Growth And Yield Performance Of Sorghum Germplasm In Coastal Saline Habitat Of Bangladesh

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a climate-resilient crop with potential for saline-affected regions, yet field-based evaluations in coastal ecosystems remain limited. This study assessed the agronomic and physiological performance of ten sorghum germplasms under natural saline conditions in Satkhira, Bangladesh, during 2016–2017. A randomized complete block design was employed, with growth, ion homeostasis, and yield parameters measured at critical stages. Results revealed significant genotypic variation: Sorghum BD-737 produced the highest grain yield (6.41 t ha⁻¹), followed by Hybrid Sorgo (6.27 t ha⁻¹) and Sorghum BD-701 (4.84 t ha⁻¹). Superior salinity tolerance in BD-737 and BD-701 was linked to elevated K⁺/Na⁺ ratios (root: 325.97 mg; leaf: 282.93 mg) and lower Na⁺ accumulation (root: 5.10–7.67 mg). Sorghum BD-730 exhibited robust Ca⁺⁺ (444.87 mg leaf⁻¹) and Mg⁺⁺ (177.40 mg leaf⁻¹) retention, while Hybrid Sorgo demonstrated high panicle length (29.05 cm). Yield stability correlated with ionic regulation, as susceptible genotypes (e.g., Sorghum BD-720) showed reduced K⁺/Na⁺ ratios and lower grain weight (254.22 g plant⁻¹). The study identifies Sorghum BD-737, Hybrid Sorgo, Sorghum BD-701, and Sorghum BD-730 as promising for saline coastal cultivation and breeding programs, advocating their integration into climate-smart agriculture to enhance productivity in salinity-prone regions.