Genetic Variability among Released Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] Varieties in West Hararghe Zone

The Experiment was conducted at Mechara Agricultural Research Center on station and Miesso sub-site during 2017 cropping season. The objective was to estimate the Phenotypic and genotypic variability among released sorghum varieties. Data was collected and analyzed based on  eight traits like: Days to flowering(days), Days to maturity(days), Grain filling period(days), Grain filling rate(%), Head weight(gram), Hundred seed weight(gram), Stand count at harvest(number) and Grain yield(ton/ha). These traits and variances were recorded on 22 genotypes of sorghum. Results of statistical analysis showed that all traits had higher phenotypic variance and phenotypic coefficient of variation than genotypic variance and genotypic coefficient of variation, which indicated the influence of environment was least, and can be exploited in breeding programs. The genotypes exhibited varying degrees ratios of heritability for most traits. Such traits were responded positively to selection due to high broad sense heritability estimates. These data demonstrated high diversity for the traits studied of genotypes used and finally Baji and Birmash was recommended for further demonstration on farmer’s field. Keywords: GCV, PCV, Sorghum, Variability, Yield. DOI : 10.7176/JNSR/9-1-05