Induced Mutation in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] by Using Nitrous Acid and Selection for Drought Resistance in North Kordofan State

Sorghum is a vital staple and fodder crop in semi-arid regions, valued for its nutrition, drought tolerance, and importance in food security, especially in Africa and Asia. Induced mutation breeding, including chemical mutagens like nitrous acid, is widely used to enhance genetic variability and improve yield and stress tolerance in sorghum and other crops. Field experiments were conducted at Experimental Farm of Crop Science Department, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan in the period between May 2014 and November, 2015.The objectives of this study were creation and evaluation of mutation in sorghum genotypes and selection for best progenies Using 2.5% of nitrous acid concentrations (Soaking seeds for 1 mint) and 5% (Soaking seeds for 2 mints). Two minutes were determined as the best time to create mutant population in sorghum seeds. Mutant seeds were planted in rows and alternating with untreated seeds. Selected M1 seeds from M0 plants were done and harvested separately and their seeds were used as treatments in the second field experiment in winter season. Fourteen genotypes and two selected genotypes from untreated seeds (control) were used as treatments. RCBD with three replicates was used. The studied parameter were: plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of green leaves per plant, Stem diameter (cm), Panicle length (cm), Panicle circumference (cm), 100grain weight (g), grain yield per plant (g). The collected data from the field were analyzed by T-Test. The results showed significant differences between mutant and un-mutant plant. Mutant genotypes recorded 141.9 cm as plant height, 2.93 g as 100 grain weight and 41.69 g as grain yield per plant compared with 131 cm, 2.74 g and 34.99 g estimates in un-mutant genotypes, respectively. Analyses of variance disclosed significant differences among the 16 genotypes in all studied traits except stem diameter, and Panicle circumference. Generally, G1and G4 genotypes recorded higher estimates in most studies traits.