Comparison of Different Multivariate Statistical Methods for Screening the Drought Tolerant Genotypes of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum L.) and Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Drought is the main limiting factor of crops production in major regions of the world. Forage plants such as pearl millet and sorghum are drought tolerant and suitable for arid regions to grow. In this study, for selecting and introducing the best drought tolerant genotypes, seven pearl millet and five sorghum genotypes in three locations (Kerman, Jiroft, and Bardsir in Kerman Province) were studied with different climatic conditions. The experiments were conducted for three consecutive years of cultivation (2016, 2017, and 2018) under regularly irrigated conditions and the 100% (I100, full irrigation) plant water requirement and under water deficiency, (50%) plant water requirement (I50) in two randomized complete block designs in triplicate separately at each location. Eight drought tolerance/susceptibility indices were used. Multivariate factor analysis (FA) and stress tolerance score (STS) methods were employed to compare the most drought tolerant genotypes in each region. The STS method was more efficient and effective than the FA method for detecting the most drought tolerant genotype with any number of used genotypes. Based on the results of drought tolerance indices and STS, the IP13150 and IP13151 genotypes of pearl millet and speed feed genotype of sorghum in Kerman, Jiroft, and Bardsir respectively, were introduced as the most drought tolerant genotypes for three consecutive years of cultivation.