-2-2-1-5, which recorded a significant superiority of 140% and 120%.

3. (HC 171 x SPV 1474)-2-1-1-1 and (PC 5 x Indore 12)-2-1-2-1 were the other genotypes which were

promising for fodder yield.

4. (HC 260 x SPV 1474)-1-1-1-1 was early to flower (60 days).

5. Most of the dual-purpose genotypes had a plant height above 300 cm and (M 11x B 35)-1-1-2-2

recorded the highest plant height of 383 cm.

6. Highest panicle length (32 cm) was recorded by (Palem 2 x SPV 1474)-7-1-1-1.

Brown midrib genotypes

1. None of the brown midrib genotypes has exhibited any significant superiority over the checks for

grain yield.

2. However, the promising genotypes which were numerically superior to the check SPV 1616 for

grain yield were (Palem 2 x IS 21889)-2-1-2-1 (40%), (Palem 2 x IS 21891)-1-1-1-1 (27%), (COS 28 x IS

21891)-7-2-3-1 (20%) and (CSV 15 x IS 21891)-1-1-3-1 (11%). The fodder yields of these genotypes

were at par with SPV 1616 except for (COS 28 x IS 21891)-7-2-3-1, which recorded a significant

superiority of 74% over the check (Table 41).

3. The promising genotypes which exhibited significant superiority for fodder yield over the check SPV

1616 were (PC 5 x IS 21888)-8-1-2-1 (87%), (PC 5 x IS 21888)-5-1-1-1 (65%) and (SPV 462 x IS

21891)-3-1-2-1 (59%).



Table 40: Performance of selected dual-purpose lines in kharif 2007 (Umakanth)

Fig. 11: Promising dual-purpose genotypes, 2007 Kharif, NRCS, Hyderabad-Umakanth

S No Pedigree Days to

flower

Grain yield

(Kg/ha)

Dry fodder yield

(q/ha)

Plant height (cm)

Panicle length (cm)

Panicle width (cm)

1 (M 11x B 35)-1-1-2-1 94 2282 133 374 31 6.0

2 (Palem 2 x SPV 1474)-7-1-1-1 79 2241 61 300 32 5.5

3 (M 11x B 35)-1-1-2-2 92 2211 127 383 31 6.5

4 (SPV 1022 x CSV 17)-1-1-3-1 73 2198 60 281 25 6.0

5 (GJ 38 x SPV 1474)-7-1-1-1 76 2129 75 323 27 7.0

6 (GJ 38 x Indore 12)-2-1-2-1 74 2119 55 270 23 6.0

7 (GJ 38 x Indore 12)-2-1-3-1 75 2116 61 264 24 6.0

8 (HC 260 x B 35)-2-2-1-5 77 2112 117 283 26 5.5

9 (HC 136 x Indore 12)-6-1-2-1 75 2106 67 261 30 5.5

10 (COS 28 x Indore 12)-4-1-1-1 74 2097 47 256 25 6.0

11 (GJ 38 x Indore 12)-2-1-2-2 75 2088 54 268 24 6.0

12 (GJ 38 x SPV 1474)-7-1-4-1 80 1989 74 316 28 6.0

13 (SPV 1022 x CSV 17)-5-1-1-2 73 1958 62 263 26 6.0

14 (HC 171 x SPV 1474)-2-1-1-1 81 1486 108 321 24 6.5

15 (PC 5 x Indore 12)-2-1-2-1 81 1660 105 355 31 5.5

16 SPV 1616 (check) 77 1914 53 258 27 5.5

17 CSV 15 (check) 74 1939 51 249 26 6.0

Mean 78 1756 69 294 27 6

CD (5%) 3 628 26 36 3 -

(GJ 38 x Indore 12)-2-1-3-1 (SPV 1022 x CSV 17)-1-1-3-1 (M 11 x B 35)-1-1-2-1



Table 41: Performance of selected BMR lines in kharif 2007 (Umakanth)

2. Evaluation of dual purpose lines against shoot fly (Shyamprasad)

One hundred Dual purpose lines from IARI were planted along with resistant (IS 18551) and susceptible

(DJ 6514) checks in randomized block design with three replications. Uniform infestation of shoot fly

was ensured in experimental plot by baiting with moist fishmeal at 10 DAE of seedlings. The data on per

cent dead heart caused by shoot fly was recorded at weekly intervals viz., 14, 21 and 28 DAE.

The dead heart formation as a result of shoot fly attack at weekly intervals viz., 14,21 and 28 DAE were

recorded. The mean dead hearts were 34.2, 52.6 and 70.8 % at 14,21 and 28 DAE. Out of 100 genotypes

PGN-53, PFGS-93, P-45, PGN-49, Lawa, PGN-39, SPV 1388 x Lawa, PGN-111, LDR-210, PGN-75, PGN-61,

PUGL-9, Local-8, PFGS-48, PFGS-94 and PGN-102 were toleranr to shoot fly recording 37.87 – 46.20%

dead hearts and were on par to resistant check IS 18551. The entries PGN-45, PGN-126, Local-5, Satpani,

PGN-72, PFGS-23, PGN-59, LDR-238, SPV 1388, PGN-56, PKS-111, PGN-57 were moderately tolerant

recording 47.32 – 61.55% dead hearts and significantly different to susceptible check (Table 42). Rest of

the entries recorded shoot fly incidence on par to susceptible check.

Conclusions

The genotypes PGN-53, PFGS-93, P-45, PGN-49, Lawa, PGN-39, SPV 1388 x Lawa, PGN-111, LDR-

210, PGN-75, PGN-61, PUGL-9, Local-8, PFGS-48, PFGS-94 and PGN-102 were tolerant to shoot

fly (37.87 – 46.20% dead hearts) and were on par to IS 18551 (resistant check).

S No Pedigree

Days

to

flower

Grain

yield

(Kg/ha)

Dry fodder

yield (q/ha)

Plant

height

(cm)

Panicle

length

(cm)

Panicle

width

(cm)

1 (Palem 2 x IS 21889)-2-1-2-1 81 2267 57 265 29 5.5

2 (Palem 2 x IS 21891)-1-1-1-1 74 2061 71 237 28 6

3 (COS 28 x IS 21891)-7-2-3-1 81 1941 110 258 26 6

4 (CSV 15 x IS 21891)-1-1-3-1 75 1800 50 255 25 5.5

5 (Palem 2 x IS 21889)-2-1-1-1 81 1748 76 282 31 5.5

6 (CSV 15 x IS 21891)-1-1-1-1 76 1656 49 252 25 5.5

7 (CSV 15 x IS 21891)-1-1-2-1 78 1648 62 261 25 5.5

8 (PC 5 x IS 21888)-8-1-2-1 83 1638 118 268 28 6

9 (PC 5 x IS 21888)-5-1-1-1 83 1521 104 328 23 5.5

10 (SPV 462 x IS 21891)-3-1-2-1 77 1391 100 266 25 5.5

11 SPV 1616 (check) 76 1618 63 265 26 5.5

12 CSV 15 (check) 77 1792 56 241 27 6

Mean 76 1586 63 250 25 5.6

CD (5%) 3 - 26 29 2.6 -



The entries PGN-45, PGN-126, Local-5, Satpani, PGN-72, PFGS-23, PGN-59, LDR-238, SPV 1388,

PGN-56, PKS-111, PGN-57 were moderately tolerant (47.32 – 61.55% dead hearts).

Table 42: Mean dead heart in dual purpose sorghum

Entry Mean dead heart (%) at

14 dae 21 dae 28 dae

PFGS-23 22.63 30.27 48.89

PFGS-48 22.84 32.38 45.25

PFGS-93 16.21 27.88 38.17

PFGS-94 24.50 34.57 45.32

P-45 20.56 28.43 38.42

PGN-39 18.39 28.03 39.06

PGN-45 20.08 35.24 47.35

PGN-49 16.92 24.36 38.97

PGN-53 18.92 27.32 37.87

PGN-56 22.87 38.99 52.72

PGN-57 26.68 41.96 61.55

PGN-59 19.34 34.52 50.30

PGN-61 19.01 28.54 40.73

PGN-72 20.77 34.95 48.89

PGN-75 19.90 30.27 40.57

PGN-102 18.93 33.42 46.20

PGN-111 17.55 30.55 39.94

PGN-126 18.11 30.88 47.52

LDR-210 22.51 31.70 40.02

LDR-238 21.91 36.93 50.76

PKS-111 24.36 36.94 52.87

LAWA 17.02 30.94 39.04

SATPANI 28.01 33.67 48.28

SPV1388 x LAWA 19.35 29.09 39.26

SPV 1388 26.11 37.61 52.21

PUGL-9 20.83 30.27 41.30

LOCAL 5 22.22 36.92 47.95

LOCAL 8 18.56 31.24 41.62

IS 18551 12.69 31.11 40.33

DJ 6514 46.18 64.11 82.91

Mean 34.20 52.64 70.80

CD (0.05) 4.68 7.37 9.05

CD (0.01) 3.65 5.74 7.05

CV 14.20 17.43 19.58

3. Evaluation of dual purpose lines for resistance to spotted stem borer

(Shyamprasad)

Ninety four dual purpose lines from IARI were planted along with resistant (IS 2205) and susceptible (DJ

6514) checks in randomized block design with three replications. The shoot fly infestation was avoided

by early planting. Uniform infestation of stem borer was ensured in experimental plot by infestor rows

of susceptible genotype DJ 6514. The experiment was carried out under natural infestation. The data on

per cent dead heart caused by stem borer was recorded at 45 DAE.

The dead heart formation as a result of stem borer at 45 DAE was 24.03 %. Out of 94 genotypes PGN-30,

PUGL-9, PGN-56, LDR-218, P-23, PGN-35, P-45, PGN-61, PGN-102, PFGS-37, PGN-126, PGN-90, Satpani,

Lawa, SPV 1388, LDR-210, PGN-40, Local-8, PFGS-94, PFGS-93 and PFGS-47 were tolerant to stemborer

recording 10.7-15.2% dead hearts and were on par to resistant check IS 2205 (Table 43).



Table 43: Mean dead heart in dual purpose sorghum

Sl.No. Entry Dead hearts (%)

1 PGN-30 10.72

2 PUGL-9 10.80

3 PGN-56 10.86

4 LDR-218 11.15

5 P-23 11.30

6 PGN-35 11.37

7 P-45 11.90

8 PGN-61 12.01

9 PGN-102 12.27

10 PFGS-37 12.44

11 PGN-126 12.44

12 PGN-90 12.98

13 SATPANI 13.27

14 IS2205 13.34

15 LAWA 13.38

16 SPV 1388 13.51

17 LDR-210 14.21

18 PGN-40 14.30

19 LOCAL 8 14.32

20 PFGS-94 14.81

21 PFGS-93 14.89

22 PFGS-47 15.19

23 DJ 6514 36.66

24 PGN-66 37.52

25 P-29 38.77

26 PGN-94 40.90

Mean 24.03

CD 6.20

CV% 19.21

- 50 -


B4. Sorghum foods and food safety

1. Preparation of the sorghum rawa, parboiled rawa and flakes (Ratnavathi)

Study on shelf life of the products: To study the shelf life of jowar rawa and flour, the samples were

irradiated with gamma radiation at 0.25 gy and 0.50 gy in January, 07. A control sample without

treatment was kept separately for comparison. The irradiated sample usually can be kept safe up to a

period of one year. Periodical samples after three months were drawn and analyzed for chemical

quality. After 5 months normal samples were affected by insect, while irradiated samples were safe

without any insect damage. The shelf life of the products fine rawa, coarse rawa and flour was 3-4

months without any chemical deterioration when packed air tight in polythene bags and stored in dry

place at room temperature.

Preparation of parboiled rawa : Parboiled rawa was prepared from the rabi produce ( CSH 215R). The

grain was soaked for 12 hrs. and the grain was air dried for 1 hr. later the grain was steam cooked and

sun dried for 12 hrs. until the grain is completely dry up to moisture below 10%. This grain is processed

for rawa preparation and the recovery of rawa was 42. 35% and the percent husk wastage was 6.55%.

The parboiled rawa was found to be more suitable than the normal rawa for fermented foods like idli

and Dosa

Preparation of flakes from sorghum: Jowar grain was

processed for the preparation of flakes in rice flaking

machine. The grains were soaked for overnight (12 hrs.)

and then air dried for 1 hour. The grain was roasted for 2

-2.5 minutes at 182 – 200 0C. After roasting the grain is

cooled for 1-2 minutes and then grain is transferred to

flake machine until flakes are ready (about 2-3 minutes).

The machine capacity was I kg. only. The recovery of

flakes is 50-60% on weight basis, the outer layer of the

grain is removed as bran. The appearance and size of

flakes is similar to rice flakes. The flakes are processed in to different food items and the taste of the

foods is similar to that of rice flakes.

2. Sorghum composite flour preparation and shelf life (Ratnavathi)

Fight types of composite flour including ragi, pearl millet and soybean with sorghum were prepared and

evaluated for nutritional quality and shelf life. The suitability of the composite flours was evaluated in

an automatic roti machine available with M/s snaffy foods pvt. Ltd, Gajula ramaram, Kukatpally,

Hyderabad and the flour with 30% wheat , 50 % sorghum, 10% soybean and 10% pearl millet and finger

millet together was the suitable composition for the roti machine.

Fig. 12: Jowar flakes

- 51 -


3. Screening of sorghum seeds for Aspergillus and aflatoxin infestation (Ratnavathi)

Fifteen released sorghum cultivars were infested with 2 toxic isolates of Aspergillus and characterized

for resistance to Aspergillus and Fusarium infection and aflatoxin production (Table 44). The mold score

at field and grain varied from 2.0 to 5.0. the Fumonisin content varied from 0.1 to 20.44 µg/kg and

aflatoxin content varied from 0.05 to 4.43 µg/kg. All the genotypes except CSH 18 have mycotoxin

contamination. However all the genotypes are having toxin content far below the safety limit prescribed

by CODEX Committee.

Table 44: Screening sorghum lines for Mold Resistance under Artificial Mist Conditions

S.No Test lines FGMS* TGMS* Reaction$ FB1 µg/kg AFB1 µg/kg

1 CSH-9 4.5 3.5 S 4.32 0.05

2 CSH-14 4.5 3.5 S 6.93 1.17

3 CSH-15R 5.0 5.0 S 2.10 0.30

4 CSH-17 3.5 3.0 S - 0.52

5 CSH-18 3.5 3.0 S - -

6 CSH-19R 3.5 3.0 S 20.44 2.18

7 CSV-13 3.0 3.0 S 9.78 3.74

8 CSV-14R 4.0 3.0 S - 1.57

9 CSV-15 3.5 2.5 R 1.21 4.04

10 CSV-18 2.5 2.0 R 0.16 0.54

11 CSV-19SS 5.0 4.5 S 3.80 3.09

12 CSV-216R 5.0 4.0 S 2.52 1.60

13 SPV-462 3.5 3.0 S - 2.06

14 SPV-1430 3.0 3.0 S - -

15 SPV-1626 4.0 3.0 S 8.75 4.43

* - Mean of 5 Replications $ -

Susceptible (S)= TGMS (Threshed Grain Mold Score) ≥ 2.5; Resistant (R) = TGMS < 2.5

4. Rhizobacteria for the control of mycotoxigenic Fusarium in sorghum (Das)

Reduction of Fusarium infection and colonization by use of antagonists is one of the options for

mycotoxin management. A range of sorghum rhizosphere bacteria were tested for biocontrol efficiency

on Fusarium isolates. Three rhizobacteria strains of Pseudomonas sp (B27, B2 and B5) and three of

Bacillus sp (B1, Rb56 and Rb66) and one strain of Actinomycetes B3 were tested for antagonistic effects

on nine Fusarium isolates of different origin, growth patterns and morphological characters.

Fungal growth inhibition by Pseudomonas strains ranged from 19-66% and by Bacillus strains 0-43%

(Table 45 & Fig. 13). The Pseudomonas strains B27 and B2 showed the maximum antagonistic effects on

most of the Fusarium isolates tested. Among the Bacillus strains Rb56 was the most efficient. The

Actinomycetes strain B3 recorded 50% fungal growth inhibition. The inhibitory effects of most of the

- 52 -


bioagents were broad spectrum, indicating that they might be useful for wide range of isolates.

However, few Bacillus bioagents such as B1, Rb56 and Rb66 had very little inhibitory effect on the

isolates F127, F37 and F12, suggesting their isolate specific activity. Usefulness of these bioagents in

containment of mycotoxin productions in sorghum grain will be explored.

Table 45. Efficiency of some sorghum rhizobacteria strains of Pseudomonas and Bacillus sp in

inhibition of growth of Fusarium isolates from sorghum grain (IK Das)

Bacterial

bioagents

Strains

% Growth inhibition of Fusarium isolates

F4 F6 F7 F12 F37 F61 F94 F127 F134

Pseudomonas sp

B27 51 55 53 58 66 57 55 66 60

B2 59 59 62 57 59 55 55 59 57

B5 29 28 35 32 25 19 33 32 31

Bacillus sp

B1 22 18 34 7 2 30 22 0 43

Rb56 33 29 39 27 20 24 35 0 41

Rb66 22 18 24 7 2 20 22 0 35

Actnomycetes B3 49 47 44 36 30 37 50 14 47

CD (p=0.05) 3.4* 1.3* 1.6* 1.0* 2.1* 1.5* 3.0* 2.5* 2.1*

*Significant at 1% level

Fig. 13: Growth inhibition of Fusarium isolates by sorghum rhizobacteria. Clockwise from top right: Control, Pseudomonas strain B27, B2, and B5 on Fusarium isolate F6 (IK Das).

5. Bio-management of mycotoxigenic Fusarium in grain sorghum. (Das)

Three elite bacterial strains Rb10 (Bacillus sp), Rb29 (Pseudomonas sp.) and Rb188 (Pseudomonas sp.)

with known in vitro efficacy of fungal growth inhibition (Fusarium spp.) were evaluated for efficacy of

management of fumonisin in sorghum grain (Fig. 14). The Rabi genotype, M35-1 was used as test

- 53 -


material to minimize inherent seed-borne fungal infection. Mycotoxin production level in bacteria

treated sorghum grains were studied under two different storage conditions; i) open condition storage

at ambient temperature and humidity (April to June, 07), and ii) controlled condition storage at 28 oC

temperature and 80% relative humidity. Three toxigenic strains of Fusarium spp. (F6, F35 and F36)

were used for artificial infection of sorghum grains. Fumonisin level in sorghum grain was estimated

by indirect ELISA after 90 days of storage of the treated grains.

All the three bacterial biocontrol agents (strains Rb10, Rb29 and Rb188) contained fumonisin

contamination in sorghum grains when stored under controlled conditions. No fumonisin was

detected in bio-agent treated grains as compared to 8.0 ppb fumonisin detected on untreated grains.

Under ambient conditions of storage, however, only the Bacillus strain (Rb10) was effective. Rb10

considerably reduced fumonisin contamination level to 14.3 ppb as compared to 27.0 ppb in

untreated control. Lower efficacy of the Pseudomonas strains (Rb29 and Rb188) might be due to their

low survival than the Bacillus strain (Rb10) under ambient conditions. During the period of experiment

(April to June) atmospheric temperature remained around 35 oC and relative humidity around 70%.

High temperature and low humidity might have adversely affected survival of Pseudomonas strains

(Rb29 and Rb188) more compared to the Bacillus strains (Rb10 is tolerant to high temperature).

Fig. 14: In vitro antagonistic effects on Fusarium spp. by selected bacterial strains (IK Das)

Bacterial strains belonging to Pseudomonas spp are generally more antagonistic than the Bacillus spp.

because of their ability to produce an array of antifungal metabolites. However, Pseudomonas strains

have generally less stress-tolerance than the Bacillus one. Identification of stress tolerant Pseudomonas

strains with antifungal effect will be useful for management of mycotoxin in sorghum grains.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Rb10 Rb29 Rb188

Bacterial isolates

% growth inhibition

- 54 -


B5. Sorghum economics

1. Market prices for the grains of AICSIP entries (BD Rao)

A sorghum market survey was conducted to assess market prices of the grain samples from five AICSIP

centers to test the feasibility of advancing the material in AICSIP trials using market price criteria. The

market prices of various samples tested across centres will act as proxy for profitability under the given

input recommendation. An analysis based on market prices may also form one of the criteria of the

index comprising other technical parameters, and therefore for advancing material in national trials.

The market prices of 65 AICSIP entries from 3 AICSIP locations for viz., Palem, Coimbatore and Udaipur

in advanced trials were used. The market prices for the samples from above locations were collected

during Jan- March 2007 from following 4 urban regulated markets: Solapur, Pune (Maharashtra),

Gulbarga (Karnataka) and Hyderabad (AP). Three sub-markets were used from each of above mentioned

markets whose prices were averaged.

Among the varietal (AVT) entries SPV 1698, SPV 1730 and SPV 1746 have established as superior entries

across the markets and the overall mean too vouches for the same. The price commended for these

three is 18-20 % higher than the government announced Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 555/ q

(Maldandi).

Unlike the AVT entries, there is no agreement on superiority of any single hybrid (AHT) entry over the

other. No AHT entry with highest mean market price in a particular market has repeated its

performance in other zone. However, the overall situation pointed at superiority based on mean highest

market price with regard to SPH 1569 (Rs. 579/q) genotype which is closely followed by SPH 1575 (Rs.

564/q) and SPH 1413 (Rs. 563) . In all, the variation in prices across the entries is not highly significant.

The prices realized from them are surprisingly above MSP of Maldandi variety (Rs 555/q).

This narrowing gap of market prices between hybrids and varieties is unusual feature, prompting that

the currently bred hybrids are qualitatively closer to new varieties. This will encourage breeders;

however, it has to be proven over a period of time. Also nutritional and food quality traits are to be

considered.

Negative and significant correlation existed between market price and threshed grain mold score agrees

the popular belief molded grain reduces the profitability of growing such entries. We may go for

rigorous selection for such entries with less susceptible ones for identification.

- 55 -


C. Sweet Sorghum


1. Evaluation of sweet sorghum lines for bioethanol and biomass yield (SS Rao)

Sweet sorghum has gained much popularity as biofuel crop in the recent years because of its increasing

value of producing bioethanol from stalk juice as similar to sugarcane molasses to bioethanol

bioconversion process. Sweet sorghum stalk juice has rich in “free sugars” which can be readily

fermentable unlike lignocellulosic bioethanol process, wherein, additional process steps such as

pretreatment and hydrolysis are needed which add to the production cost of bioethanol. The existing

and new bioenergy complexes can be conveniently utilize the sweet sorghum juice “free sugars” directly

in to bioethanol conversion apart from generating considerable residue (bagasse) to fuel the distillery

processes besides generating electricity to the grid.

In the recent years, a number of bioenergy complexes are evincing keen interest to cultivate sweet

sorghum both on pilot basis and commercial scale for bioethanol production. To achieve the desired

results in the pilot study and commercial cultivation, basic information on feedstock characteristics such

as stalk yields, sugar content etc is essential in different pre-released sweet sorghum cultivars.

The objective of the current study was to characterize the sweet sorghum stalk traits, sugar content

leading to higher bioethanol recovery. Additionally, unraveling the key plant trait will help in designing

sweet sorghum plant type for crop improvement program. Furthermore, the availability of basic

feedstock traits thus facilitates the optimization of process parameters in the bioenergy complex.

Sweet sorghum experimental genotypes comprising seven hybrids, eleven varieties including three

checks have been evaluated in RCBD. The experimental materials were raised on entirely rainfed

condition. Recommended crop management practices were followed. Minimum and need based crop

protection measures were adopted to contain the shoot pests such as shoot fly, stem borer, and shoot

bug.

Phenology and crop stand: Mean crop stand recorded was 0.80 lakhs at thinning and 0.77 lakhs plants

ha-1 at maturity that amounts to about 75% normal population sown. Days to 50 flowering and maturity

ranged from 69 to 85 and 109 to 125 days. Plant height too ranged from 246 cm to 370 cm.

Biomass: Fresh and dry biomass varied in the range of 45-67 t and 14-25 t/ha, respectively. Both fresh

and dry biomass had shown the positive correlation (p≤0.05) with sugar yields and bioethanol yields.

The residue (bagasse) yields ranged from 4.7 to 9.5 t/ha with an average of 7.1 t/ha. ICCSH19 (9.6 t) in

hybrids, and SSV74 in varieties had recorded higher bagasse than checks.

- 56 -


Stalk yields and brix: Fresh stalk yields at maturity differed significantly with a range of 32.3-49.2 t/ha

(Table 46). In hybrids, none was superior to check CSH22 SS. Among the varieties, NSSV13, NSSV254,

RSSV104, ICSV93046, SPV422, and SSV74 had recorded significantly higher stalk yields (23 -36 % more

than SSV 84) than check. The juice brix values increased progressively from flowering (9.0-14.5%) to

physiological maturity (16-22%).

Table 46: Promising sweet sorghum genotypes for stalk yields, sugar content and bioethanol yield,

(K2007/NRCS,Hyd).

Entry

Juice brix at phy mat

(%)

Fresh stalk yield

(t ha-1)

Juice yield

(KL/ha)

Total soluble sugars

(%)

Total sugar yields (t/ha)

Bioethanol yields (L/ha)

ICSSH 19 18.0 46.0 15.2 16.5 2.5 1328

PAC 52093 18.7 39.8 15.4 17.1 2.64 1405

NSSV 13 20.0 46.0 16.2 17.9 2.91 1547

RSSV 104 17.7 47.5 15.8 16.2 2.55 1358

SPV 422 18.0 45.3 14.5 16.4 2.36 1254

SPSSV 30 22.3 32.8 11.9 18.4 2.18 1162

ICSV 93046 16.3 45.4 14.1 15.3 2.16 1149

CSH 22SS (C ) 16.7 49.2 15.0 15.7 2.30 1227

SSV 84 (C ) 15.7 34.8 10.0 14.4 1.44 766

CSV19SS( C ) 16.0 33.8 7.0 14.8 1.13 600

Mean 17.63 40.3 12.49 15.96 2.00 1064

CD (0.05) 1.54 8.7 4.40 1.61 0.69 367

CV (%) 5.29 13.0 21.31 6.11 20.85 20.84

Range 16.0-22.3 32.3-49.2 7.5-16.2 14.1-18.4 1.06-2.91 600-1547

SPSSV30 recoded significantly higher juice brix at all stages of growth (Figure 15). The brix values were

stable from flowering to even at 20 days after physiological maturity (DAPM). The results suggest that

SPSSV30 could be the good source for improving the sugar content in the sweet sorghum further.

Besides, this can be harvested in a staggered manner between soft-dough stage and 20 DAPM by the

bioenergy complex. Furthermore, the brix content at physiological maturity had shown positive

association with (p≤ 0.05) total sugars, sucrose, and bioethanol yields.

Juice yields, sugar content and bioethanol yields: Significant differences were observed in juice yields,

sugar content and bioethanol yields among the genotypes (Table1). None was superior to check CSH 22

SS in hybrids. While among varieties, NSSV13, RSSV104, SPV422, recorded higher juice and sugar

content than check SSV84. Very high positive relationship of juice yield with sugar yield (p≤ 0.01; 0.96)

and calculated bioethanol yields (p≤ 0.01; 0.96) was observed.

- 57 -


Fig. 15: Changes in brix content between flowering and 20 days after physiological maturity (DAPM) in

sweet sorghum genotypes

Calculated bioethanol yields varied significantly (range: 600-1547 L/ha) with an average of 1064 L/ha.

Bioethanol yield differences of hybrids are not distinct from varieties and even some varieties produced

higher bioethanol, yields than varieties. In hybrids, ICSSH19 (1328L), and PAC 52093 (1405L) recorded 8

and 15% more bioethanol yields than check CSH22 SS (1227L) (Table1). Among the varieties, NSSV13,

RSSV104, SPV422, SPSSV30 and ICSV93046 recorded higher bioethanol yields than check (45-75% more

bioethanol yields than SSV84).

The realization of higher bioethanol yields was mainly due to higher extraction rate, juice yield

combining high total sugar content. Since total sugar yields are the function of rate of extraction, and

juice yields which in turn depends on plant population, an optimal field crop stands with efficient

management are the prerequisite for higher bioethanol recovery.

Interestingly, stalk yield has shown positive correlation with bioethanol yields (r2=0.490; p<0.05). The

relationship further indicated that both SPSSV30 and PAC52093 had produced higher bioethanol yields

even at the lower stalk yields indicating that these entries have higher resources-use efficiency in

producing bioethanol yield per unit stalk yields. Such type of entries has advantage when resources are

constrained by water and fertility limitations. The results suggests that improving stalk yields without

decreasing both sugar content and extraction rate leads to the higher bioethanol recovery and this

would be the goal of sweet sorghum improvement.

2. Assessment of fodder value of sweet sorghum cultivars (SS Rao)

Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important crop grown around the world for syrup,

bioethanol, food, forage etc. Ferraris and Charles- Edwards (1986) have demonstrated the superiority of

sweet sorghum in dry matter production over forage sorghums. In India, information on sweet sorghum

utilization as a fodder and its quality traits is limited. In a collaborative work with ILRI, eighteen initial

sweet sorghum hybrids and nineteen initial and advanced sweet sorghum varieties were evaluated for

fodder, biomass and their quality traits.

0

5

10

15

20

25

50% flow. Soft-dough Phy.mat 20 DAPM

Ju

ice

bri

x (

%)

Stage of crop develeopment

SPSSV30 SSV84 (C ) CSV19SS (C) CSH22SS (C)

- 58 -


Significant cultivar- dependent differences were observed in stover quality traits and biomass yields. In

varieties, nitrogen dry matter (NDM) content ranged from 0.44% to 0.71%, in vitro dry matter

digestibility (IVDM) from 48.8%-57%, metabolizable energy (ME) content from 7.11-8.55 MJ/kg. In

hybrids, the corresponding values were 0.44- 072%, 43.8—54.5%, and 6.4- 8.14 MJ/Kg, respectively

(Table 47).

Mean NDM in varieties was 22% higher than hybrids. Similarly, the mean IVDMD and ME values in

varieties were marginally superior (5% more) over hybrids. Cv. ICSSH10, ICSSH14, and ICSSH6 in hybrids

(21-34% more) and RSSV56, E36-1, and ICSV700 (14.0- 38.4% more) in varieties have recorded superior

NDM content than checks CSH22SS and SSV84. In ME, PAC52093 in hybrids and NSSV256, NSSV254 in

varieties were on par with checks. Similar trend was observed in IVDMD also. NDM had shown negative

relationship with stover and biomass yields in both varieties and hybrids.

Table 47: Nitrogen dry matter (NDM) content, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and

metabolizable energy (ME) content of stover among sweet sorghum hybrids and varieties.

NDM (%) ME(MJ Kg-1) IVDMD (%)

Mean Hybrids Varieties Hybrids Varieties Hybrids Varieties

LSD(.05) 0.56 0.68 7.25 7.61 49.1 51.5

CV (%) 0.106 0.114 0.34 0.82 2.02 4.76

Range 11.4 10.2 2.86 6.53 2.5 5.59

0.44-0.72 0.55-0.89 6.40-8.14 7.11-8.55 43.8-54.5 48.8-57.0

Interestingly, both ME and IVDMD too showed high significant positive (P≤ 0.05) correlations with

stover and biomass yields in both groups. In varieties, mean stover and biomass yields were 19% and

13% higher than hybrids. Very high significant positive relationship was observed between stover

yields and biomass (r2 = 0.970**, 0.900** for hybrids and varieties, res.). There was no relationship

between stover yields and grain yields in both groups

3. Genetic studies of sweet stalk (Audilakshmi)

Understanding the genetics of sweet stalk trait will help in deciding the breeding strategies to develop

high sweet sorghum genotypes. Similar to previous year, this year also, frequency distribution of F2

showed (Fig. 16) that brix is governed by polygenic genes and cane and juice yield by olygogenic genes.

The mean performance (Table 48) showed that F1 mean for brix tended towards P2 indicating that high

brix is dominant. The F1 means for cane yield and juice yield were greater than those of both the parents

indicating that these traits are governed by over dominant genes. Generation mean analysis showed

(Table 49) that additive and dominance gene actions were important for all the traits and negative

dominance x dominance gene interaction was predominant indicating presence of epistatic interaction.

- 59 -


Dominance and over dominance nature of genes for high brix, cane and juice yield can be utilized in

development of superior hybrids for these traits. However, for pure line selection for these traits, there

is a need for making selections at later generations.

Table 48: Mean performance of families for a

cross 27 B x BJ 204

Families Brix CY JY

P1 11.8 +0.55 126.8+7.5 23.6+2.1

P2 19.9 + 0.45 227.0+14.6 74.3+8.6

F11 17.8 + 0.3 268.1+12.2 101.6+6.1

F2 17.8 + 0.22 226.6+ 6.5 76.9+2.9

BC 1 16.1+ 0.28 207.3+9.2 80.9+5.1

BC 20.4 + 0.16 284.0+0.16 107.9+6.1

Table 49: Generation mean analysis of a cross

27 B x BJ 204

Parameters Brix CY JY

m ( Hayman ) 17.79 226.6 76.918

d ( Hayman ) -4.371 -76.7 -26.982

h ( Hayman ) 3.814 167.8 122.415

L ( Dom * Dom )

-7.574 -169.2 -146.275

I ( Add * Add ) 76.5 69.791

Figure 16: Frequency distribution in F2 of a cross 27 B x BJ 204

4. Histochemistry of sorghum and sugarcane parenchyma at harvest (SV Rao,

KBRS Visarada and SS Rao)

Biofuels holds key for sorghum farmers of dyland areas as there is extensive scope for growth of

economy and overcome fuel shortage thereby helping our national foreign exchange. In this endeavour,

the quality of the sweet sorghum is an important factor. We have some of the stocks developed which

have sugarcane introgression. These have the features of sugarcane as well as sorghum. The idea that

these F1 and back crosses of sorghum x sugarcane may be crossed to sweet sorghum to develop a high

efficiency biofuel sweet sorghum, combining the characters so both sugarcane an sorghum. In this

direction the histochemistry of sugarcane, crosses between sorghum and sugarcane, sweet sorghum

and grain sorghum were studied.

In this study some hitherto unreported findings have been observed. Sugarcane is distinctly different

from the sorghum for the absence of starch granules in the parenchyma cells of stem. This character is

dominant in the wide crosses with sorghum. In the comparison between the sweet sorghums and grain

sorghums , the sweet sorghums have low formation of starch granules in general ( nil to 4) compared

to the other grain sorghum ( 8-26). Sugarcane forms large hexagonal parenchyma with distinct cellulose

Frequency distibution of F2 for brix

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

8 to 10 11 to 13 14-16 17-19 20 -22 23- 25 26- 28

% brix

nu

mb

er

of

pla

nts

Frequency distribution for cane yield

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1to 50 51-100 101-

150

151 to

200

201 to

250

251 to

300

301 to

350

351 to

400

401 to

450

451 to

500

501 to

550

551 to

600

cane yield g/plant

No

of

pla

nts

- 60 -


- 61 -


– hemicellulose walls and low volume of fiber cells compared to round parenchyma with low

heicellulose in the case of sweet sorghum. This character is also dominant in the first F1 cross. Among

the sweet sorghum entries, SSV 74 and URJA are having lower hemi cellulose but equal number of

vascular fibers like in other entries. It is possible to identify the sweet sorghums using these characters

and we are trying to refine these to quantify the quality of the juice and bagasse.

5. Evaluation of sweet sorghum progenies for shoot fly reaction (Padmaja and

Elangovan)

To identify promising sweet sorghum progenies to shoot fly, 87 F5 sweet sorghum lines were screened in shoot fly nursery. 6 progenies of sweet sorghum were at par (<40% deadhearts) with the resistant check (33.3%) (Figure 17).

Fig. 17: Promising F5 progenies of sweet sorghum resistant to shoot fly

Crop Production

1. Influence of stage of harvest on bioethanol yield in sweet sorghum (SS Rao)

The objective of this investigation was to identify effect of stage of harvesting (from flowering to

maturity) on changes in stalk yield, biomass and bioethanol in sweet sorghum. Four cultivars along with

four dates of harvesting treatments were tried in FRBD. Factor-A, comprising four cultivars include

SSV84 (V1), CSH22SS (V2) CSV19SS (V3) and PAC52093 (V4), while, stages of harvesting (Factor B)

included were ;T1- harvesting at 50% flowering; T2-harvesting at 15 days after 50% flowering (soft-

dough stage); T3-harvesting at 30 days after 50% flowering (hard -dough stage); and T4-harvesting at

physiological maturity (control).

Stalk Yields: Fresh stalk yield at maturity varied from 22.1 to 41.0 t/ha across cultivars and treatments

with a mean of 32.2 t/ha (Fig. 18). There were significant differences among cultivars for stalk yield but

not among treatments. Similarly, the interaction effects were not significant. Stalk yield increased from

flowering (T1) to soft dough stage (T2) then declined until maturity. Harvesting at soft-dough stage

gave maximum yields. Among the cultivars, CSH22SS yielded highest (39.0 t/ha) than others.

Reaction of sweet sorghum progenies (F5) to shoot fly

0

20

40

60

80

100

SSS 1

4

SSS 2

6

SSS 3

6

SSS 4

9

SSS 5

4

SSS 6

6

SSV 8

4

IS 1

8551

DJ

6514

F5 progenies

Dead

heart

(%

)

- 62 -


Flowering : At 50% flowering; SD: soft-dough stage; HD: hard-dough stage; Phy mat: Physiological maturity

Fig. 18 .Effect of stage of harvesting (flowering to maturity) on sweet sorghum stalk yield

Juice brix: Brix values varied from 10 to 19.5% across cultivars and treatments. The differences in brix

were significant among cultivars and treatments (Figure 4). Brix value increased from flowering to

maturity. SSV 84 recorded significantly higher brix than other cultivars at all stages. Among the growth

stages, brix value recorded was highest at physiological maturity than previous stages.

Juice extraction and yields: In general juice extraction declined from flowering (T1: 33.5%) to maturity

(T4: 24.0%) among the treatments. Differences were significant among cultivars and treatments. The

extraction percent ranged between 20 and 40% across the cultivars and treatments. In case of juice yield

too, similar trend was observed to that of extraction percent. Juice yields declined from flowering to

physiological maturity marginally.

Flowg: At 50% flowering; SD: soft-dough stage; HD: hard-dough stage; Phy mat: Physiological maturity

Fig. 19: Effect of stage of harvesting (flowering to maturity) on sweet sorghum juice brix.

0.0 5.0

10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0

Flowg SD(15DAF) HD(30DAF) Phymat.

Treatments (stg. of harvesting)

Stalk yield(t/ha) SSV84 CSH22SS CSV19SS PAC52093 TM

C D(0.05): Stg of harvst: 6.22; Cultiv: 6.2; Inter: NS

- 63 -


Sugar Yields: Sugar yields ranged from 0.86 to 1.74 t/ha across cultivars and treatments. Sugar yields

differed significantly among cultivars and treatments but the interaction effects were found non-

significant. Sugar yields increased from flowering (T1:1.03 t) to hard-dough stage (T3:1.48 t/ha) followed

by a decline at maturity (T4: 1.35t/ha). Sugar yields increased by 10 % when sweet sorghum was

harvested at hard-dough stage (T3) than at physiological maturity (T4).

Bioethanol yields: Calculated bioethanol yields varied from 457 to 948 L/ha across cultivars and

treatments (Table 50). Differences in bioethanol yields were significant among cultivars and treatments

but interaction effects were non-significant. Bioethanol yields increased from flowering (T1) until hard-

dough stage (T3), while it declined at physiological maturity (T4). Bioethanol yields increased (9% more)

when sweet sorghum harvested at hard-dough stage (T3) than at physiological maturity (T4). Among the

cultivars, CSH22SS recorded highest bioethanol yield than others. The per day bioethanol yield trends

observed were similar to that of bioethanol yields among cultivars & treatments.

Table 50: Influence of stage of harvesting on calculated bioethanol yield in sweet sorghum.

Cultivar/ stage of harvest

At 50% flowering

At Soft –dough (15DAF)

At hard- dough (30DAF)

At physiological maturity Cultivar mean

Calculated bioethanol yield (L ha-1

)

SSV84 457 613 674 642 596

CSH22SS 715 850 948 864 844

CSV19SS 461 635 661 563 580

PAC52093 554 835 872 816 769

Treat. mean 547 733 789 721 697

CD (0.05)

Stage of harvest 215

Cultivar 215

Interaction NS

- 64 -


D. Forage sorghum


1. Evaluation of genotypes for forage potential (Bhat)

A total of 20 genotypes were evaluated in RCBD with 3 replications. Data were recorded 70 days after

sowing. None of the genotypes exceeded the check SSG 59-3 and HC 308 for plant height. PCD 9

recorded a leaf:stem ratio of 0.43 while NSSA 1005Ax RSSV-4 showed the ratio at 0.36, both being

superior to check SSG 59-3 (Table 51). Highest green fodder yield was recorded in PL-9 (871.33g)

compared to control HC 308 (802.44g). The advanced progeny of the NSS 1005A X RSSV-4 cross also

showed more fodder yield than the multi-cut checks SSG 59-3 and CSH 20MF.

Table 51: Performance of Superior genotypes for forage yield potential and associated traits

S No

Genotype Plant height (cm)

No. of tillers /plant

No. of leaves /plant

Leaf length (cm)

Leaf width (cm)

Stem girth (cm)

leaf: stem ratio

Green fodder yield (g/plant)

Green fodder yield (t/ha)

1 955 APAU 172.83 5.67 6.62 67.87 3.71 1.21 0.34 398.89 430.00

2 965 APAU 221.73 3.53 9.63 79.30 4.67 1.27 0.26 498.11 311.61

3 COS 29 192.43 6.20 9.53 85.83 2.78 1.06 0.39 492.56 925.81

4 CSH 20MF 147.20 1.55 7.87 80.77 6.81 1.45 0.20 443.44 720.19

5 FM-1 216.40 1.97 10.07 81.30 6.64 1.55 0.25 489.89 1000.61

6 GGUB 45 X PACHHA JONNA

243.83 2.07 9.10 70.30 7.15 1.44 0.24 394.56 521.75

7 HC 308 249.77 1.53 14.30 82.10 7.20 1.59 0.21 802.44 1203.00

8 ICSV 700 233.20 1.00 13.77 69.13 9.31 1.88 0.24 786.67 1044.86

9 IS 18863 153.65 8.98 7.80 72.80 3.42 0.86 0.50 279.33 286.13

10 NRF 526 161.17 3.87 8.17 73.73 4.47 1.31 0.28 524.89 206.29

11 NRF 526 180.33 2.53 9.30 78.60 5.89 1.38 0.28 470.22 427.94

12 NSS 1005A X RSSV-4 217.20 1.33 13.53 97.27 7.01 1.88 0.36 760.56 683.31

13 PC 23 217.30 3.97 6.40 66.95 4.25 0.96 0.15 308.11 238.75

14 PCD 10 186.17 6.53 9.87 80.73 4.50 1.18 0.38 592.33 354.92

15 PCD 8 177.30 2.97 7.87 77.73 5.99 1.39 0.28 374.00 297.86

16 PCD 9 160.30 6.66 11.00 81.00 26.16 1.46 0.43 597.67 764.17

17 PL 44 189.97 1.30 11.53 91.40 8.01 1.73 0.30 691.33 899.47

18 PL-9 205.65 1.00 11.30 87.80 8.38 1.98 0.25 871.33 139.17

19 SSG 59-3 243.97 8.30 7.53 310.73 11.24 0.98 0.31 511.22 578.00

2. Determination of HCN levels in sorghum genotypes (Bhat)

Cyanogenesis in five genotypes were determined at 15, 30, 45, 60 and 80 days after sowing (in pots) in 2

replications with 4 plants per each replication. The picric acid method was used for bioassay from leaf

- 65 -


and stem portions. The HCN levels increased with crop growth till 55-65 days in all genotypes tested and

decreased thereafter till 80 days after sowing as observed in the study. The genotypes EJ24, CSV 15, SPV

462 and IS 18845 (Sorghum halepense) exhibited HCN levels above threshold limits of 200 ppm before

flowering. The forage variety SSG 59-3 exhibited safe levels of HCN throughout the period tested.

Fig. 20: HCN levels in sorghum genotypes at different growth durations

3. Identification of multicut forage lines tolerant to stem borer (Shyamprasad)

Thirteen lines of forage sorghum were planted along with resistant (IS 2205) and susceptible (DJ 6514)

checks in randomized block design with three replications under natural conditions. The shoot fly

infestation was avoided by early planting. Dead heart formation was recorded at 45 DAE. At harvest the

data on stem and peduncle tunneling were recorded.

The variety NSF-2 was least susceptible recording 15.08 % dead hearts, followed by NSF-4, Kh-179, PCD-

8, NSS100SxRSSV4, Kh-67, PCD-9, Kh 101, Kh-180 and NSF-2 and they were was on par with resistant

check IS 2205 (Table 52). The mean dead heart formation in the test entries was 20.4 %.

Table 52. Evaluation of multi-cut forage line for tolerance against stem borer

Sl.

No

Entry Dead hearts

(%)

NSF 1 20.97

NSF 2 15.08

NSF 4 15.10

NSF 5 32.34

NSF 6 27.73

PCD 10 25.67

PCD 8 15.47

NSS100SxRSSV 4 17.00

PCD 9 19.05

Kh-180 19.62

Kh-179 15.45

Kh-101 19.27

Kh-67 17.41

DJ6514 31.01

IS 2205 14.74

Mean 20.40

CD (5%) 7.46

CV 26.39

050

100150200250300350400450

15 25 35 45 55 65 75

HC

N (

pp

m o

n d

ry w

eig

ht

ba

sis

)

Days after sowing

HCN levels in sorghum EJ24

SSG59-3

SPV-462

CSV-15

IS18845

Forage sorghum


Biotechnology

1. Development of low-HCN sorghum using anti-sense approach (Bhat)

In order to develop forage sorghum plants with feed-safe levels of HCN, a strategy to suppress the

expression CYP79A1, a key cytochrome p450 enzyme of cyanogenic dhurrin biosynthesis pathway, was

developed using antisense approach. The cDNA of CYP79A1 gene from sorghum was isolated and cloned

in an antisense orientation in a plant transformation vector with rice Actin1 promoter. This was used for

transformation of sorghum variety CSV 15 through particle bombardment of shoot meristem explants

that regenerated into mature plants. A total of 65 transgenic plants were regenerated and 27 of them

were confirmed for transformation using PCR.

The HCN content was significantly reduced in the transformed To plants which ranged from 17.25 to

178.66 ppm with a mean of 104.06 ppm as compared to 192.08 ppm in the non-transformed control.

Table 53: HCN content (in ppm) in sorghum transgenics transformed using CYP79A1 antisense gene

Plant type Range (in ppm) Mean (in ppm)

Transgenics 17.25-178.66 (n=27)

104.06

control - 192.08



E. Institutional services

1. Characterization of released varieties of sorghum for DUS traits (Kannababu)

DUS characterization during Rabi 2006-07 at NRC for Sorghum: NRCS, Hyderabad: During Rabi 2006-07,

The DUS characterization trial with 24 Rabi entries was sown at NRCS Hyderabad on 1 November 2006.

The variety NTJ 4 was found non-uniform for character expression. The observations were recorded with

23 Rabi entries for 33 characteristics (as per the latest DUS test guidelines published by PPV& FRA) and

were grouped under different states of characteristics. The characterization of 23 entries (Table 54) and

the interpretations were done on the basis of grouping under different states of 33 characteristics. The

trait wise interpretations for 21 qualitative characteristics and 12 quantitative characteristics were done.

Table 54: List of extant notified varieties, hybrids and parental lines (23 Rabi entries) evaluated for DUS traits (Rabi 2006-07) at NRCS, Hyderabad)

1. 104B 13. M 35-1 (Bijapur)

2. AKR 354 14. M 35-1 (Mahol)

3. RS 585 15. NTJ 3

4. CSH 15R 16. Parbhani Dagdi

5. CSH 19R 17. Phule Maulee

6. CSH 20MF 18. Paiyur 2

7. CSV 14R 19. Surat 1

8. CSV 216R 20. Selection 3

9. CSV 18 21. Swathi

10. DSV 4 22. BP 53

11. DSV 5 23. BSR 1

12. AKSV 13R

DUS characterization during kharif 2007 at NRC for Sorghum: The field experiment was raised at NRCS

on 20th June 2007 with 84 Kharif entries (extant / notified varieties, hybrids & parental lines, including

forage) of sorghum. Seven Kharif entries (SSV 74, GJ 36, HC 260, HC 308, GFS 4, GFS 5 and HJ 513) were

rejected due to the non-uniformity in character expression within the population at different stages of

crop. The observations were recorded with 77 Kharif entries listed in Table 55 for 33 characteristics (as

per the latest DUS test guidelines published by PPV&FRA during February 2007) and were grouped

under different states of characteristics. The characterization of 77 Kharif entries and the interpretations

were done on the basis of grouping under different states of 33 characteristics. The trait wise

interpretations for 21 qualitative characteristics and 12 quantitative characteristics were done.

2. Breeder seed production (Kannababu)

1. Two isolation fields for BSP program 2006-07 were organized through APSSDC and the calendar of operations were reported in time.



Table 55: List of extant notified varieties, hybrids and parental lines (77 Kharif entries)

evaluated for DUS traits (Kharif 2007 at NRCS, Hyderabad).

No Genotype No Genotype No Genotype

1 2077B 27 CSV 13 53 DSV 6

2 2219B 28 CSV 15 54 PSV 1

3 296B 29 CSV 17 55 PSV 2

4 27B 30 CSV 19SS 56 PSB 3

5 AKMS 14B 31 SPV 1616 57 PSB 9

6 7B 32 NSV 13 58 PSR 23

7 IMS 9B 33 ICSV 745 59 PSR 34

8 ICS 70B 34 SSV 84 60 PVR 453

9 463A 35 APK 1 61 Parbhani Dagadi

10 463B 36 BSR 1 62 Phule Amrutha

11 CS 3541 37 GJ 9 63 K 8

12 MR 750 38 GJ 35 64 MAN T1

13 RS 29 39 GJ 37 65 SPV 462

14 RS 673 40 GJ 38 66 CO.S.28

15 AKR 73 41 GJ 39 67 SURAT 1

16 AKR 150 42 GJ 40 68 PAIYUR 2

17 C 43 43 JJ 741 69 UP Chari 2

18 INDORE 12 44 JJ 938 70 Pant Chari 3

19 NR 486 45 JJ 1022 71 Pant Chari 4

20 RS 627 46 JJ 1041 72 Pant Chari 5

21 ICSR 89058 47 PVK 400 73 Pant Chari 6 (UPMC 503)

22 CSH 9 48 PVK 801 74 HC 136

23 CSH 14 49 PVK 809 75 HC 171

24 CSH 16 50 RSSGV 3 76 SSG 59-3

25 CSH 18 51 SPV 1430 77 CSH 20MF

26 CSH 23 52 DSV 1

2. The total allocation for NRCS as per BSP I was 6.35q against which higher production of 30.00q was achieved. Surplus seeds of 20777A (+1.75q), 2077B (+0.75q) lines were produced in addition to surplus carry over stock of 296A (+1.00q), 296B (+1.50q), CS 3541 (+4.50q), RS 29(+1.60), 27A (+4.80q), 27B (+5.30q), C 43 (+1.40q) and RS 673 (+1.05q) available at NRCS. There was no shortfall against BSP I targets in any case at NRCS Hyderabad.

3. The ‘seed day’ was organized on 14 February 2006 at 2077A BSP plot in farmers’ field at Shadnagar.


______________________________________________________________________________ Education and training 69

4. Education & training

Trainings attended by NRCS Staff -2007-08

S. No

Name of the official Participated in Venue Date

1 P. Mukesh & W Srinivasa Bhat

Training on “E-procurement” ASCI, Hyderabad 9 -13 April, 07

2 A Annapurna Learning programme on “Isolation techniques and research attributes of PGPR”

ICRISAT, Patancheru 9- 20 April, 07

3 S Indira, KV Raghavendra Rao, K Sanath Kumar & Mahesh Kumar

Training programme on “Hindi administrative terminology” organized by the Commission for Scientific Technical Terminology, New Delhi

NPPTI, Hyderabad 25-26 April, 07

4 N Seetharama, B Venkatesh Bhat, & D Balakrishna

BCIL-DBT sponsored training cum workshop on “Management of intellectual property rights in biotechnology”

Begumpet, Hyderabad

26-27 April, 07

5 KV Raghavendra Rao Training programme on “Right to Information Act – an analysis with focus on procedures, legal aspects and practical problems in implementation”.

PARSAM Institute, Bangalore

9-11 May, 07

6 N Seetharama, Vilas A Tonapi & M Elangovan

First training cum workshop on “IP and Technology management in ICAR system”

NAARM, Hyderabad 28-30 May, 07

7 OV Ramana, K Revati & V Ravi Kumar

Training Programme on “Website Development and Maintenance” .

NIC, Hyderabad 4 - 8 June 07

8 KJ Mathai, OV Ramana & V Anjanayulu

Training on “Intelligent reporting system” organized by ICAR

NAARM, Hyderabad

30-31 Aug, 07

9 Shyam Prasad Short training course on “Post harvest entomological techniques for insect free grain storage to achieve nutritional security”

TNAU, Coimbatore 19 – 28 Sept, 07

10 B Venkatesh Bhat Theoretical and practical course on "Molecular Approaches in Gene Expression Analysis for Crop Improvement"

ICGEB, New Delhi 8 -19 Oct, 07

11 N Seetharama Director’s conclave on Motivation techniques –Fun at Work

NAARM, Hyderabad

14-17 Nov, 07

12 IK Das Workshop cum training on “Team building”

NAARM, Hyderabad

12-15 Dec, 07

13 Mahesh Kumar Hindi training cum demonstrations of “Mantra” and “Shruta Lekhan” Software by C-DAC, Pune

CRIDA Hyderabad

17 Dec, 07



14 VA Tonapi, B Venkatesh Bhat, R Madhusudhana & KV Raghavendra Rao

Training programme on “Capacity Building on Intellectual Property Protection & Technology Licensing in Agriculture” under Indo- US agricultural knowledge initiative programme organized by CCS HAU, HIsar, ICAR and Michigan University, US.

NAARM, Hyderabad

14-16 Feb, 08

15 C Aruna, IK Das, R Madhusudhana & AV Umakanth

Training programme on “Molecular marker applications in crop genetics and breeding”

ICRISAT, Hyderabad 17-28 Mar, 08

16 D Gopala Krishna Training programme on “Technical know-how of chemical analysis of sugarcane juice”.

SBI, Coimbatore 28 Mar -9 Apr, 08

M. Sc Students at the NRCS during 2007-08

S. No

Student Name University Title of the Thesis / dissertation Name of the Supervisor

1 Ms. Vishnu Priya Acharya Nagarjuna University

Polymorphism studies of RAPD and SSR markers in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench).

R Madhusudhana

2 Ms. Pavithra S Periyar University

Molecular diversity in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes using simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs)

R Madhusudhana

3 Ms. B Prajna Deepthi

JNTU Characterization of Sorghum CMS systems

R Madhusudhana

4 Ms. M Prashanti JNTU Studies on transferability of EST-SSRs in some cereal species

R Madhusudhana

5

Ms. Nikhila

Kerala University

Evaluation of Bt transgenic sorghum with Cry 1B gene for stem borer resistance

PG Padmaja

6 Ms. Arfoz Sheik

Periyar University

Isolation of Bt protein and testing its capacity against sorghum stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe)

PG Padmaja

7 Mr. Lakshmikanth

ANGRAU Growth and development of spotted stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on sweet sorghum genotypes.

PG Padmaja

8 Ms. Remya P

Kannur University

Studies on the effects of sorghum root exudates on growth and multiplication of fluorescent pseudomonades

IK Das

9 Ms. M Suvarna Erode University Cultural and molecular characterization of chlorate phenotypes of Macrophomina phasiolina causing charcoal rot of sorghum

IK Das

10 Mr. VV Santosh Kumar

Andhra University

Nutritional qualities in sorghum genotypes CV Ratnavathi

11 Mr. M Kanaka Chari

Andhra University

Aflatoxin estimation in sorghum seed by using indirect ELISA

CV Ratnavathi

12 Mr. Krishna Chaitanya

Sri Krishnadevaraya University

Starch and malting qualities in sorghum CV Ratnavathi



13 Ms. Vasundhara Osmania University

Instrumentation in Biochemistry and Molecular biology labs

RMadhusudana, KBRSVisarada, CV Ratnavathi

14 Mr. P Madhu

Andhra University, Waltair

Molecular Characterization of Sorghum Transgenics for Low-HCN

B Venkatesh Bhat

15 Mr. J Vijayanaresh

Satyabhama University

DNA Marker Profiling for Apospory in Poaceae

B Venkatesh Bhat

16 Mr. C Swaroop

SNIST, Hyderabad

Gene Cloning and Genetic Transformation in Sorghum

B Venkatesh Bhat

17 Mr. G V Rajendra Krishna

Periyar University

Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation in Sorghum

S.V Rao

18 Mr. Ramana Rao Tallapalli

Periyar University

Effect of chemical mutagen on sorghum in use of tilling

S.V Rao

19 Ms. D Kuili

Periyar University

Isolation of plasmid vector pBI121 (Cry1Ac) and transformation to E coli

KBRS Visarada

20 Ms. A Gokila

Periyar University

Characterization of Bt proteins (Cry1Ac and Cry1Ab) from high expression vectors through Western blotting

KBRS Visarada

21 Ms. G Kavitha

Periyar University

PCR and PCR blotting of transgenic T1 progeny plants in sorghum

KBRS Visarada

22 Ms.G Reena Susan

Andhra University

Identification of transgenic plants in T1 progeny and analysis of restriction profile of the transgene

KBRS Visarada

Trainings/ workshops conducted at NRCS

Two-day stakeholders’ workshop on NAIP project

The concept note on project entitled “Food, nutritional security and income enhancement through

diversification and value-addition of millets” submitted to the National Agricultural Innovation Project

(NAIP) for funding has been considered for further development and review by the competent authority. A

two-day stakeholders‟ workshop was held at NRCS, Hyderabad during July 2-3, 2007 to refine the project

proposal. Dr. JP Mittal, National Coordinator (Component II), NAIP facilitated the workshop, which was

also graced by the National Director Dr. Mrithyunjaya. About 40 participants, (including experts nominated

by NAIP, NGOs, Industry personnel, etc) across the country participated in this workshop.

Workshop on “Theory and practice of plant variety protection in India”

A learning workshop on “Theory and practice of plant variety protection in India” was organized at NRCS

from 24-27 July, 2007, to create awareness on IPR issues, Biodiversity and PVP Acts, for the benefit of

seed industry and scientists from centres of All India Coordinated Research Project on Sorghum. This

event also stimulates interaction between public and private sectors. The training was attended by 32

delegates representing the cross-section of the major private and public sector seed companies, and

agricultural universities. The delegates studied the process of filling the PVP forms and discussed

intricacies involved. Dr. KS Varaprasad, Officer in-charge, NBPGR-RS, Hyderabad, inaugurated this



programme and released the training manual entitled “Theory and practice of Plant Variety Protection in

India”. The training programme encompassed four major themes: changing context of IPR, legalities in

patents, trademarks and PVP, ICAR‟s policy for commercialization of technologies. Intricacies in filling

PPV forms, and Indian and international patent litigations were also discussed. Dr. S Maurya, ADG (IPR),

ICAR in his valedictory address, stressed upon the significance of Indian legislations. This training

programme was coordinated by Drs. Vilas A Tonapi and M Elangovan.

Workshop on “Sorghum for health & business: value-addition & commercialization of

sweet sorghum”

NRCS organized logistics for the learning workshop on “Sorghum for health and Business: Value-addition

and Commercialization of Sorghum and Sweet Sorghum” during 29-31 October, 2007. There were 23

participants from public and private sectors. Dr. AR Sukumar, IAS, commissioner and Director of

Agriculture, Govt. of AP inaugurated the programme. Resource persons were chosen from NIN, CFTRI,

ITC, ASCI, ICRISAT, Rahul Malts, Jaipur and NRCS. The participants were taken to ICRISAT for a day

as a part of their course. The course dealt with different aspect of alternate uses of sorghum (including

sweet sorghum). The scope for entrepreneurs including business development potential for millets,

processing technologies, value-addition, health foods, ethanol production technology, poultry feed, and

commercialization were discussed. This programme was coordinated by Drs. B Dayakar Rao, Ch.

Shashidhar Reddy, CV Ratnavathi, HS Talwar and P Mukesh.

Dr. VA Tonapi, Pr. Scientist, interacting with the participants of the DUS testing trainees


______________________________________________________________________________ Awards and recognitions 73

5. Awards & Recognitions NRCS receives Best Annual Report Award

The “Best Annual Report Award” for the year 2005-06 from ICAR was bagged by the National

Research Centre for Sorghum. Dr. Mangala Rai, presented the shield and certificate to the Director,

NRCS on 16 July 2007 during the Directors‟ conference held at NASC auditorium, New Delhi.

Recognition for Dr. Chari

Dr .Chari Appaji, Sr. Scientist has been nominated as one of the Councilors for the “The Indian Society

of Forage Research”. The society has its head quarters at CCSHAU, Hisar. NRCS congratulates Dr.

Chari for this recognition.

DBT network project on forage biotechnology

NRCS received two research grants on fodder biotechnology from DBT in the network on

“Biotechnological Approach towards Forage Crop Improvement”. One project is aimed at identifying QTL

linked to sorghum stover quality and resistance to foliar diseases. Another project is basically to develop

facility for salinity screening which will be used for screening forage crops for salinity tolerance under the

project. Director, NRCS was requested to be the coordinator of the network. The investigators from NRCS

include Drs. B Venkatesh Bhat, HS Talwar, R. Madhusudhana and AV Umakanth.

Institute’s NAIP project approved

NAIP project on “Creation of demand for millet foods through PCS value-chain” under component II, led

by NRCS Hyderabad is approved. The project has a total outlay of Rs 5.80 crores and starting date

would be 20 December 2007 for four and half-year period.the project work-plan will be finalized very soon

under the guidance of the consortium leader (Director, NRCS). Dr B Dayakar Rao is Consortium principal

investigator (CPI). National institute of Nutrition (NIN), ITC Ltd, and ANGRAU( all located at Hyderabad)

are the consortium partners. The associates include RDS (NGO), Sunira foods Ltd, Kolkata, Snaffy foods,

Hyderabad, CIPHET, Ludhiana, Panchayat Raj institution, APARD of Govt of AP, and other ICAR units. A

formal launching of the project in the first week of February 2008 is planned. The scientists participating

at NRCS besides the PI are Drs. CV Ratnavathi, M Elangovan, C Sashidhar Reddy, G Shyam Prasad

(Hyderabad) and MS Raut (Solapur).

NRCS bags DBT project with TERI

NRCS received a research grant for the project entitled “Development of an appropriate technology for

efficient conversion of sweet sorghum bagasse to ethanol (DATECSE)-Phase I: Optimization of

hemicellulose fractionation and hydrolysate fermentation” from DBT. Tata Energy and Resources Institute

(TERI), New Delhi, the priate and has the participation of M/S Praj Industry Ltd., Pune which also partly

contribute financially. Under this project, NRCS works on testing of sweet sorghum cultivars, biomass

compositional analyses and screening of microbes for efficient conversion of hemicellulose derived

pentose sugars to ethanol. The TERI will focus on optimization of hemicellulose pre-treatment,

development of rector design for pretreatment, and development of an appropriate process for

conversion of hemicellulose derived pentose sugars to ethanol. The NRCS scientists involved in the

project are Drs SS Rao and CV Ratnavathi. At TERI, the project is lead by Prof VVN Kishore and Mr.Jiby

Kurian.


______________________________________________________________________________ Externally funded projects 74

6. Externally Funded Projects Sl

No. Project PI From To Funding agency Grant

(lakh INR)

1 “Enhancing Tolerance of Sorghum to Abiotic Stresses through Genetic Manipulation”

Dr. SV Rao (CCPI)

2002 2007 AP-Netherlands Biotechnology Program

10.0

2 “Mapping QTLs assoaciated with traits determining terminal drought tolerance in rabi sorghum”

Dr. N Seetharama

2005 2008 Dept. of Biotechnology

41.51

3 “Development of transgenic sorghum for improved salinity tolerance”

Mr. D. Balakrishna


20.07

4 “Prevention and management of mycotoxins in commercially important agricultural commodities”

Dr C Ratnavathi 2005 2008 ICAR 35.45

5 “Development of low HCN producing transgenic forage sorghum using antisense approach”

Dr. B. Venkatesh Bhat


17.66

6 “Development of transgenic Bt sorghum”

Dr. KBRS Visarada

2005 2008 ICAR 79.94

7 “Mapping QTLs associated with traits determining tolerance to root and stalk rot, and terminal drought in rabi sorghum”

Dr. R Madhusudhana

2005 2008 ICAR 8.15

8 Induction of Apomixis in Sorghum by Down-Regulation of Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK1) Gene in the Ovules”


2007 2012 NFBSRA 87.67

9 Identification of QTLs for the genetic improvement of stover quality and resistance to foliar diseases in dual purpose sorghum



41.60

10 Development of lines tolerant to salinity and identification of associated molecular markers in oat

Dr. H. S. Talwar 2007 2010 Dept. of Biotechnology

15.80

11 Value chain model for bio-ethanol production from sweet sorghum in rainfed areas through collective action and partnership

Dr. SS Rao (CCPI)

2007 2012 NAIP 108.9

12 Development of an Appropriate Technology for Efficient conversion of Sweet sorghum Bagasse to Ethanol Phase I: Optimization of hemicellulose fractionation and hydrolysate fermentation

Dr. SS Rao (CCPI)


14.12

13 Creation of demand for millet foods through PCS value-chain

Dr. B. Dayakar Rao (CPI)

2007 2012 NAIP 349.16


______________________________________________________________________________ Highlights of AICSIP 75

7. Highlights of All India Coordinated Sorghum

Improvement Project (AICSIP)

37th Annual Sorghum Group meeting at Udaipur

The 37th annual sorghum group meeting of All-India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project

(AICSIP) was conducted at the Maharana Pratap University of Agricultural& Technology; Udaipur during

5 -7 April, 2007.Dr SL Mehta, the Vice Chancellor of the University inaugurated the meeting. He

emphasized on alternate use of sorghum with value-addition. A total of 210 participants from NRCS, IARI,

IGFRI, CRIDA, ICRISAT, private seed industry, and non-governmental organizations apart from those

from AICSIP centres enthusiastically participated. Dr SN Shukla, ADG (FFC), ICAR advised on

marketability of sorghum products. Director of NRCS and PC of AICSIP appraised the audience on the

progress of AICSIP and stressed the need for dedicated efforts with qualitative research. Dr RT Patil,

Director, CIPHET emphasized the need for collaboration on commercially-viable projects on post-harvest

technologies. Progress in various disciplines was presented by the concerned leaders of each team.

Centre-wise progress reports were thoroughly discussed. Dr ND Jambhale, ADG (Seeds), spoke on

needs of seeds and quality for the farmers during plenary session. Dr Vithal Sharma, Sorghum Breeder,

MPAUT, Udaipur coordinated the meeting.

38th Annual Sorghum Group meeting at Akola

The 38th Sorghum annual group meeting was held at Dr Punjab Rao Krishi Vidyalaya (PDKV) at Akola

during 13-15 March 2008. More than 200 participants from all over the country consisting of scientists

from ICAR, state agricultural universities and ICRISAT, development officials, seed-company executives,

entrepreneurs in food industry and few farmers participated. The special theme of this workshop was

“Sorghum for health and business”. The aim is to enhance sorghum utilization as health-food and as raw

material in a number of industries like beer and alcohol from grain sorghum; and biofuel, syrup and

nutrient rich cattle feed from sweet sorghum. On the first day, progress by each of the ACSIP scientist

was reviewed, and the contour of the new strategies required to face the current challenges were listed

for discussion and follow-up action. The Hon. VC of PDKV, Dr VM Mayande inaugurated the meet on 14

March, 08 and stated the importance of sorghum in dryland agriculture, particularly in Maharashtra where

sorghum is the staple food. The progress in different disciplines, and in implementing specific national

programs including BSP, DUS testing, varietal registration, deployment of new tools in breeding, seed

production and popularization were discussed to draw an action plan for 2008-09. Dr RB Ghorade,

Sorghum Breeder, Dr. PDKV, Akola coordinated the meeting. Dr. VR Bhagwat, Senior Scientist served as

the nodal officer from NRCS for above group meetings.

Specific scientific recommendations for action

Scientists working on Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) breeding should follow the guideline of CVRC especially for selection of parents. At least one of parents should be a widely grown genotype.

For Agronomy trials, prior to experimentation fertility status of soil should be analyzed. This needs to be stringently followed.

In varietal release proposals due weightage should continued to be given to resistance parameters.


______________________________________________________________________________ Highlights of AICSIP 76

All the genetic materials need to obtain EC (exotic collection) or IC (indigenous collection) numbers for identification prior to screening. Set procedure available with NBPGR should be used for collection of germplasm.

The Officer In-charges, AICSIP centres should take initiatives for the registration of the trait specific potential genetic stocks and submission of their new developed material.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the legal owner of the material developed under the AICSIP programme, while State Agricultural Universities are the owner of the state released varieties produced by state programmes.

The varieties and hybrids that were found superior for the specific trait should be clarified in discussion with the Principal Investigators of concerned discipline.

All the centers under Kharif and rabi sorghum should jointly compile the existing recommendations and come up with a new set of state-wise recommendation for extension service.

NRCSFR-06-1 bred at NRCS was identified for multiple resistance source to shoot fly and stem borer

The practical aspects will be put in place for „organic sorghum production‟ to fetch better price to sorghum farmers.

The program will also work on better natural resource management, integrated pest and disease management to evolve new crop protection technology modules.

Treated sorghum with Thiomethoxam 70WS @ 3g/kg seeds in an intercropping system either with redgram (Dharwad), soybean or green gram (Udaipur) provides effective against shoot fly and stem borer

Seed treatment with sorghum with Thiomethoxam 70WS @ 3g/kg reduces shoot fly and stem borer incidence

Harvesting sweet sorghum at hard dough stage gives 11% more bio-ethanol yield.

37th Annual group meeting of AICSIP in progress at MPUAT, Udaipur


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 77

8. List of Publications Journal Papers International Aruna, C. and Audilakshmi, S. 2008. A strategy to identify potential germplasm for improving yield

attributes using diversity analysis in sorghum. Plant Genetic Resources . Accepted. (MS 23-07) (IF: 5.0).

Das, I. K., Prabhakar and Indira, S. 2008. Role of stalk-anatomy and yield parameters in development of

charcoal rot in winter sorghum. Phytoparasitica (Accepted, MS #5a-4-07) (IF: 7.7). Girijashankar, V. Sharma, K.K. Balakrishna, D. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Direct somatic embryogenesis

and organogenesis pathway of plant regeneration can seldem occur simultaniously within the same explant of sorghum. Biotechnology and Crop improvement. E-Journal of SAT Agricultural Research 3(1).

Navi, S.S., Bandyopadhyay, R., Tonapi, V.A., Rao, T.G.N., Indira, S., Reddy, R.K., Tooley, P.W. and Thomas,

D. 2007. Prevalence of major foliar and panicle diseases of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) in the Deccan Plateau of India. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 40(1): 19-35 (IF: 4.0).

Tonapi, V.A., Mundada, R. R., Navi, S.S., Reddy, R.K., Thakur, R.P., Bandyopadhyay, R., Varanavasiappan,

S., and Seetharama, N. 2007. Effect of temperature and humidity regimes on grain mold sporulation and seed quality in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 40(2):113 - 127 (IF: 4.0).

Tonapi, V.A., Ryley, M., Galea, V., Bhuiyan, S. and Wearing, A. 2007. Iterative germination and innovative

techniques for the production and inoculation of secondary conidia of sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana). Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection (Accepted) (IF: 4.0).

Visarada, K.B.R.S., Saikishore, N., Kuriakose, S.V., Shobha Rani, V., Royer, M., Rao, S.V. and Seetharama,

N. 2008. A simple model for selection and rapid advancement of transgenic progeny in sorghum. Plant Biotechnology Reports (Accepted) (PBR-2007-A-0081).

National Ashwin Kumar, Narayana Reddy, P. and Nageshwar Rao, T.G. 2007. Salicylic acid and 2,4-dinitrophenol

induced resistance against Botrytis grey mold of castor. Indian Journal of Plant Protection. 35 (1) :136-137 (IF: 2.0).

Ashwin Kumar, Narayana Reddy, P. and Nageshwar Rao, T.G. 2007. Host range studies of botrytis ricini,

the causal agent of castor grey mold. Indian Journal of Plant Protection. 35 (1) :140-141 (IF: 2.0).

http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/03235408.asp




http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=t713454295~db=all~tab=issueslist~branches=40#v40

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~content=g770470500~db=all



______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 78

Das, I.K., Indira, S. and Annapurna, A. 2007. Early growth promotion and charcoal rot suppression in sorghum by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Journal of Biological Control 21(1): 137-144. (IF: 4.0).

Elangovan, M., Prabhakar and Chandra Sekhara Reddy, D. 2006. Characterization and evaluation of

sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) germplasm from Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 19(1): 70-72 (IF: 4.0).

Elangovan, M., Prabhakar and Chandra Sekhara Reddy, D. 2008. Characterization and evaluation of

sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] germplasm from Karnataka, India. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences (In Press) (IF: 1.0).

Jhansi Rani, K. Rana, B.S., Swarnalata Kaul, Rao, S.S. and Ganesh, M. 2007. Genetic analysis of certain

morpho-physiological characters in rabi sorghum. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Accepted. (IF: 4.0).

Jirali, D.I., Biradar, B.D., Rao, S.S. 2007. Performance of rabi sorghum genotypes under receding

soil moisture conditions in different soil types. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences 20 (3):603-604 (IF: 1.0).

Jirali, D.I., Biradar, B.D., Rao, S.S. 2007. Evaluation of rabi sorghum germplasm (Sorghum bicolor L.

Moench Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences 20 (3):600-602 (IF: 1.0).

Harinath Babu, P.,Vilas A. Tonapi, Ansari, N. A., Varanavasiappan, S., Ravinder Reddy Ch, Navi, S.S. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Studies on development of seed coloring in redgram, blackgram and bengalgram. Seed Research 35 (1): 58-65. (IF: 3.0).

Madhusudhana, R., Padmaja, P.G., Satish, K., Murali Mohan, S., Srinivas, G. and Nagaraja Reddy, R. 2007.

Heterosis for shoot fly (Atherigona soccata (Rondani)) resistance in sorghum. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. Accepted. (IF: 4.0).

Books edited Ratnavathi, C.V., Sailaja, V., Komala, V. V. and Dayakar Rao, B. 2007. Delicious Sorghum Foods. National

Research Centre for Sorghum. ISBN 81-89335-19-7. pp. 56. Ravinder Reddy, C.H., Tonapi, V.A., Bezkorowaznyz, P.G., Navi, S.S. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Seed

system innovations in the semi-arid tropics of Andhra Pradesh. ILRI, ICRISAT and NRCS.ISBN 978-92-9066-502-1,pp. 224.

Vilas A. Tonapi, Elangovan, M., Gururaj Kulkarni and Seetharama, N. 2007. Theory and Practice of Plant

variety protection in India. 165 pp. National Research Centre for Sorghum. ISBN 81-89335-18-9. pp. 165.


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 79

Book Chapters Das, I.K., Rao,S.V. and Sanjana Reddy, P. 2007. Charcoal/Stalk rot. In: Screening techniques for sorghum

diseases. Thakur,R.P., Reddy, BVS and Mathur, K. (eds.). Information Bulletin No. 76. Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics. 92 pp. ISBN 978-92-9066-504-5.

Papers presented in Seminars/Symposia/Conference Elangovan, M., Vilas A Tonapi, Reddy, B.V.S. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Sorghum diversity in India.

National Consultation Meeting on Agrobiodiversity Hotspots and Access and Benefit Sharing, 19-20 July 2007, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar.

Elangovan, M. 2007. Agro-Biodiversity hotspots and biodiversity heritage sites. National level

consultation on Agro-biodiversity and biodiversity heritage sites at North-Eastern Hills University, Shillong. Organized by NBA and PVPFR.

Ramanjaneyulu, A.V. , Lakshmi Narayanamma, V. , Kumar S. R. and Nageshwar Rao, T. 2007. Elevated

temperature due to extended summer into kharif growing season and its consequence on sorghum yield - a simulation analysis. National Conference on “Impact of Climate Change with Particular Reference to Agriculture” during 22-24 August, 2007 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Seetharama, N. and Vilas A. Tonapi. Consultative meeting on trangenic crops under PPV & FR Act, 2001,

13th February 2008 at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, organized by Biotech consortium India Ltd., New Delhi (Meeting)

Vilas A. Tonapi, Elangovan, M., Kannababu, N. and Seetharama,N. 2007. Factors determining Annual fee

and benefit sharing part of gene fund in India. Round Table discussion on Annual Fee and Genefund, 7 – 8th September 2007, GBPUAT, Pantnagar.

Vilas A. Tonapi, Elangovan, M. And Seetharama, N. 2007. Managing and protecting intellectual property

assets at institute level. Lecture delivered at Training cum workshop on “IP Tech. Management in ICAR, NAARM, 28-30 May, 2007.

Conference Abstracts Komala, V.V., Ratnavathi, C.V. Vijay Kumar, B.S. and Das, I.K. 2007. Aflatoxin B1 contamination in

sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench) collected from different geographical regions of India. National Symposium on “Plant Molecular Biology and biotechnology: Perspectives” November 16-17, 2007. Centre for plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad- 500 007. pp. 51.

Vijay Kumar, B.S. Das, I.K., Komala, V.V. and Ratnavathi, C.V. 2007. Fusarium infection in sorghum grain

samples collected from different geographical regions of India and their morphological and mycotoxigenic characteristics. National Symposium on “Plant Molecular Biology and biotechnology:


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 80

Perspectives” November 16-17, 2007. Centre for plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad- 500 007. pp. 52.

Nageshwara Rao, T.G. Hundekar, I., Jahagirdar, S.R. Narayana, Y.D. and Solankhe, R.B. 2007. Evaluations

of parental lines for their reaction to charcoal rot of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench). National Symposium on “Innovative Approaches for Disease Management in Arid Crops for Enhancing Export Potentials” November, 2-3, 2007. Organized by Indian Phytopathological Society (Central Zone) & Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur – 324 304.

Meenakumar, K.V.S. Rajeshwari, B. Ganesh, M. , Tonapi, V.A. and Ankaiah, R.2007. Prevalence of

paddy bunt in Andhra Pradesh. National Conference on organic waste utilization and eco-friendly technologies for Crop protection, March 15-17 2007. Organized by Plant protection Association of India, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station (ICAR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500 030, AndhraPradesh, India

Meenakumari, K.V.S. Rajeshwari, B. Ankaiah ,R., Ganesh,M. and Tonapi, V.A. 2007. Seed health

status of farmer seed samples V/s certified samples of rice varieties in Andhra Pradesh. National Conference on organic waste utilization and eco-friendly technologies for

crop protection, March15-17 2007. Organized by Plant protection Association of India, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station (ICAR), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, AndhraPradesh, India.

Paramesh H, Balakrishna,D., Venkatesh Bhat, B. Arun Kumar Pandey, Dinesh,S. Yadav, Dashavantha

Reddy V. and Seetharama, N.2007. Transgenic sorghum for improved salinity tolerance. p. 35, National Symposium on “Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Prospectives” November 16-17, 2007, conducted by Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Conference Posters Das, I.K., Indira, S. and Annapurna, A. 2007. PGPR for seedling growth enhancement in post rainy season

sorghum. 2nd Asian Congress of Mycology and Plant Pathology, December 19-22, 2007 organized by Indian Society of Mycology and Plant pathology, Osmania University, Hyderabad.S-04, P-157.

Kumar, S.R. and Ramanjaneyulu, A.V. 2007. Climate change influences on agricultural sector and its

mitigation – a generic social strategy. National Conference on “Impact of Climate Change with Particular Reference to Agriculture” during 22-24 August, 2007 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

Paramesh H, Balakrishna, D. Venkatesh Bhat, B. Arun Kumar Pandey, Dinesh S Yadav, Dashavantha

Reddy and Seetharama, N. 2007. Sorghum transgenics for salinity tolerance National Symposium on “Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:Prospectives” November 16-17, 2007, conducted by Center for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad.


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 81

Ravi Kumar, V., Ravi Kumar, S., Raut, M.S. Sreenivas, G. and Raji Reddy, D. 2008. Validation of APSIM and CERES - Sorghum model for prediction of rabi sorghum yield in Solapur region of Maharashtra. International symposium on Agrometeriology and Food security at CRIDA, February 20-23, 2008.

Popular articles Aruna, C., Umakanth, A.V., Padmaja, P.G. and Audilakshmi, S. 2007. Kharif sorghum cultivars in telugu.

"Padipantalu" 64 (7):6 – 8. Dayakar Rao, B. 2007. Retail marketing in sorghum. Hindu Survey. Subbarayudu, B. Rama Rao. K. 2007. Vari Polallo rabi Minumuku Pratyamnayamuga Jonna Sagu : ( Rabi

sorghum cultivation in paddy fallows for substituting the black gram ) In telugu : Annadata 39 (10):11. N Seetharama & KV Raghavendra Rao (2008) “Millets: The herbingers of nutritional security in dry

provinces of India” – a popular article in Intensive Agriculture, Jan-June, 2008 issue pp 34-37. Pamphlets Chari Appaji and Raghavendra Rao, K.V. 2007. All-India Co-ordinated sorghum improvement project

(AICSIP): An overview. National Research Centre for Sorghum, Rajendranagar. Chari Appaji and Raghavendra Rao, K.V. 2007. Sorghum production technology. National Research

Centre for Sorghum, Rajendranagar. Chari Appaji, Talwar, H.S. and Gawali, H.S. 2007. Sorghum in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

National Research Centre for Sorghum, Rajendranagar. Chari Appaji, Ravi Kumar, S., Talwar, H.S., Raghavendra Rao, K.V. and Gawali, H.S. 2007. CSV 20 (SPV

1616). National Research Centre for Sorghum, Rajendranagar. Ratnavathi, C.V. and Sailaja, V. 2007. 'Sorghum Rawa laddu' on the jowar food item rawa laddu Ratnavathi, C.V. and Sailaja, V. 2007. 'Sorghum Muruku' on the jowar food item muruku Ratnavathi, C.V. and Sailaja, V. 2007. 'Sorghum Semolina' on the jowar semi-processed product and

recipes based on sorghum semolina. Ratnavathi, C.V. and Sailaja, V. 2007. 'Jwar Suji ke Vyanjan' on the jowar semiprocessed product and

recipes based on sorghum semolina (In Hindi) Ratnavathi, C.V. and Sailaja, V. 2007. 'Sorghum Flakes' on the jowar semiprocessed product and recipes

based on sorghum flakes


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 82

Ratnavathi, C.V. and Sailaja, V. 2007. 'Jwar ke Poha' on the jowar semiprocessed product and recipes based on sorghum flakes (In Hindi)

Ravikumar, S.R. and Raghavendra Rao, K. V. 2007. CSV 20 (SPV 1616). National Research Centre for

Sorghum, Rajendranagar(In Telugu) Seetharama, N., Dayakar Rao, B. Elangovan, M., Tonapi, V.A. and Ratnavathi, C.V. 2007. Changing

scenario of millets cultivation in India. 4 p Newsletter Note Mukesh, P. Pest, disease and statistical database management system in sorghum crop. 2007. ICAR

Newsletter. Technical Articles Audilakshmi, S., Aruna, C. and Seetharama, N. 2007. SPH 1148 – A dual purpose kharif sorghum hybrid.

Jowar Samachar 3 (2):1-2. Chari Appaji, Bhagwat, V.R., and Ravi Kumar, S. 2007. Sorghum cultivation in India. 2007. Jowar

Samachar 3 (2): 5-6. Das, I. K., Indira, S. and Annapurna. 2007. Agriculturally useful bacteria of sorghum rhizosphere. Jowar

Samachar 3 (2): 3-5. Elangovan, M. 2007. Sweet sorghum propagation through stalk cuttings. Jowar Samachar 3 (2):2-3. Elangovan, M. and Ghorade, R.B. 2007. Sorghum germplasm collection from Melghat regions of

Maharashtra. Jowar Samachar 3 (1): 4. Madhusudhana, R., Umakanth, A.V., Nagaraja Reddy, R., Murali Mohan, S., Satish, K. and Srinivas, G.

2007. Genetics of brown-midrib trait in sorghum. Jowar Samachar 3 (1): 5. Ratnavathi, C.V., Gawali, H.S., Komala, V.V. and Dayakar Rao, B. 2007. Sorghum Foods. Jowar

Samachar 3 (1):2-3. Other Reports Elangovan, M., 2007. Status of sorghum genetic resources at NRCS Sharma,S.K., Seetharama, N. and Elangovan,M. 2007. Status paper on “Sorghum Collections in India” for

the Joint ICRISAT-GCD Trust Expert Consultation Meeting for Developing a Strategy for the Global Conservation of Sorghum Genetic Resources at ICRISAT during 12-14th March 2007.

Tonapi, V.A., Dayakar Rao, B. and Raghavendra Rao, K.V. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Vision 2020. NRCS

Perspective plan.


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 83

Tonapi, V. A., Elangovan, M., Bhagwat, V.R., and Audilakshmi,S. 2007. Proceedings of Seed Industry and

Researchers’ meet. NRCS Report Number – NRCS TECH/12/2007-08. Seetharama, N., Dayakar Rao, B., Elangovan, M., Tonapi, V.A. and Ratnavathi, C. 2007. Changing scenario

of millets cultivation in India. 4 pp. Teaching reviews Elangovan, M. 2007. Origin and Global Distribution of Sorghum. Course material for the training for the

PQP for DUS testing sponsored by the PVPFR Authority, New Delhi at NRCS, Hyderabad, 5th October 2007.

Elangovan, M. 2007. Plant Genetic Resources and Plant Breeding – Scope and Challenges in IPR Regime.

Guest lecture delivered at NBPGR (RS), Hyderabad on 29th November 2007. Extension posters Aruna, C. and Padmaja, P.G. 2007. Genetic studies on shoot fly resistant sources in sorghum (Sorghum

bicolor (L.) Moench). Audilakshmi, S. Breeding for grain mould resistance (GMR) in sorghum. Bhagwat, V.R. Shyam Prasad, G., Padmaja, P.G. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Jowar me nashikeet avam

vunka samekit prabandhan (in Hindi) Das, I.K., Indira, S. and Annapurna, A. 2007. PGPR for seedling growth enhancement in post-rainy season

sorghum. Indira, S. and Bhagwat, V.R.2007. Kharif Jowar rogonka samekit prabandhan (in Hindi). Kannababu, N. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Sorghum Nucleus and Breeder Seed Production. Mukesh, P. and Mahalaxmi, V. 2007. Query and retrieval information system (QRinfos) for AICSIP

database Nageshwar Rao, T.G., Bhaskar Rao, I. and Sikander Ali. 2007. Diversity among isolates of Curvularia

lunata the causal agent of sorghum grain molds. Rao.S.S., Seetharama, N., Dayakar Rao,B., Ratnavathi, C.V., Mukesh, P. and Sashidhar Reddy,C. 2007.

Sweet sorghum as a feedstock for biofuel and high biomass production. Rao.S.S., Seetharama, N., Dayakar Rao, B. and Ratnavathi, C.V. 2007. Sweet sorghum as a feedstock for

bioenergy and high biomass production.


______________________________________________________________________________ Publications 84

Shyam Prasad, G., Padmaja, P.G. and Bhagwat, V.R. 2007. Pests of stored sorghum and their management.

Talwar, H.S., Rao, S.S., Madhusudhana, R. and Seetharama, N. 2007. Strategies to manage terminal

drought in rabi sorghum.

Dr. N. Seetharama, Director (NRCS) briefing the media persons about the importance of sweet sorghum

as a high energy crop


______________________________________________________________________________ Ongoing research projects 85

9. List of approved ongoing research projects

S.No. Code Project Title Project Leader Associates

Research Area I: Genetic Enhancement (GE)

1 JOWAR GE 1

Genetic resources and utilization in sorghum

Dr. M Elangovan Drs. Vilas Tonapi, Prabhakar, PG Padmaja, D Balakrishna, SV Rao

JOWAR GE 2

Pre-breeding for insect resistance Dr. C Aruna Drs. PG Padmaja, B Subbarayudu, Prabhakar

JOWAR GE 3

Epidemiology and host plant resistance to grain moulds, foliar diseases and their management

Dr. TG Nageshwar Rao

Dr. Swarnlata Kaul, AV Umakanth, M Elangovan

JOWAR GE 4

Breeding dual-purpose sorghums for drought tolerance and improved quality

Dr. AV Umakanth

Drs. SS Rao, R Madhusudhana, Sh. A Ashok Reddy

Research Area II: Cultivar Development (CD)

2 JOWAR CD 1

Rabi sorghum improvement for yield and quality

Dr. Prabhakar Drs. B Subbarayudu, VK Chaturvedi, R Madhusudhana, IK Das, AV Umakanth, SS Rao, Swarnlata Kaul

JOWAR CD 2

Genetic improvement for restoration on different cytoplasms and parental line development in kharif sorghum

Dr. Swarnlata Kaul

Drs. TG Nageshwar Rao, AV Umakanth, Vilas Tonapi

JOWAR CD 3

Breeding for high yielding kharif cultivars Dr. S Audilakshmi

Drs. IK Das, S. Indira, C Aruna

JOWAR CD 4

Line improvement of sorghums Dr. Swarnlata Kaul

Drs. S Audilakshmi, C Aruna

JOWAR CD 6

Sorghum seed science, DUS characterization and breeder seed systems

Dr. N Kanna Babu

Drs. S Audilakshmi, I K Das, Breeders (concerned with breeder seed)

Research Area III: Biotech & Crop Utilization (B&CU)

3 JOWAR B&CU 1

Transgenics for grain quality Dr. SV Rao Dr. Visarada

JOWAR B&CU 2

Transgenic sorghum with Bt genes for resistance against stem borer

Dr. KBRS Visarada

Dr. PG Padmaja, Mr. D Balakrishna, Dr. SV Rao

JOWAR B&CU 3

Marker -assisted selection in Sorghum Dr. R Madhusudhana

Mr. D Balakrishna, Drs. IK Das, N Kannababu , PG Padmaja, SS Rao

JOWAR B&CU 4

Food Safety and Alternate Uses of Sorghum

Dr. CV Ratnavathi

Drs. B Dayakar Rao, C Shashidhar Reddy

JOWAR B&CU 5

Mechanisms of tolerance to aboitic stresses in Rabi sorghum and evaluation of sweet sorghum for desirable stalk characteristics & high biological yields

Dr. SS Rao Drs. N Kanna Babu, R Madhusudhana, Prabhakar, IK Das

JOWAR B&CU 6

Use of sorghum associated microorganisms for the improvement of stalk rot resistance

Dr S. Indira Dr I K Das

JOWAR B&CU 7

Demographic studies and thermal requirements of shootfly and shoot bug in sorghum

Dr B U Singh

Research Area IV: Crop production and marketing (P&M)

4 JOWAR P&M 1

Production technology for rabi sorghum-based systems

Dr. MS Raut Drs. B Subbarayudu, S Ravi Kumar

JOWAR Off-station trials to verify location specific Dr. S Ravi Kumar Drs. B. Subbarayudu, Mr. P Mukesh


______________________________________________________________________________ Ongoing research projects 86

P&M 2 technologies and map potential rabi sorghum grain growing environments

JOWAR P&M 3

Transfer of sorghum production technology and impact analysis

Dr. Chari Appaji Drs. S. Ravi Kumar, B Subbarayudu,

B Dayakar Rao, A Ashok Reddy.

JOWAR P&M 4

Trends in sorghum production and marketing in India

Dr. B Dayakar Rao

Drs. N Kannababu, CV Ratnavathi, SS Rao, Ch. Shashidhar Reddy

JOWAR P&M 5

Strategic issues in sorghum seed industry Dr. Vilas Tonapi Drs. Das, N Kannababu, M Elangovan, B Dayakar Rao

Research Area V: Strategic services, commercialization and knowledge management (SSC & KM)

5 JOWAR SSC&KM 2

Popularisation of sweet sorghum cultivation and its uses including seed production in the farmers’ fields

Dr. Ch Shashidhar Reddy

Dr. S S Rao, C V Ratnavathi, MS Raut

Dignitaries on the occasion of the release of the book on popularizing sorghum, during the 38th Annual

group meeting of AICSIP at Dr. PDKV, Akola


______________________________________________________________________________ RAC decisions 87

10. RAC meetings and significant decisions

Research Advisory Committee meeting

The eighth Research Advisory Committee (RAC) met under the Chairmanship of Padmashri IV Subba

Rao, Former Vice-Chancellor, ANGRAU, Hyderabad at NRCS on 25 August 2007. Other distinguished

members present were: Drs. BN Narkhede (Retd. Sorghum Breeder, MPKV, Rahuri), RV Bhat (Ex-

Director, NIN, Hyderabad), N Seetharama, Director, NRCS and C Aruna, Member-Secretary. During the

meeting cumulative response to the recommendations of last three RAC meetings was presented. All

scientists participated in the deliberations. The Director presented an overview of the progress made at

NRCS during 2006-07, and projected plan on sorghum for short-term, as well as for the XI Plan period.

These proposals which were fully endorsed by relevant documents were submitted to the committee. The

Chairman appreciated the overall efforts being put in planning the research projects at NRCS. Main topics

for discussion were on the action taken on the recommendations made during all the three previous RAC

meetings. The major points discussed were as follows:

A. General observations and recommendations

1. The RAC team appreciated the efforts made to implement the recommendations made by them during the last three RAC meetings.

2. RAC, QRT recommendations, and vision document should be consulted before finalizing the research projects during XI plan period.

3. A book similar to “Sorghum in 70s”, and “80s” can be written which will be useful for the younger generations.

4. The team congratulated NRCS for getting the award of best annual report for the year 2006/07, and for the document on Vision 2025.

B. Research

1. New emerging applications like sweet sorghum and alternate uses are to be addressed in greater detail in order to keep sorghum in the fore front.

2. Once fully evaluated, the available Bt transgenic sorghums may be used in the back-crossing programme involving sweet sorghum genotypes.

3. Long-term data on the extent of damage by shoot fly, shoot bug and storage pests on sorghum should be accumulated at NRCS.

4. Work on rabi sorghum needs intensified efforts and resources allocation. The progress presented is good, but adequate resources must be made available, and progress should be monitored meticulously.

5. The crosses between sorghum and sugarcane may be further explored even while emphasizing inter-specific hybridization for drought and insect resistance.

6. Good work plans have been developed for the four special themes as per earlier suggestions of RAC (mold, drought, shoot fly and charcoal rot). These have to be monitored during each RAC meeting.

7. New research on basic themes such as apomixes has begun. The newly developed laboratories such as the one on agriculturally important micro-organisms are functioning well.

8. Nearly a dozen students are pursuing Ph D research at NRCS; NRCS can support more if additional funds are secured in future, as this is an important resource for the institute‟s work.


______________________________________________________________________________ Participation in conference and meetings 88

11. Participation of scientists in Conference, Symposia,

Seminars and Meetings S.

No Name of the official Participated in Type Venue Date

1 N Seetharama Meeting on “Mega Seed project “ M ICAR, New Delhi

1-2 Mar, 07.

2 N Seetharama & M Elangovan

Joint ICRISAT-Global Crop Diversity Trust Expert Consultation Meeting for “Developing a Strategy for the Global Conservation of Sorghum Genetic Resources”

M ICRISAT, Hyderabad 12-14 Mar, 07

3 S Indira & TGN Rao

National conference on “Organic waste utilization and eco-friendly technologies for crop protection”

C ANGRAU, Hyderabad

15 -17 Mar, 07

4 N Seetharama & KBRS Visarada

Workshop on “Bio-safety for state agricultural universities “organized by Min. of Environment and Forests, GOI in association with ANGRAU and BCIL, New Delhi.

W ANGRAU Hyderabad

26-27 Mar,07

5 S Indira & SL Kaul IMC meeting at NRC-Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar.

M NRCWA, Bhubaneswar

29 Mar, 07

6 N Seetharama Central Varietal Recommendation Committee Meeting

M NAARM, Hyderabad 16 April, 07

7 N Seetharama & CV Ratnavathi

DBT– NIN Brainstorming session on fortified foods

S NIN, Hyderabad 17-18 April, 07

8 N Kannababu The XXII Annual Group Meeting of National Seed Project (crops).

W UAS. Dharwad 23-27 April, 07

9 Chari Appaji Rural Programme Advisory Committee (RPAC) meeting of All India Radio.

M Prasara Bharati, Hyderabad

11 May, 07

10 N Seetharama Pearl millet group meeting W ICRISAT, Patancheru 15-16 May, 07

11 Kumar SR The national seminar on “Preparation for the success of second green revolution in Indian agriculture”, jointly organized by Magnum Foundation, Nagpur & Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, (IGKV), Raipur, Chattisgarh.

S IGKV, Raipur 26 May, 07

12 M Elangovan Round table meeting on “Agro-biodiversity hotspots and biodiversity heritage sites” to present the Agro-biodiversity, agro-climatic and environmental related maps.

M North Eastern Hilly University (NEHU), Shillong

31 May - 3 June, 07

13 N Seetharama, IK Das & B Dayakar Rao

Group meeting on “ICAR-ICRISAT Partnership Project’

M ICRISAT, Patancheru 5 June, 07



14 SS Rao Review meeting on “Cellulosic ethanol from sweet sorghum bagasse”.

M DBT, New Delhi

7 June, 07

15 N Seetharama & B Dayakar Rao

“Sensitization workshop” organized by ICAR for the benefit of those who might be awarded a NAIP project to implement under Area 2 or 3.

W ICAR, New Delhi 12 June, 07

16 N Seetharama Directors’ Conference C NASC complex, New Delhi

16-18 July, 07

17 M Elangovan National consultation workshop on “Agro biodiversity hotspots and access and benefit sharing“

W Annamalai University, Chidambaram. TN.

19-20 July, 2007

18 CV Ratnavathi & B Dayakar Rao

NAIP planning meeting for Pearl millet M RAU, Bikaner 24-26 July, 07

19 B Dayakar Rao NAIP planning meeting for Finger millet M UAS, Bangalore 26-28 July, 07

20 N Seetharama 46th

central sub-committee meeting on crop standards notification & release of varieties for agri. crops

M NBPGR, New Delhi 17-18 Aug, 07

21 HS Talwar National Conference on “Impact of climatic changes with reference to Agriculture “

C TNAU, Coimbatore 21-25 Aug, 07

22 N Seetharama

RCGM sub-committee meeting M NIN, Hyderabad 22 Aug, 07

23 SS Rao Stakeholders conference on “Energy Security in India”

C TERI, New Delhi 27 Aug, 07

24 N Seetharama, B Dayakar and CV Ratnavathi D Balakrishna & B Venkatesh Bhat

Workshop on “Monitoring & Evaluation of NATP projects”

W NAARM, Hyderabad

9-10 Aug, 07

25 N Seetharama TGN Rao VR Bhagwat & Chari Appaji

Rabi Planning meeting M CRS, Solapur 1 Sept, 07

26 M Elangovan & P Mukesh

Meeting on “ Management of Agriculture information and dissemination”

M PDP, Hyderabad 1 Sept, 07

27 N Seetharama & D Balakrishna

Technical panel members meeting at DNA finger printing & transgenic crop monitoring laboratory

M Old Malakpet Hyderabad

3 Sept, 07

28 Vilas Tonapi & N Kannababu

“Round table discussion on annual fee part of gene fund “

M Pantnagar 7-8 Sept, 07

29 N Seetharama Discussion meet on “Energy biosciences strategy for India” organized by DBT.

M New Delhi 10-11 Sept, 07

30 Vilas A Tonapi Second meeting of the “Taskforce for registration of extant-notified varieties with the PPVFR authority”

M NBPGR, New Delhi 24 Sept, 07

31 N Seetharama, VA Tonapi &

NAARM-FRSF workshop on “Dialogue with public/private plant breeders on

W NAARM, Hyderabad 25 Sept, 07



M Elangovan issue of annual fee for registered plant varieties”

32 N Seetharama & B Dayakar Rao

Technical Advisory Group -2 meet of National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP)

M New Delhi 27-28 Sept, 07

33 Mahesh Kumar 42nd

Town Official language implementation committee meeting

M Rail Nilayam Secunderabad

28 Sept, 07

34 N Kannababu “Meeting of DUS nodal officers” M NASC complex, New Delhi

3-6 Oct, 07

35 KBRS Visarada The National dialogue on “Genetically modified seeds” organized and sponsored by DST. Delivered a panel member lecture on the topic “GM seeds: Information support and Management strategies”

S Institute of Productivity, Quality and Reliability (IPQR), Kolkata

4-5 Oct, 07

36 Mahesh Kumar Official Language Conference organized by Dept. of OL, New Delhi

C Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) Hyderabad

4-5 Oct, 07

37 HS Talwar National conference on “Climatic change & Indian Agriculture”

C NASC Complex, New Delhi

12 -13 Oct, 07

38 HS Talwar Annual workshop of the network project on climatic change

W NASC Complex, New Delhi

14-15 Oct, 07

39 KJ Mathai & NVRN Murty

Special interactive workshop on “Administrative and financial Matters”

W NIANP, Bangalore 26 -27 Oct, 07

40 Vilas A Tonapi 47th

Meeting of the central sub-committee on crop standards notification and release

M NBPGR, New Delhi

30 Oct, 07

41 N Seetharama National consultation meeting on “Implementation of treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture”

M New Delhi 7 Nov, 07

42 SS Rao & AV Umakanth

Seminar on “Popularization of sorghum/sweet sorghum in rice fallows” organized by Karshak Samakya, Tenali

S Tenali, Guntur Dist. AP.

5 -6 Nov, 07

43 N Seetharama & VR Bhagwat

Presentation of XI plan documents to DDG and others.

M DMR, New Delhi 13 Nov, 07

44 N Seetharama, S Audilakshmi & VR Bhagwat

Sorghum & Millets project development workshop of BMGF (Gate foundation)

W

ICRISAT, Patancheru 14 -15 Nov,07

45 B Venkatesh Bhat National Symposium on “Rangeland and Forage Resource in Changing Socio-economic Scenario”

S IGFRI, Jhansi 15 -17 Nov, 07

46 N Seetharama ICRISAT and CGIAR 35th Anniversary Symposium on "Climate-Proofing Innovation for Poverty Reduction and Food Security"

S ICRISAT, Patancheru 22 Nov, 07

47 A Venkateshwar Rao & V Anjaneyulu

Meeting on “Annual direct recruitment plan”

M PDBC, Bangalore 22-23 Nov, 07



48 N Seetharama Meeting with DDG on EFC M New Delhi 11-12 Dec, 07

49 IK Das “2nd Asian Congress of Mycology and Plant Pathology”

S OU, Hyderabad 19-22 Dec, 07.

50 Vilas A Tonapi Brainstorming workshop for “Establishment of a National Genomics Resources Repository”

W NBPGR, New Delhi

27 Dec, 07

51 N Kannababu Meeting on “National Seed Project (crops)” to present QRT report.

M Bangalore 27-28 Dec, 07

52 SS Rao 95th

Indian Science Congress C Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam

2 – 5 Jan, 08

53 N Seetharama, CV Ratnavathi & KBRS Visarada

Meeting on “Sweet sorghum as biofuel crop” organized by Agri-biotech foundation

M ARI, Hyderabad 5 Jan, 08

54 N Seetharama First meeting of “Coordinators and Co-coordinators for the CTDS projects” organized by DBT.

M Delhi Univ, New Delhi

14 Jan, 08

55 N Seetharama, HS Talwar, BV Bhat, R Madhusudhana& D Balakrishna

DBT review meeting on “ Network projects of Millets and forage crops”

M Jodhpur 17 -20 Jan, 08

56 SS Rao, AV Umakanth & G. Shyam Prasad

NAIP/ICRISAT “Sweet sorghum ethanol value chain development project” launching meeting at ICRISAT.

M ICRISAT, Patancheru 17-18 Jan, 08

57 N Seetharama, VR Bhagwat, G Shyam Prasad & IK Das

Stakeholders workshop on “Bio-control of crop pests & diseases”

W NPPTI, Hyderabad

30-31 Jan, 08

58 N Kannababu Annual group meeting on DUS projects M NASC, New Delhi

30 Jan – 1 Feb, 08

59 IK Das Mid-term review meeting of ICAR regional committee meet -II

M CIFRI, Barrackpore

5 Feb, 08

60 VA Tonapi Meeting on Plant variety protection M TNAU, Coimbatore

12 Feb, 08

61 N Seetharama & VA Tonapi

Consultative meeting on “Issues related to protection of Bt transgenics” organized by PPV&FR authority and Biotech consortium, New Delhi

M IISc, Bangalore

13 Feb, 08

62 V Ravi Kumar International Symposium on “Agro-meteorology and food security”

S CRIDA, Hyderabad

18-21 Feb, 08


Germplasm Advisory committee meeting

M NBPGR, New Delhi

22 Feb,08


National seminar on “Strategies for popularization of public bred hybrids”

S JNKVV, Jabalpur

23-24 Feb, 08

65 Vilas A Tonapi & M Elangovan

National Seminar on “Maintenance breeding, EDV, and farmers varieties”

S NASC Complex, New Delhi

10 -11 Mar, 08

66 Vilas A Tonapi Seed production planning meetings M KSSC, Bangalore & UAS, Dharwad

26 -27 Mar 08



67 SS Rao & CV Ratnavathi

The meeting on review of the progress of work-plans of NAIP-NRCS-ICRISAT subproject on Sweet Sorghum Value Chain Development.

N ICRISAT, Patancheru 28 Mar, 08

68 S Ravi Kumar & Ch. Sashidhar Reddy

One day “Jowar Workshop cum Mela” W Dept. of Farmers Welfare and Agricultural Development, Sagar, MP.

29 Mar, 08

69 N Seetharama, KBRS Visarada & D Balakrishna

Regional workshop on “ Management and monitoring of field trials of genetically modified crops”

W EPTRI, Gachhibowli Hyderabad

29 Mar, 08

70 Vilas A Tonapi & M Elangovan

National Seminar on “Maintenance breeding, EDV, and farmers varieties”

S NASC Complex, New Delhi

10 -11 Mar, 08

Shri AK Upadhyay, IAS, releasing book on recipes of sorghum rawa, during Hindi week celebrations


______________________________________________________________________________ Field days and meetings 93

13. Field days and meetings organized at NRCS

Field Days

S.No Particulars Venue Dates No of participants

1 Sorghum Field day & AICSIP review meet

NRCS, Hyderabad

6 Oct, 07 40 Officials from AICSIP centres & SAUs.

2 Sorghum Field day & Farmers meet

Sanora, Madhya Pradesh

10 Oct, 07 160 farmers (34 Women)

3 Sorghum Field day & Farmers meet

Mauranipur, Uttar Pradesh

11 Oct, 07 200 farmers (60 women)

4 Kisan mela Mundhewadi, Solapur, Maharashtra

29 Jan, 08 225 farmers (20 women)

5 Jowar workshop cum Mela

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

29 Mar, 08 300 farmers (35 women)

Farmers’ meet and Field days

Sanora (Madhya Pradesh): NRC Sorghum, Hyderabad and IGFRI, Jhansi jointly organized a sorghum

filed day and Farmers meet at village Sanora at Datiya district in Madhya Pradesh on 10 October 2007.

About 160 farmers including 34 women farmers and 20 officials from IGFRI, Jhansi and NRCS,

Hyderabad participated in this programme. The farmers visited frontline demonstrations laid down in the

nearby villages. At village Sanora, exhibits on sorghum, and literature were also displayed. Dr. Kumar

Amarendra Singh, Director IGFRI was the chief guest. The dignitaries appraised farmers about the uses

of high yielding sorghum cultivars, agronomic practices and production technology. Farmers also

appreciated the performance of new sorghum cultivars. On this occasion a handout on sorghum

production technology was also released by the chief guest. The programme was organized in

association with IGFRI, Jhansi. Drs. RN Dwivedi, Pr. Scientist, I/c TOT, SB Tripathi, Head crop

Production, Dr. Sunil Kumar (Horticulturist) and others from IGFRI, and Chari Appaji, (NRC Sorghum)

participated in this programme.

Mauranipur (Uttar Pradesh): NRC Sorghum, Hyderabad and AICSIP centre at Mauranipur (CSAU&T)

jointly organized a sorghum filed day and farmers meet on 11 October 2007 at Mauranipur in Uttar

Pradesh. About 200 farmers including 60 women farmers from Bundelkhand region, 20 officials from

IGFRI, Jhansi and 3 officials from NRCS, Hyderabad participated in this programme. Dr. KA Singh,

Director IGFRI was the chief guest. The center‟s officer in-charge Dr. SP Sachan, Dr YK Singh,

Agronomist, Dr. Chari Appaji (NRCS) and other dignitaries explained the farmers about the new cultivars

and their performance. Dr. RN Dwivedi, Pr. Scientist (IGFRI), VK Sachan, Asst Director, Regional Soil

Testing Laboratory, Jhansi also addressed the gathering. The farmers visited frontline demonstrations

laid down in the farm. Farmers and women farmers also elucidated their outlook on sorghum cultivation

on Dias. The farmers expressed the need for early duration varieties like CSV 17, and dual purpose

varieties like CSV 20 and simple technologies for the cultivation of sorghum for more monetary returns.

On this occasion one booklet entitled “Sorghum in Bundelkhand Region” prepared by Dr. Appaji Chari

also released by the chief guest.



Mobile Soil Testing Service: The officials at Mauranipur, in a novel way arranged soil testing facility to

the farmers besides a customary field day demonstrations. The officials from Regional Soil Testing

Laboratory, Jhansi, during the field day at Mauranipur facilitated analysis of 250 soil samples belonging to

different farmers in the Bundelkhand region. The initial soil testing results were correlated with second

round of testing at Jhansi. The results are communicated to the farmers with the recommendations to

follow suitable soil amendments towards the soil deficiency factors in the farmer‟s field to harvest the best

possible yields. This facility was extended on gratis by Dr. VK Sachan. Asst. Director (Soil testing &

Culture), Regional testing laboratory, Jhansi.

Sorghum field day cum AICSIP review meeting

Sorghum field day and review meeting of AICSIP was conducted at NRCS on 6 October 2007, with a

view to discuss and plan various sub-projects and modules for operation during forthcoming XI plan. A

total of 40 participants from AICSIP centres, SAUs, and NRCS participated in the deliberations. The

meeting started with a field visit of NRCS experimental plots. During the post-lunch session, the

discussions were held mainly on shaping up of XI plan concept note and formation of new centres.

Discussions were also held on national crossing programme with exchange of plant material, self-

evaluation of AICSIP staff, off-season nursery requirements, status of genetic management records, DUS

testing, and improvement in trials testing. The director stressed the need for submitting the reports and

financial statements in-time from all the individual centres.

Seed Day at Bellary

A seed day was organized at Bellary on 8 January 2008 in association with Karanataka State Seed

Corporation, Bangalore. The certified seed production fields of CSH 14 (138 ha), CSH 16 ( 36 ha) and

CSH 23 (8 ha) were visited by 200 seed growers and farmers. The seed production has been organized

following the concept of seed village to avoid the isolation problems. Dr. Ramamoorthy, General manager

(Production and Quality control), Dr. Devendrappa, Director, Karnataka State Seed Certification Agency

were the chief guests. The gathering of seed growers was addressed by the chief guests. Dr. Vilas A.

Tonapi, Principal Scientist, NRCS and Mr. Kuber Reddy, Head of KSSC Bellary Unit, who also organized

this event described on going activities and expectations. The seed growers discussed problems of seed

production, procurement and price issues. They expressed satisfaction over the performance of nationally

released hybrids and they sought to have the new hybrids in seed production chain.

Kisan mela at Solapur

The Sorghum field day was jointly organized at Mundhewadi village near Solapur by Centre on Rabi

Sorghum (NRCS) and State Agriculture Department Solapur on 29 January 2008. About two hundred

farmers from nearby villages attended the field day. The special theme was on understanding of sorghum

as health food for all. Sh. Satyasodh Patil, senior farmer of the village was the chief guest. Dr. Bhakre, Sr.

Scientist, ZARS, Solapur, Dr AN Chouhan, Agricultural Officer, Mangalvedha addressed the gathering

and advised farmers to adopt improved varieties and production technology for its profitability. Dr. VR

Bhagwat delivered a lecture on “Insect pests and their management in rabi sorghum” and another on

“Alternate uses of sorghum for rural entrepreneurship development” in Marathi. Dr. Prabhakar briefed the



farmers about the new hybrids and varieties developed exclusively for rabi season both in Hindi and

Kannada.

“Jowar workshop cum Mela”

NRCS setup the sorghum stall cum information centre at “Jowar workshop cum Mela“organized by

Department of Farmers Welfare and Agricultural Development, Sagar Divisional Office, MP at Sagar on 29 March

2008. More than 300 farmers and scientists and agriculture officers from various SAUs and state

departments visited the sorghum stall. The visitors envisaged keen interest in the new hybrids and

varieties, food products, newly developed technologies especially on the innovate products developed

from sorghum grain and stalk. The importance of sorghum as health and nutritious food was explained to

the visitors and relevant literature in Hindi was distributed. Drs. Ch, Sashidhar Reddy and S Ravikumar

represented NRCS.

Meetings organized by NRCS

S. No Particulars Venue Dates 1 37 Annual Sorghum Group Meetings MPUA&T,

Udaipur 5-7 Apr, 07

2 Scientists annual review meetings NRCS, Hyderabad

19-20 Apr, 07

3 Brainstorming meeting on apomixes research (Sponsored by NFBSRA, ICAR)

NRCS, Hyderabad

20 May, 07

4 Meeting on ICAR – ICRISAT partnership projects ICRISAT, Hyderabad

5 June, 07

5 Consultative group meeting with officer-in- charges of AICSIP

NRCS, Hyderabad

23 July 2007

6 Institute Management Committee meeting NRCS, Hyderabad

4 Aug, 07

7 Research Advisory Committee meeting NRCS, Hyderabad

25 Aug, 07

8 Rabi sorghum group meeting CRS, Solapur 1 Sept, 07

9 Seed Industry and researchers meet NRCS, Hyderabad

29 Sept, 07

10 Meeting on licensing for patent search database NRCS, Hyderabad

5 Dec, 07

11 Planning meeting on NAIP Projects NRCS, Hyderabad

16 Jan, 08

12 Launching meeting of NAIP Sub- Project “Creation of Demand for Millet foods through PCS Value chain”

NRCS, Hyderabad

5 Feb, 08

13 Meeting on “Ligno-cellulose ethanol production from sweet sorghum”

NRCS, Hyderabad

18 Feb,08

14 38 Annual Sorghum Group Meetings PDKV, Akola 13-15 Mar, 08



Research on Apomixis in Sorghum reviewed at NRCS

The one-day brainstorming meeting on apomixis research sponsored by NFBSRA (ICAR) was held at

NRCS, Hyderabad on 20 May, 2007 under the chairmanship of Prof. RP Sharma, University of

Hyderabad. Other distinguished experts were: Prof. KR Shivanna (Member;Ex-Head, Dept. of Botany,

University of Delhi;) Dr. NP Sarma, (Member; Ex-Head, Biotechnology, DRR), Prof. V. Dashawanth

Reddy, (Member; Director of CPMB, Osmania University) and Dr. A Bandyopadhyay, National

Coordinator (NAIP), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. B. Venkatesh Bhat presented the outline of the NFBSRA

project on inducing apomixis in sorghum and the work plan for NRCS for the year 2007-08. Dr. Vishnu

Bhat, Dept. of Botany, Delhi University explained the part of work he has planned as the Co-PI . Dr. Imran

Siddiqi of CCMB is the third partner of the project. The Director, NRCS and Scientists Drs. SV Rao, KBRS

Visarada, R. Madhusudhana, AV Umakanth and D. Balakrishna participated in the deliberations.

Group Meeting on ICAR-ICRISAT Partnership Project

Group meeting to discuss on ICAR-ICRISAT Partnership Project entitled “Bio-intensive approaches for

disease and nutrient management in sorghum” was held at ICRISAT, Hyderabad on 5 June, 2007. Dr. IK

Das met with Drs. RP Thakur, OP Rupela and Rajan Sharma, and other scientists from ICRISAT and

briefly discussed the results of last year‟s experiments. They further discussed and finalized the

experimental details for the year 2007-08, which will begin with inspection of experimental site at Solapur

by a joint ICRISAT-NRCS team.

Consultative group meeting with officer-in- charges of AICSIP

The consultative group meeting with officers‟ in-charge of AICSIP centers was held on 23 July 2007 at

NRCS. The group discussed on the priorities for sorghum improvement under AICSIP during XI-plan

period. Dr N Seetharama, Director NRCS and PC, AICSIP elaborated on issues and sought feedback

from the centers. In the context of stiff competition from many private sector hybrids, AICSIP should

reorient itself to deliver through quality research and team work. During the afternoon session, under the

chairmanship of Dr Vittal Sharma the group reviewed sub-projects to be taken during XI plan period. A

total of 15 sub-projects covering all sorghum growing areas in the country were reviewed and discussed

for further improvement. The meeting was coordinated by Drs VR Bhagwat, VA Tonapi, C Aruna, M

Elangovan and Chari Appaji.

Rabi group meeting at CRS Solapur

The Fifth Annual Rabi sorghum research planning meeting was held on 1September, 2007 at the Centre

on Rabi Sorghum (NRCS), Solapur. The meeting was organized to review and discuss rabi sorghum

research activities at various AICSIP centres and NRCS in all the disciplines and formulate technical

programme for rabi 2007-08.The participants included rabi sorghum workers from Rahuri, Parbhani,

Bijapur, Dharwad, Surat and NRCS (Hyderabad & Solapur). Scientists from all disciplines briefly

described the research achievements and presented the experiments planned for rabi 2006-07 with



details. The meeting thoroughly discussed the following aspects: NRCS core projects and AICSIP

interface: (collaborative research support programme) CRSP; new initiatives for diversification in rabi

breeding materials, MAS, plant health management strategies, commercialization, food quality, marketing

technologies other than seed; breeder seed production and seed village concept. Besides these, design

of plant protection trials using biocontrol methods and production of organic sorghum were also

discussed. Emphasis was given to the development of parental lines and sharing of responsibilities,

accessing the germplasm material, evaluating genotypes for roti making, and testing at multi-locations,

registration of plant materials with NBPGR, and sharing of IPR among centers based on contributions.

Seed industry and researchers meet

NRC for Sorghum organized a “Sorghum Field day and interactive meet” between seed industry and

researchers on 29 September 2007. Twenty eight representatives from National Seeds Corporation

(NSC), AP Seeds Corporation, ICRISAT and private seed companies participated in this event besides 25

scientists of NRCS. The participants were taken to the field and shown the trials of sweet sorghum, early

grain hybrids, dual-purpose and forage types. Participants also visited the trials to compare most popular

marketed cultivars in India under different brands, and the trial for characterizing cultivars before

registration (DUS test). During the interactive session, the discussion involved review of new policies on

registration, provisions for licensing cultivars bred with public funds, and issues related to marketing of

sorghum seeds. Discussions centered on fulfilling requirement of sorghum cultivars with specific traits for

different markets and promoting alternate uses and value-addition for food, feed, sweet stalk, and fodder

type sorghums. Deliberations were also held on provisions for contract research and services,

consultancy and training, formation of consortia based on specific product, region and service. The issues

related to new regulatory systems under TRIPS and PVP regime, exchange of germplasm and licensing

of advanced product lines, and mechanisms for implementing them were also discussed to pave way for

arriving at best possible public-private sector partnership to commercialize ICAR technologies. This

programme was coordinated by Drs Vilas A Tonapi, M Elangovan, VR Bhagwat and S Audilakshmi.

Meeting on “Licensing for patent search database”

The final meeting on Licensing for patent search and database was held at NRCS on 5 December 07.

Directors and the officials of sister ICAR institutes were participated in this meeting. NRCS was the

convener of this meeting. The NRCS director narrated the background and emphasizedthe need for

making a collective recommendation urgently to Dr. S Mauria (ADG-IPR) in view of the latest

communication received. As per the agenda, the group discussed and deliberated on the issues of

reference under three heads viz.the relevance/necessity of the requirement, Costs involved vis-à-vis the

likely gains, and other associated requirements. DM Hegde, Project Director, DOR; KS Varaprasad,

Principal Scientist, NBPGR, Reg. Station; Seseelendra Desai, Principal Scientist, CRIDA; K Murlidharan,

N Shobha Rani, and SM Balachandran, (Principal Scientists, DRR); SK Soam, Sr. Scientist, NAARM ; M

Ramakoti Reddy, Sr. Scientist, PDP and others participated in the deliberations along with the scientists

from NRCS. Dr. Vilas Tonapi and M Elangovan were the facilitators. The proceedings and the

recommendations were forwarded to the ADG (IPR) at ICAR headquarters.



Planning meeting on NAIP Project at NRCS

A planning meeting of Consortium Implementation Committee (CIC) was organized for NAIP subproject

on “Creation of demand for millet foods through PCS value-chain” at NRCS on January 16, 2008 to

decide the technical programme for the first six months (January- June 2008). The project has been

approved by the competent committee on 20 December 2008. Director, NRCS is the Consortium Leader

and the chairman of CIC. Dr. B Dayakar Rao, CPI of this consortium from lead centre presented NRCS

programme encompassing the programme of other Co-PIs. Drs. CV Ratnavathi (Foods), Ch. Sashidhar

Reddy (Extension), G Shyam Prasad (Entomology)and M Elangovan (Farmer Participation Research).

The CoPI‟s from other partner institutions viz., Drs. MP Rajendra Prasad, NIN, Hyderabad; Mr Nirmal

Reddy, ITC and Dr. Aum Sharma, ANGRAU (representing Dr Kamini Devi, CoPI, ANGRAU) presented

their technical programmes. The likely role of the associates such as RDS (NGO) and Snaffy foods

(entrepreneur) was discussed. Drs. C Aruna Reddy and HS Talwar, Members of Consortium Monitoring

Unit (CMU) briefed the role of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan and importance of compliance of

M&E plan. After the detailed deliberations, the technical programme was finalized. The members

endorsed Dr B Dayakar Rao, CPI to consolidate and make presentation of the technical programme in

the project launch programme.

NAIP Project launch at NRCS

The launching meeting of NAIP sub-project entitled “Creation of Demand for Millet foods through PCS

Value-chain” held at NRCS, on 5 February, 2008. Dr. NGP Rao, the chairman of the Consortium Advisory

Committee (CAC) chaired the meeting. The participants included the CAC members - Prof. JP Mittal

(National Coordinator, NAIP), Dr. SV Singh (Ex-Director, DMD), Dr. G Pakki Reddy (Agribiotech

Consortium, ANGRAU), Mrs. Chinnamma Thomas (RDS, Wanaparthy), Drs N Seetharam (Consortium

leader). B. Dayakar Rao (CPI), Project associates Drs. Kamini Devi, K Suhasini (ANGRAU), and

Hymavath, besides the NRCS Scientists associated with the project Drs. CV Ratnavathi, G Shyam

Prasad, MS Raut, Ch Sashidhar Reddy, M Elangovan, HS Talwar, and C Aruna also participated in this

meeting. Dr. Illyas Ahmed, Director, NAARM. Dr. Nirmal Reddy, ITC also graced the occasion. The main

objective of this project is to generate demand through value-addition of processed foods, feed and

industrial products through reorientation of R&D efforts on millets in the wake of disincentives resulting

from PDS for fine cereals at very low cost to consumers, and other practices. During this occasion, the

recipe book on sorghum foods entitled 'Delicious sorghum foods' authored by Dr. CV Ratnavathi et al and

a brochure on the project details in brief were also released. Dr. Nirmal Reddy, partner representing

ITC delivered a lecture on public private partnership and food business.

Meeting of DBT Project on ethanol production from sweet sorghum bagasse

First planning meeting of technical programme for DBT funded project entitled “Ligno-cellulosic ethanol

production from sweet sorghum bagasse” was held at NRCS on 18th February, 2008. The meeting was

chaired by the Director, NRCS and attended by Dr VVN Kishore and Mr. Jiby Kurian from Tata Energy

Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi, Dr. S V Ramakrishna, group advisor from Praj Industries, Pune and

scientists Drs. SS Rao,CV Ratnavathi, AV Umakanth, B Venkatesh Bhat from NRCS. The activity

milestones for the project were finalized.



Press conference

Press conference on sweet sorghum

A press conference on “Sweet sorghum for biofuel production” was held at NRCS on 22 October 07. Dr.

N Seetharama, Director addressed the media-persons and asserted that there is a good scope for

cultivation of sweet sorghum in different parts of the country for biofuel production. He projected current

scenario of ethanol production and the scope enlarged with sorghum. The demand for ethanol in the light

of government‟s decision to blend the 10 percent ethanol in petrol is high. The production of sweet

sorghum would cater the demand of both food and fodder for dryland farmers, besides production of

biofuel from stalks leading to additional income to rural communities. Sweet sorghum has high ability to

adapt and tolerate drought and saline–alkaline soils. Water requirement is also very less when compared

to sugarcane cultivation. However the scope for production of ethanol from sweet sorghum is very high

and can go in supplementation with sugarcane in the sugar factories, as very high quality ethanol could

be produced with sweet sorghum to supplement the biofuel utilization initiatives in India.

Press conference on Creation of demand for millet foods

A press conference on “Creation of Demand for Millet foods” was held at NRCS on 5 February 08. Dr. N

Seetharama, Director addressed the media-persons and asserted that there is an increasing acceptability

of millet foods if available in ready-to-cook form or as convenient ready to eat foods in urban areas. At

NRCS, the model framework for revival of millet economy-based on promotion as health and convenient

food will be carried out using sorghum. He also told that the production of sweet sorghum would cater to

the demand of both food and fodder for dry land farmers, besides production of biofuel from stalks leading

to additional income to rural communities. Dr. Mittal narrated activities under NAIP, and Dr. NGP Rao on

the “goodness” of the millets for the health benefit of all.

Farmers being appraised about latest sorghum production technology


______________________________________________________________________________ Personnel 100

14. Personnel

Director and Project Coordinator: Dr. N Seetharama

Scientists:

S.No. Name Designation

Discipline

NRCS, HYDERABAD

1 Dr. SL Kaul Principal Scientist Plant Breeding

2 Dr. SV Rao Principal Scientist Genetics & Cytogenetics

3 Dr. S Audilakshmi Principal Scientist Plant Breeding

4 Dr. TG Nageshwara Rao Principal Scientist Plant Pathology

5 Dr. CV Ratnavathi Principal Scientist Bio-Chemistry

6 Dr. Vilas A Tonapi Principal Scientist Seed Technology

7 Dr. SS Rao Principal Scientist Plant Physiology

8 Dr. Chari Appaji Principal Scientist Agricultural Extension

9 Dr. S Ravi Kumar Senior Scientist Agronomy

10 Dr. Ch Sashidhar Reddy Senior Scientist Agricultural Extension

11 Dr. KBRS Visarada Senior Scientist Genetics & Cytogenetics

12 Dr. B Dayakar Rao Senior Scientist Agricultural Economics

13 Dr. Aruna C Reddy Senior Scientist Plant Breeding

14 Dr. G Shyam Prasad Senior Scientist Agricultural Entomology

15 Dr. B Venkatesh Bhat Senior Scientist Genetics & Cytogenetics

16 Dr. HS Talwar Senior Scientist Plant Physiology

17 Dr. VR Bhagwat Senior Scientist Agricultural Entomology

18 Dr. IK Das Senior Scientist Plant Pathology

19 Dr. N Kanna Babu Senior Scientist Seed Technology

20 Dr. R Madhusudhana Senior Scientist Plant Breeding

21 Dr. AV Umakanth Senior Scientist Plant Breeding

22 Dr. PK Biswas Scientist (Sr. Scale) Plant Breeding

23 Dr. M Elangovan Scientist (Sr. Scale) Economic Botany

24 Sri D Balakrishna Scientist (Sr. Scale) Biotechnology

25 Dr. PG Padmaja Scientist (Sr. Scale) Agricultural Entomology

26 Sri P Mukesh Scientist Computer Applications

CRS, SOLAPUR

27 Dr. MS Raut Principal Scientist Agronomy

28 Dr. Ashok V Gadewar Principal Scientist Plant Pathology

29 Dr. Prabhakar Principal Scientist Genetics & Cytogenetics

30 Dr. B Subbarayudu Scientist (Sr. Scale) Agricultural Entomology

OSN, WARANGAL

31 Sri A Ashok Reddy Principal Scientist Agricultural Entomology


______________________________________________________________________________ Personnel 101

Senior Technical Staff

S.No. Name Present Grade

1 Sri GB Ramulu T-6

2 Sri D Gopala Krishna T-6

3 Smt. AD Vishala T-6

4 Dr. KV Raghavendra Rao T-6

5 Smt. A Annapurna T-6

6 Sri OV Ramana T-6

7 Sri S. Lalaiah T-5

8 Sri B. Pochaiah T-5

9 Sri K. Yadava Rao T-5

10 Sri G. Ramulu T-5

11 Sri K. Ravindra Babu T-5

12 Sri HS Gawali T-5

13 Sri M Venkateswarlu T-5

14 Sri M Jangaiah T-5

15 Sri P Subhakar Rao T-5

16 Sri P Prakash T-5

CRS, SOLAPUR

1 Sri Rameshwar Dayal T-6

2 Sri Pramod Kumar T-6

Senior Administrative staff

S.No. Name Designation

1 Sri KJ Mathai Admn.Officer

2 Sri W Sreenivasa Bhat Asst. Admn.Officer

3 Sri A Venkateshwara Rao Asst. Admn.Officer

4 Sri NVRN Murthy AF& AO

Personnel Promoted during 2007-08

S.No. Name Grade

From To

1 Dr. Prabhakar Senior Scientist Principal Scientist

2 Dr. Vilas A Tonapi Senior Scientist Principal Scientist

3 Dr. CV Ratnavathi Senior Scientist Principal Scientist

4 Dr. SS Rao Senior Scientist Principal Scientist

5 Dr. Chari Appaji Senior Scientist Principal Scientist

6 Dr. N Kannababu Scientist (Sr.Scale) Senior Scientist


______________________________________________________________________________ Personnel 102

Superannuation

S.No. Name Designation Retired on

1 Dr S Indira Principal Scientist 30 April, 07

2 Sri HS Gheywan Technical Officer (T-5) 30 June, 07

3 Sri N Chandraiah Technical Assistant (T- I- 3) 30 June, 07

4 Sri KS Ratnam Technical Assistant (T-2) 30 June, 07

NAIP Project planning meet with partner institutions to improve the “Production to Consumption Value

Chain” in millet

7 Dr. R Madhusudhana Scientist (Sr.Scale) Senior Scientist

8 Dr. IK Das Scientist (Sr.Scale) Senior Scientist

9 Dr. AV Umakanth Scientist (Sr.Scale) Senior Scientist

10 Dr. M Elangovan Scientist (Sr.Scale) Senior Scientist

11 Dr PG Padmaja Scientist Scientist (Sr.Scale)

Documents

NRCS Annual Report 2007-08 - :: Indian Institute of ... · NRCS Annual Report 2007-08 The area under grain sorghum cultivation in India has stabilized around 9 million hectares per