Login | Request Account (DAF staff only)

Genotype and water limitation effects on transpiration efficiency in sorghum

Share this record

Add to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to XAdd to WechatAdd to Microsoft_teamsAdd to WhatsappAdd to Any

Export this record

View Altmetrics

Mortlock, M. Y. and Hammer, G. L. (1999) Genotype and water limitation effects on transpiration efficiency in sorghum. Journal of Crop Production, 2 (2). pp. 265-286. ISSN 1542-7528

Full text not currently attached. Access may be available via the Publisher's website or OpenAccess link.

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1300/J144v02n02_11

Abstract

Sorghum is grown in many parts of the semi-arid tropics in environments where water limitation is common. Recent studies have identified genetic variation in transpiration efficiency (TE) in sorghum under well-watered conditions. Crop simulation studies suggest that improvement in TE in sorghum could have considerable payoff in many water-limited environments. The objectives of this study were to examine the variation in TE for a range of sorghum genotypes grown under well watered and water limited conditions, and to seek selection indices for this trait by measuring a range of associated physiological and morphological attributes. A glasshouse study was conducted with 17 genotypes grown under well-watered (WW) or water-limited (WL) conditions. Plants were grown in mini-lysimeters and water use and biomass production were measured. A range of other attributes were measured at plant and leaf level. Genotypes varied significantly in TE (highest about 50% greater than lowest) and TE was about 10% greater under WL. There was no interaction among genotype and water treatments. TE correlated well with transpiration per unit leaf area, which is a plant scale index of conductance. Leaf level measurements supported the association of TE with conductance. The best indicators of variation in TE were leaf C concentration and leaf ash, which offer promise as an avenue for development of a selection index. The mechanism underlying this association, however, remains unclear. Before TE can be used actively in a breeding program, field studies are required to confirm these findings from glasshouse studies and more robust selection indices are needed.

Item Type:Article
Keywords:carbon isotope discrimination; ash content; leaf C concentration
Subjects:Plant culture > Field crops > Sorghum
Live Archive:13 Mar 2024 01:35
Last Modified:13 Mar 2024 01:35

Repository Staff Only: item control page