Genetic Changes in Sorghum

Abstract

Evolution through genetic changes in all crop species is an inevitable process. The available naturally diverse resources in sorghum provide ample material for further genetic improvement using classical and modern breeding tools. The current research priority in sorghum is gene discovery for complex traits related to biotic (pest and diseases) and abiotic (cold, drought, and heat) stresses by integrating high-throughput genotyping (genotyping by sequencing, GBS) and phenotyping facilities with classical breeding methods and advanced computational and statistical tools and marker-assisted breeding. Exploitation of genetic resources through landraces, interspecific and intergeneric crosses, sorghum conversion, and heterosis prediction is discussed in detail in this chapter. The discussion also includes the current status of molecular approaches, including quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, mapping studies, marker assisted-selection (MAS), mutagenesis, and epigenetics—for desirable genetic changes and overall sorghum improvement.