The Yield Stability Of Sorghum Varieties And Hybrids In East African Environments

Abstract

The ability of varieties and hybrids of crops to perform well over a wide range of environments has particular relevance to regional programmes designed to satisfy the needs of numerous countries that may differ not only climatically and edaphically, but also with respect to crop husbandry standards. In East Africa where resources and priorities justify one sorghum research Programme, varieties and hybrids possessing general adaptability are most desirable. Work previously reported by Doggett and Jowett (1966) gives an impression of the diversity of environments encountered in this region. Although genotype X environment interactions have given some indication of adaptability, the performance of individual entries in a wide range of environments has not been studied critically to facilitate an appraisal of the progress being made to develop superior genotypes.