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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

Article · January 2020

DOI: 10.20431/2454-6224.0605002

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International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences (IJRSAS)
Volume 6, Issue 5, 2020, PP 11-20
ISSN No. (Online) 2454–6224
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-6224.0605002
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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

Werkissa Yali Kebbede*
Department of Horticulture and Plant Science, Ambo University, Ambo, P.O., Box 19, Ethiopia

*Corresponding Authors: Werkissa Yali Kebbede, Department of Horticulture and Plant Science, Ambo
University, Ambo, P.O., Box 19, Ethiopia

Abstract: Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], a cereal crop of family Poaceae, is believed to be originated
in Ethiopia and Sudan. It is an important food security crop mainly in semi-arid and tropical parts of the African
countries. The crop is indigenous to Ethiopian as far as its domestication has long time and genetic diversity
exhibited variation among cultivated and wild relatives of the crop concentrated in the country. The existence of
tremendous amount sorghum variability exhibiting native genetic variation to drought, disease and insect
resistance, having good grain quality and high lysine, made Ethiopia as genetic resource reservoir ranking first
in contributing germplasm collection worldwide in today’s sorghum breeding program. Ethiopian ‘zera zera’
sorghum landraces and line developed from them being involved in hybrid development at ICRISAT and other
countries in modern sorghum breeding program. Currently, sorghum is the third important cereal crop in both
area coverage and production becoming the second in ‘injera’ making after ‘tef’ in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has a
diverse sorghum germplasm which adapted to a range of altitudes and rainfall conditions. Characterization and
identification of sorghum germplasms which provide desirable traits for genetic improvement is a basis in plant
breeding. DNA based molecular marker and PCR based are the best to characterize and identify sorghum
genotypes which provide desirable traits as compared to field experimental evaluation due to time and
environmental effect. Genetic improvement is the cost-effective means of enhancing sorghum productivity for
different end-uses. A better understanding of the genetic diversity in sorghum would greatly contribute to crop
improvement with a view to food quality and other important agronomic traits. The Ethiopian Center of Crop
Diversity contains enormous wealth of genetic variability in the sorghums. It needs some concerted effort to
adequately collect and preserve this genetic variability before it is invaded and destroyed.
Keywords: sorghum, genetic variability, germplasm, genotype, diversity

1. INTRODUCTION
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], a cultivated diploid (2n = 20) tropical cereal C4 grass plant,
is the fifth most important cereal crop grown in the world. It is a monocotyledon plant of tropical origin,
belonging to Poaceae family(Nagara, 2017). Sorghum is called as camel of crops due to the high
tolerance of water and temperature stress and also high photosynthesis efficiency; it is considered as an
important plant in arid and semi-arid regions (Anagholi et al., 2000).
Ethiopia is known to be one of the Vavilovian centres of origin, or diversity for many cultivated and
wild species of crops, including sorghum. Sorghum is one of the cereal crops for which Ethiopia has
been credited as being a center of origin and/or diversity. In the high altitude areas, the landrace sorghum
germplasm has often been the only well-adapted material that is easily accessible for use(Tesfaye,
2017). There is a higher probability of genetic material exchange to occur between the wild (Sorghum
bicolor sub sp. arundinaceum) and the cultivated sorghum since both types mostly grow in sympathy
with the wild and weedy relatives in most sorghum-growing parts of Ethiopia, mainly in the south-
eastern and south-western part of the country Doggett, H. (1988) . A greater extent of genetic diversity
existed within a species, often used as a measure of its ability to adapt to its new environment. Ethiopia
is the sixth largest sorghum producing country in the world with sorghum contributing 16.4% of the
total annual cereal grain production and is ranked third in both total area coverage and productivity.
Currently, the national average productivity of sorghum in Ethiopia is 2.5 tons/ha (CSA, 2017).
Admas and Tesfaye, 2018 described as sorghum is native to Ethiopia and it has remarkable genetic
diversity as evidenced by many landrace collections made in the country. It is well adapted to a wide
range of environmental conditions in semi-arid Africa. It is mainly produced in medium and lowlands
of Ethiopia. It with stands hot and dry condition better than most cultivated crops in Ethiopia. Sorghum

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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

is grown for its grain used as food and local beverages; nowadays, its stalk has also become an alternate
source of animal feed as well as fuel. However, the average yield trends are downwards.
The largest diversity of the crop germplasm provides greater opportunities for improvement regarding
its environmental adaptability and acquiring better agronomic traits from the crop species. Identifying
and selecting the best varieties meeting specific local food and industrial requirements from this great
biodiversity is of high importance for the food security assurance of any given country (Dahlberg et al.,
2002).
Genetic variability is prerequisite in the existing population for varietal improvement. Loss of genetic
variability leading to genetic erosion has led to greater emphasis on germplasm collection and
characterization for present and future plant breeding programmes (Prasanna, 2010). Knowledge of
genetic diversity of a crop usually helps the breeder in choosing desirable parents for the breeding
program and gene introgression from distantly related germplasm. The more diverse genotypes or
accessions can be crossed to produce superior hybrids with resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses
(Elangovan and Babu, 2015). Understanding the wealth of genetic diversity in sorghum will facilitate
the further improvement of this crop for its genetic architecture.
Genetic diversity in the crop species is the gift of nature and arises due to geographical separation or
due to genetic barriers to cross ability. Morphological traits are conventional tools to analyze the genetic
diversity (Prasanna, 2010). Morphological assays generally require neither sophisticated equipment nor
preparatory procedures. They are generally simple and inexpensive to score. These easily observable
quantitative morphological traits are a useful tool for preliminary evaluation because they offer a fast
and useful approach for assessing the extent of diversity. Over the years, a number of studies have dealt
with estimating genetic diversity in cultivated sorghum using morphological traits. The use of
morphological traits is the most common approach utilized to estimate relation- ships between
genotypes. The genetic variability of cultivated species/varieties and their wild relatives together form
a potential and continued source for the development of improved crop varieties(Ahalawat et al., 2018).
A better understanding of the genetic diversity in sorghum would greatly contribute to crop
improvement with a view to food quality and other important agronomic traits. Therefore, there is a
need to evaluate the available accessions for genetic diversity and identify the best accessions according
to their performance. There are around 11,353 sorghum accessions collected and conserved in Ethiopian
Biodiversity Institute gene bank, of which 8,913 accessions were characterized by plant breeders and
other researchers, and further 2,440 sorghum accessions are yet to be screened for their potentially
useful characters(Tesfaye, 2017). Therefore, this paper was prepared with the objectives of reviewing
the genetic variability and divergence of sorghum in Ethiopia
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. Origin, Distribution and Adaptability of Sorghum
Ethiopia is the Vavilovian centers origin/diversity for sorghum (Vavilov, 1951). Sorghum originated in
Africa, more known in Ethiopia, between 5000 and 7000 years ago (ICRISAT, 2005). Then, it was
distributed along the trade and shipping routes around the African continent, and through the Middle
East to India at least 3000 years ago. It then journeyed along the Silk Route into China (Dicko et al.,
2006). It was first taken to North America in the 1700-1800's through the slave trade from West Africa
and was re-introduced in Africa in the late 19th century for commercial cultivation and spread to South
America and Australia(Yitayeh, 2019).
Currently sorghum is widely found in the dry lowland areas of Africa, Asia (India and China), the
Americas and Australia (Dicko et al., 2006). It is an economically, socially and culturally important
crop grown over a wide range of ecological habitats in Ethiopia, in the range of 400-3000 m.a.s.l
(Teshome et al., 2007). Sorghum is a unique cereal crop in the lowland areas due to its drought tolerance
(Kebede, 1991).
2.2. Importance of Sorghum
2.2.1 Global Context
Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a C4 tropical crop which originated and was domesticated
in Ethiopia and the surrounding Eastern quadrants of Africa where both the cultivated and wild relatives
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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

co-exist (Dillon et al., 2007).As compared to other cereals, sorghum is a drought tolerant crop and able
to withstand low soil fertility (Tolk et al., 2013). It is a main crop for more than 500 million people in
the developing world mainly in the 30 sub Saharan Africa and Asian countries (Kumar et al., 2011), but
it is also grown as a feed crop in the developed world. In addition, sorghum is a preferred feedstock for
biofuel production due to its high biomass production and high water use efficiency (Packer and
Rooney, 2014).
The sorghum production area globally has shown a mixed trend, and while the overall sorghum
production area has declined from year to year mainly in USA, China and India, there is a steady
increase in production area in most African countries (especially Sub Saharan Africa) and Australia
(Rakshit et al., 2014). Sorghum productivity over the past four decades has shown a yield improvement
of 1 to 4% per year in many countries including USA, Australia, and China (Rakshit et al., 2014). The
increased productivity of sorghum has maintained the total production and it has remained the fifth most
important cereal crop in total grain production in the world (Kumar et al., 2011). The sorghum grain
produced has contributed 2.7% of the top five major cereal grain produced globally over the past decade
(FAOSTAT, 2015).
The increase in sorghum productivity is the outcome of both improved varieties and improved
management practices. The use of hybrid varieties with improved management have been provided in
yield increases that have been achieved in many developed and a few developing countries (Kumar et
al., 2011). To-date the total sorghum production area in USA and Australia is planted to hybrids and in
China and India more than eighty five % of sorghum growing areas is planted with improved varieties
including hybrids ( Rakshit et al., 2014). The adoption of hybrids has contributed to increased sorghum
productivity in many countries, for instance in China productivity has increased by 3.9 % and in India
by 2 % per annum (Rakshit et al., 2014).
2.2.2. Importance of Sorghum in Ethiopia
According to the CSA, 2014 Ethiopia is the sixth largest sorghum producing country in the world with
sorghum contributing 17% of the total annual cereal grain production. Sorghum has a wider agro-
ecological adaptation in Ethiopia and is cultivated in the three major agro-ecological zones in the
country, which can be broadly classified into highlands >1900 meter above sea level (masl),
intermediate between 1600-1900masl and lowland agro-ecologies <1600masl (Tesso et al., 2011).
Gebeyehu et al., 2004 also states as it is the dominant crop in the dry lowlands which accounts for 66%,
on average, of the total cultivated areas of the country. There are a wider ranges of sorghum production
systems that can be differentiated in relation to the amount of rainfall received and targeted uses
(Gerorgis, 1990; Wortmann CS, 2009). Multiple cropping systems has been practiced in low moisture
areas to overcome the effect of drought (Gerorgis, 1990) and sole cropping has been reported as the
dominant cropping system in the major sorghum growing area of Ethiopia (Wortmann CS, 2009). The
very complex production systems and the very diverse growing environments have been the challenge
for the development and dissemination of improved technology.
Since 2008 the total area covered with sorghum annually has increased by 0.78% and productivity has
increased by 6.2% (CSA, 2014). The increase in productivity has come despite the fact that more than
90% of the total sorghum area is cultivated by small holder farmers who mainly use traditional methods
of cultivation which is characterized by low utilization of improved varieties and fertilizers. Fertilizer
(both natural and commercial) has only applied to 2.4% of the total area cultivated with sorghum (CSA,
2014). The overall increase in productivity could therefore be related to the genetic potential of farmers
selected varieties (Mekbib, 2006) and use of improved management practices including row spacing
and tied ridge to conserve moisture.
The majority of the grain produced (74%) is used for household consumption with the remaining
proportion being used for sale and seed purpose (CSA, 2014). Sorghum grain is preferred next to tef, a
small cereal grain crop, for the preparation of the staple leavened bread (injera). Although there is
variability in the grain quality depending on the end use product, larger seed size, while and light red
types of sorghum grains are predominantly preferred for the preparation of injera. The grain has also
use for the preparation of locally prepared beverages and the stover used as animal feed, fuel wood and
construction purposes(Yitayeh, 2019).

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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

2.3. Genetic variability in sorghum

2.3.1. Taxonomic Classifications and Races
It was believed that there were 20 to 30 species of genus Sorghum that are recognized until now, and
these are classified into five sections: Stiposorghum, Parasorghum, Eu- sorghum, Heterosorghum and
Chaetosorghum. Under the section Eu-sorghum, three species are recognized: S. halepense (L.) Pers.
occurring in India, S. propinquum (Kunth) Hitchc found in Southeast Asia and S. bicolor (L.) Moench,
which originated in Africa (De Wet, 1978). All classified under genus Sorghum. De Wet’s recognized
S. bicolor (L.) Moench representing all annual cultivated, wild and weedy sorghums along with two
rhizomatous taxa, S. halepense and S. propinquum. All types of the S. bicolor (the primitives)
propagated with seeds except the rhizomatous taxa’s which reproduces through both seed and rhizome
production. Sorghum bicolor was further broken down into three subspecies: S. bicolor sub sp bicolor,
S. bicolor sub sp drummondii and S. bicolor sub sp verticilliflorum. The cultivated sorghums are
classified as S. bicolor sub sp bicolor and represented by agronomic types such as grain sorghum, sweet
sorghum, Sudan grass and broom corn.
All the cultivated sorghum taxa of the world have been classified by inflorescence type, grain and
glumes into five races (Durra, Bicolor, Caudatum, Kaffir and Guinea) and intermediates involving all
of the pair-wise combinations of the basic races (de Wet, 1978; Harlan and de Wet, 1972). The entire
races were differentiated morphologically based on their inflorescence, grain and glumes. The race
bicolor has its grain elongated, with glumes clasping the grain, which may be completely covered or
exposed. This race is mostly grown west of the Rift valley and also on a minor scale almost everywhere
in Africa. Guinea is primarily West African with a secondary centre in Malawi and Tanzania. The grain
is flattened dorso-ventrally, twisting at maturity 90 degrees between glumes that are nearly as long as
or longer than the grain. The caudatum grain is asymmetrical, with glumes half the length of the grain
or less. This race is most abundant in east Nigeria, Sudan and Uganda. Kafir is mostly a race of east
and Southern Africa. It has symmetrical grain, with glumes of variable length clasping the grain. Durra
is dominant in Ethiopia and westward across the continent, covering the driest parts near the Sahara. Its
grain is rounded and the glumes are very wide (House, 1985).
Four of the five sorghum races and wild forms are present in Ethiopia except Kaffir (Awegechew
Teshome et al., 1997). Stemler et al., (1977) described and discussed the diversity of sorghum grown
in Ethiopia for the races Bicolor, Durra, Durra-Bicolor, Caudatum and Guinea based on Ethiopian
sorghum collections and field observations. The geographic pattern of distribution of each race appears
to be determined by the topography and climate variation present in Ethiopia. Accordingly, sorghum
race Durra is the main crop of the eastern highland region and mid elevation terrace of the north, while
Caudatum race is grown primarily in hot, dry valleys and lowland savannas in the south and west of
Ethiopia. The intermediate race Durra-Bicolor predominates in the southwestern highland region, where
cooler temperature and rain are higher than eastern and northern region. In contrast, Bicolor and Guinea
races represent a very small part of Ethiopian sorghum diversity and both are mostly found in the Rift
Valley region.
Qualitative morphology characterization work on Ethiopian landraces along with introduced lines of
sorghum from abroad and neighboring Eritrean accessions also shows the differential distribution of
these different panicle types. This indicated the adaptive significance of panicle compactness and shape
reflected the distribution patterns of different races of sorghum in Ethiopia. In their studies, the patterns
of distribution of the different panicle types appeared to follow the temperature, humidity and rainfall
patterns of Ethiopia and Eritrea. The compact and semi-compact panicle types were more frequent in
Eritrea and in relatively hot and dry regions of Ethiopia such as Hararge, Tigray and Wello. The loose
panicle types with dropping branches occurred abundantly in relatively cool and wet regions of Ethiopia
such as Wollega, Illubabor, Shewa and Sidamo (Amsalu Ayana and Endashaw Bekele, 1998).
2.3.2. Sorghum Genetic Variability in a Globally
Characterization and identification of sorghum genotypes conferring important traits for genetic
improvement is a prerequisite in plant breeding activities. Kimber et al (2013) presented details of the
major world sorghum collections and breeding lines that total over 150,000 accessions. Morphological
variability of sorghum has been used for the development of global core collections which represent the
world collections for effective utilization in plant breeding (Dahlberg et al., 2004). However, the time
required for phenotyping and the impact of environmental effects on trait expression limits the utility
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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

of morphological traits for characterization and diversity analysis of germplasm collections. The
discovery of different types of DNA based molecular marker systems provided opportunities to
effectively characterize and structure large number of genotypes without any effect of seasonality.
Hybridization based RFLPs (Restricted Fragment Length Polymorphism) markers were the first DNA
marker system identified that could differentiate homozygote and heterozygote loci (Botstein et al.,
1980). RFLP markers have been used for genetic variability studies in many different crops including
in sorghum. The RFLP marker system is technically demanding, however, and found not to be suitable
for high throughput and low cost screening. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was
invented in 1983 (Bartlett and Stirling, 2003) and provide a revolutionary approach to increase both
sample throughput and sample cost for marker screening.
PCR based marker systems include RAPDs (Random Amplified Polymorphism) (Williams et al., 1990),
ISSRs (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (Zietkiewcz et al., 1994); AFLPs (Amplified Fragmented Length
Polymorphism) and SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeat) all of which have been widely used in various
studies in many crops including in sorghum (Agrama and Tuinstra, 2003).Both RAPD and AFLP
markers are dominant markers which are not able to differentiate homozygous from heterozygous loci.
Additionally these marker types have been shown to have limited repeatability across laboratories
(Collard et al., 2005) as well as being very time consuming, both of which has limited the utility of
these markers.
However, SSR markers require sequence information and generation of polymorphic markers can be
time consuming and expensive, and hence their applications are restricted to specific crops (Semagn et
al., 2006).Both the hybridized and PCR based markers have had a wide range of applications to
sorghum. A recent genetic variability study of global reference set of sorghum genotypes using SSR
markers revealed that landraces originating from Africa had the largest number of polymorphic alleles
and the Eastern African genotypes had the highest variability followed by western African genotypes
(Billot et al., 2013). Genetic variability and the genetic basis of racial classifications in sorghum have
also been studied using different types of DNA based markers (Brown et al., 2011). Previous studies
have been reflected the correspondence between the racial classifications based on morphological traits
and the grouping of sorghum genotypes based molecular marker based genetic distance which also
reflected the geographical distribution of sorghum, with the exception of the bicolor race (Brown et al.,
2011). The bicolor racial types have been found to be the most primitive and diverse in comparison to
the other four races, while the least genetic variability was observed in the kafir race (Billot et al., 2013).
Distinct groupings of sorghum accession and inbred lines have also been reported to be used as a source
of breeding lines using SSR markers (Agrama and Tuinstra, 2003).
The recent advent of next generation sequencing techniques (NGS) has offered new opportunities for
sequencing and resequencing whole-genomes or targeted regions of genome. Genotyping by
sequencing (GBS) has been introduced as a tool to discover polymorphic markers while genotyping
with high-throughput sequencing approaches with a low cost per data point (Poland and Rife, 2012).
The recent resequencing of multiple sorghum genotypes revealed the structuring of genotypes based on
racial grouping and also identified novel genetic variability which could be useful for genetic
improvements activities. In addition, genome-wide markers generated by GBS have also been used for
diversity analysis and understanding the genetic basis of complex traits and adaptation in sorghum
(Wang et al., 2013).
2.3.3. Genetic Variability of Ethiopian Sorghum Genotypes
All five major races of sorghum have been identified in the Ethiopian sorghum collections, with the
durra and bicolor racial types and their derived sub-races predominating (Doggett, 1988). The zerazera
type of sorghum, which originated on the border between Ethiopia and Sudan which is the sub-type of
the race caudatum, is known for its grain appearance or grain type and disease resistance and has been
used widely in many plant breeding programs (Prasada Rao and Mengesha, 1981). In addition, the
Ethiopian sorghum collections have been used as a source of genes for important agronomic traits
globally, including stay green genes for post flowering drought tolerance (Kebede et al., 2001), better
grain quality and increased yield potential (Prasada Rao and Mengesha, 1981) and high lysine and
enhanced protein digestibility and starch digestibility.
A number of genetic variability studies of Ethiopian sorghum genotypes adapted to the different agro-
ecologies have been conducted using qualitative and quantitative traits. Significant variation for
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Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

qualitative traits has been reported using 34 sorghum landraces obtained from five of the main sorghum
growing areas of the country (Abdie et al., 2002). Genetic variability studies for both qualitative and
quantitative traits using genotypes representing specific and across the different sorghum growing
regions have also been conducted (Ayana and Bekele 1998; Desmae, 2007) and have shown the extent
of genetic variation in addition to differentiation of panicle compactness and shape according to
geographic regions (Abdie et al., 2002; Ayana and Bekele, 1998). In contrast, a study by (Ayana et al.,
2000) has reported a weak genetic differentiation based on agro-ecological adaptations and regions
using 80 sorghum landraces genotyped based on the genetic distance computed using 20 RAPD
markers. A large set of accessions from the Northern part of the country, genotyped using SSR and
ISSR markers, also showed the high variability among accessions with limited variability among
geographic origins (Desmae, 2007). Such low differentiation among the regions could be due to gene
flow due to exchange of seed between regions; however, the limited number of markers used for both
studies may have also impacted on the result. A high level of marker polymorphism has been reported
between 45 Ethiopian sorghum landraces from the Eastern highland agro-ecology using SSR and AFLP
markers (Geleta et al., 2006).
A recent study using SSR markers also identified the enormous genetic variability present within the
Ethiopian sorghum collections maintained in USA, National Plant Germplasm System, in comparison
to accessions obtained from different countries of origin. Such a high level of diversity within Ethiopian
genotypes was also found in the recent whole genome resequencing study in sorghum which highlighted
the potential for using previously untapped diversity for genetic gain through breeding (Mace et al.,
2013).
2.3.4. Germplasm Resources and Collections
Ethiopia is the center of origin and diversity for many crops including sorghum (Vavilov, 1951). There
is huge source high lysine (Singh and axtell, 1973), good grain quality and resistance to disease and
insect (Yilma, 1991) and post flowering drought tolerance (stay-green trait) (Borrel et al., 2000).
Primarily, considering genetic variability and diversity of sorghum in Ethiopia, collection started in
between 1958 and 1960 by Jimma Agricultural Technical School(Chala, 2018). Later this activity was
taken over by ESIP and continued collections since the 1970s (IBC, 2012). After ESIP started in full-
scale in 1973, it served as home for the popular zera zeras (caudatum race) type sorghums, which were
extensively used as parents in ICRISAT sorghum improvement programs until the 1990s and being
extremely provided germplasm for the improvement of food type sorghums (Reddy et al., 2004).
Through the early 1980s only, ESIP had amassed a collection of approximately 5500 accessions
(Doggett, 1988). Nationally, the ESIP made good progress with release of the varieties, Awash 1050,
the popular ETS series, and Gambella 1107 (E 35-1) that has been widely used in ICRISAT breeding
programs (Reddy et al., 2004).
In general, about 9, 824 sorghum germplasm accessions were collected and maintained by ESIP and
the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation (IBC). Recently, diverse source of more than 10,000 sorghum
accession were collected and conserved in Ethiopian Institute of Biodiversity and Conservation (EIBC);
consisting diversity form cultivated and its wild relatives represent possible of germplasma for crop
improvement and providing source of noble traits (EIAR, 2014).
2.3.5 Importance of Genetic Diversity
Genetic diversity is the base for survival of plants in nature and for crop improvement. Diversity in
plant genetic resources provides opportunity for plant breeders to develop new and improved cultivars
with desirable characteristics, which include both farmer-preferred traits (high yield potential, large
seed, etc.) and breeder-preferred traits (pest and disease resistance and photosensitivity, etc.). From the
very beginning of agriculture, natural genetic variability has been exploited within crop species to meet
subsistence food requirement. Later the focus shifted to grow surplus food for growing populations.
Presently the focus is on both yield and quality aspects of major food crops to provide balanced diet to
human beings(Bhandari et al., 2017).
With changing climatic scenario, breeding of climate resilient varieties is becoming more important.
The existence of genetic diversity represented in the form of wild species, related species, breeding
stocks, mutant lines etc. may serve as the source of desirable alleles and may assist plant breeders in
breeding climate resilient varieties. The breeding of climate resilient varieties requires novel traits like
International Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences (IJRSAS) Page | 16
Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review

tolerance towards potential new insect-pests and diseases, extreme heat, extreme cold, and towards
various air- and soil- pollutants. For ever-changing breeding goals, different genes need to be reserved
in cultivated and cultivable crops species in the form of germplasm resources. Presence of genetic
diversity within and between crop plant species permits the breeders to select superior genotypes either
to be directly used as new variety or to be used as parent in hybridization programme. Genetic diversity
between two parents is essential to realize heterosis and to obtain transgressive segregants.
Genetic diversity facilitates breeders to develop varieties for specific traits like quality improvement
and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It also facilitates development of new lines for non-
conventional uses like varieties for biofuel in sorghum, maize etc. Diversity is also important with
respect to adaptability of crop plants to varied environments with special reference to changing climatic
conditions(Bhandari et al., 2017).Sorghum is believed to have a wide range of diverse germplasm. Plant
genetic resources play an important role in generating new high yielding crop varieties with desired
traits. Various research methodologies are employed in in situ and ex situ conservation of genetic
diversity in plants. The amount of genetic diversity and rate of genetic erosion is quantified in various
crops using different methods and models (Shehzad and Okuno, 2014)
3. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The challenge for young plant breeders is to create enough genetic variability to keep improving genetic
yield potential. Plant breeders might utilize exotic non adapted material, exotic adapted material or
existing elite material as a source of new alleles that will protect and improve genetic gain through
selection.
Plant breeding is facing challenge to feed the ever increasing population with diminishing cultivable
land. Modern plant breeding has achieved some success in this regard. However, it has resulted in the
genetic vulnerability because of narrow genetic base of cultivated varieties in many crops. Hence, there
is a need of paradigm shift in plant breeding focussing on diverse genetic resources. Genetic diversity
has now been acknowledged as a specific area that can contribute in food and nutritional security. Better
understanding of genetic diversity will help in determining what to conserve as well as where to
conserve. Genetic diversity of crop plants is the foundation for the sustainable development of new
varieties. So there is a need to characterize the diverse genetic resources using different statistical tools
and utilize them in the breeding programme. Morphological data in conjunction with molecular data
are used for precise characterisation of germplasm resources. With the advent of high throughput
molecular marker technologies it is possible to characterize larger number of germplasm with limited
time and resources.
In summarizing, the Ethiopian Center of Crop Diversity contains enormous wealth of genetic variability
in the sorghums. It needs some concerted effort to adequately collect and preserve this genetic
variability before it is invaded and destroyed by improved uniform varieties and modern technology.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The reviewer acknowledged the Researchers who had studied improvement of sorghum genetic
variability and divergence.
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Citation: Werkissa Yali Kebbede., “Genetic Variability and Divergence in Sorghum: Review” International
Journal of Research Studies in Agricultural Sciences (IJRSAS), 2020; 6(5), pp. 11-20, http://dx.doi.org/
10.20431/2454-6224.0605002
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