Variety traits

Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Sorghum

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

A genetically determined condition in sorghum plants that prevents the formation of viable pollen, utilized in seed production to obtain F1 hybrids without the need for manual panicle emasculation.

In the reference 10 varieties crop Sorghum, where this is mentioned in the description.

Sorghum is characterized by specific types of sterile cytoplasm (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, 9E, etc.), which are identified using molecular genetic markers. The trait is assessed visually by the condition of the anthers and pollen viability; it is critically important to maintain sterility stability, as partial fertility may occur under high-temperature conditions, reducing hybrid purity.

In commercial production, an A-B-R system is implemented, where the A-line is the sterile maternal form, the B-line (maintainer) is used for its propagation, and the R-line (restorer) contains Rf genes to restore fertility in F1 hybrids. The choice of cytoplasm type also influences the adaptive properties of the plants, including drought tolerance, water metabolism, and chlorophyll content.

General information about the subject — on the page Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS).

Sources8

Varieties of Sorghum mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.