Evaluation of the agronomic performance and adaptability of sorghum mutant varieties under Striga hermonthica infestation using GGE biplot analysis

Abstract

Sorghum is one of the major cereal crops for food security in Burkina Faso. However, its productivity is affected by the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, which can lead to a 100% damage. Thus, this study aimed to identify the best and stable performing sorghum mutant varieties infected with Striga under field conditions using the GGE biplot approach. This research was conducted in 2023 and 2024 in three locations (Méguet, Kouaré, and Assio) with different naturally occurring Striga populations. The materials were composed of three mutant varieties (SL1, SL2, SL3), the parental varieties (SP5, SP6, SP7), a resistant control (Framida) and two susceptible varieties (SL4, SL5). The genotypes were evaluated in field using a RCB design arranged in four replications. The results showed that there was a significant effect of genotypes, environments, and their interactions on grain yield (P < 0.001). The SL2, SL1 and SL3 mutant varieties produced the highest yield above one ton per ha and showed minimal Striga emergence across the experiment. They also exhibited greater stability than SL4, SL5 and the parent varieties. In conclusion, the mutant varieties (SL1, SL2, SL3) were resistant to Striga and face fewer agronomic challenges, indicating the relevance of using mutagenesis in sorghum breeding approach.