Evaluating the Effects of Drought Stress on Biomass and Yield Traits in Sorghum Genotypes

The study aimed to identify drought-tolerant sorghum genotypes by evaluating twenty sorghum genotypes over two Rabi seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) under irrigated and rainfed conditions using a split plot design. Results showed that moisture stress significantly affected sorghum performance, including leaf and stem dry matter accumulation, grain yield per plant, stover yield, and harvest index. Among the genotypes, BJV-44 and M-35-1 exhibited the least decline in grain yield per plant under rainfed conditions, with yields of 76.17 and 73.50 g/plant, respectively, compared to irrigated conditions. Conversely, genotypes M 148-138 and Tandur L experienced the most significant reductions in grain yield per plant under rainfed conditions. Basavana pada exhibited the highest harvest index. The study concluded that BJV-44 and M-35-1 are drought-tolerant sorghum genotypes with relatively higher grain yields per plant under rainfed conditions, providing valuable insights into sorghum genotype performance and resource utilization in drought-prone regions.