Genetic analysis of semolina recovery and associated traits- A step towards breeding for specific end uses in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

High yielding sorghum cultivars with desired specific end-use quality are required to meet the industrial demand. Breeding genotypes for specific end-use helps in increasing profitability to the farmers. This study was conducted to determine the genetic mechanisms underlying the semolina recovery and associated grain traits in sorghum, and to understand the combining ability effects of selected lines for desirable grain quality and yield. Eight lines and eight testers were intercrossed in line x tester mating design, and the resulting hybrids and the parents were evaluated over two years in RCBD replicated thrice. Significant (P < 0.01) genotype, year and genotype & times; year interaction effects were observed for all the traits, indicating good genetic variability. Correlation analysis indicate that semolina recovery had significant positive associations with endosperm texture (r = 0.53) and grain hardness (r = 0.43) suggesting that genotypes with corneous endosperm yield high semolina. There is a possibility of improving both yield and semolina recovery since they are independent of each other. General combining ability and specific combining ability effects were significant for semolina recovery and most other traits indicating both additive and non-additive gene action underlying the inheritance of these traits. Biparental mating which can exploit additive and nonadditive gene actions will help in combining the desirable yield and quality in sorghum. Some parents viz, 1111B (L7) and 3183B (L2) among lines and NR3 (T3) among testers had significant GCA effects for both yield and semolina recovery. The line 463B (L8) and the tester NR6 (T6) was good for semolina and the grain traits associated with semolina recovery. Top two hybrids for semolina recovery were 27B (L5) & times; NR3 (T3) and 1111B (L7) & times; NR3 (T3). The information generated and the genotypes identified will help the breeders to develop identity specific sorghum genotypes.