Variation in seed quality of sorghum cultivars available in market

Abstract

In order to know the variation in seed quality among the varieties and hybrids (public, private sector) of sorghum collected at different market outlets, a total of 52 entries (38 cultivars) were evaluated for seed germination and seedling vigour. The values ranged significantly from 1.67g (KDSH 302) to 4.60g (MRS 4649) for hundred seed weight, 55% (CSH 16) to 97% (CSH 14) for seed germination, 9.2cm (CSH 16) to 16.93cm (JKSH 434) for root length, 11.15cm (MSH 51) to 20.95cm (Sudhama 333) for shoot length, 10.21mg (KDSH 302) to 28.22mg (MRS 4649) for seedling dry weight and 728 (KDSH 302) to 2196 (JKSH 22) for seedling vigour index traits. Whereas, CSH 16, JKSH 474, NSH 36, KDSH 302, CSH 9, NSH 18, MDSH 262, VJH 540, MSH 51and ‘Local farm market (Udaipur)’ showed low values of germination ranging from 55 to 75% (lesser than minimum seed certification standard) which is the alarming status of seed quality and needs attention for searching the causes and solutions. The differences for these seed quality traits within the cultivar were also observed due to different market sources as found with 11 cultivars. Farmers become aware of vigour differences when the germination test fails as measure of quality for expensive seeds. The study highlights the importance of seed vigour and suggests the supply of standard quality seed by seed industry which is essential to realize the performance of cultivars on farmer field.