Assessment of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Genotypes for Temperature Tolerance Based on Temperature Induction Response (TIR) Technique

A novel temperature induction response (TIR) technique in Sorghum was standardized as sub lethal i.e. challenging temperatures of 38-56oC (for 5 hours) and lethal temperatures of 57oC (for 3 hours). Using this standardized TIR protocol, highly thermo tolerant genotypes were screened from 27 sorghum entries (parents and hybrids). Amongthem, 104A, M 35-1, PVK 801, 104 A x R 91012, 104 A x PVK 801, AKMS-66-2A x SPV 2758 and AKMS-66-2A x SPV 2468 showed the highest thermo tolerance ability in terms of 75.0 to 87.0 per cent seedlings survival and lower reduction in root and shoot growth. These entries have intrinsic heat tolerance and they can be explored as donor source in breeding programmes aimed.