Monday, November 5, 2007
65-11

Physiological, Morphological, and Phenological Aspects of Drought Tolerance in Sorghum Hybrids.

Cory Mills, Craig Bednarz, Cleve Franks, and Heath Stoerner. Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, P.O. Box 42122, Lubbock, TX 79409

Water management and water use efficiency have become real issues amid agriculture producers throughout the country. In water limiting areas, it is imperative to identify drought tolerant cultivars. The main objective in this study is to show how a selected set of three males and three females and their hybrids responded to the imposition of drought stress. Leaf appearance, stomatal conductance, and radiation capture were recorded. Leaf appearance rate and stomatal conductance were significantly correlated (+ or -) in both tests at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels. Height and yield was positively correlated in the limited irrigation at the 0.01 level but was not in the full irrigated treatment. Days to mid-bloom, height, and panicle exertion were not significant in the full irrigated treatment (with respect to yield), whereas all three were correlated (+ or -) in the drought treatment. Parental line performance in this study was dependent upon the irrigation treatment. As many factors were measured and significant differences were found, parental lines that do not have significant yield differences among irrigation treatments could possibly have the foundation of desired drought tolerant mechanisms.