Characterization of inbreds and hybrids of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) by seed and seedling morphology and electrophoresis of seed proteins and isoenzymes

Twenty-three varieties of sorghum including five hybrids, their parental li nes and four additional inbreds were described and characterized by seed an d seedling morphology and electrophoresis of seed proteins and isoenzymes. On the basis of seed colour and shape in profile view the hybrids and inbre ds could be grouped into two categories whilst on basis of germ size they c ould be grouped into three categories. The varieties could be divided into five groups based on the pattern of anthocyanin pigmentation in different p arts of the seedlings. Three varieties could be identified individually by their characteristic pigmentation patterns. SDS-PAGE of seed proteins could differentiate some of the varieties; three could be identified individuall y. Except for six varieties, all the others could be differentiated by the electrophoretic profiles of esterases. Based on the electrophoretic profile s of peroxidases the varieties could be categorized into eight groups; only one could be identified individually. The characteristic seed and seedling features of the twenty-three sorghum varieties have been summarized in a t able which can be used as a supplement to plant morphology data to describe these varieties. Two identification keys were prepared one based on select ed morphological and biochemical characters and the of her based on the ele ctrophoretic profiles of seed esterases and SDS-PAGE of seed proteins. Usin g these two keys the varieties could be identified individually.