The principles and processes of sorghum breeding

Publication date: 04/07/2018
Extent: 12 pages

Contributions by: Cleve D. Franks, DuPont Pioneer, USA

Chapter synopsis: This chapter provides an overview of the basic principles and processes involved in the breeding of sorghum. A number of standard field operations are described, such as crossing, emasculation and harvesting, followed by a discussion of various methods of selection and topcrossing. After describing these classical breeding methodologies, there follows an evaluation of new directions in sorghum breeding, such as the use of molecular markers and high-throughput means of phenotyping plants. These techniques are discussed in terms of the availability of technology and their economic viability. It is concluded that although classical breeding methodologies will continue to be a requirement in future, sorghum breeders will need to make use of evolving technologies if they are to be successful.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0015.07