RA 00048.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

A Breeding Procedure for Combining High Protein and High Lysine
with Plump Corneous Seeds of Sorghum
V. Jaya Mohan Rao and N. G. P. Rao
Abstract
The transference of the high lysine trait to a plump, corneous endosperm at normal protein levels is yet to be
accomplished and distinct guidelines to breeders are not presently available. Based on a comprehensive study
involving derived plump and shrivelled lines from the high lysine Ethiopian parentage and P-721, it has been possible to
identify crosses which did not exhibit the general negative relationship between protein and lysine. The studies
yielded data on criteria for choice of parents, the direction of the cross, character associations, nature of gene action
and mating systems.
Note on Sorghum insect Pests in Upper Volta
S. M. Bonzi
Abstract
Sorghum is the main food crop in Upper Volta. The most common insect pests are sorghum midge, stem borer
(Busseola fusca) and shoot fly. The drought that occurred in the seventies in the Sahel Region of West Africa favored
some less polyphagous pests, Poophilus costalis and aphids being among them.
Consumer Preferences and the Adoption of New Cultivars in Sahelian
West Africa
W. M. M. Morris
Abstract
About 8 5 % of the sorghum and millets produced in West Africa is consumed by the producer—it does not reach a
market. Over the past 15years the rate of increase in production of sorghum and millets has been 1.8%, year with a
population increase of 2.8%/year. Coastal countries, Senegal, Mauritania, and Gambia, have been increasingly
importing wheat and rice at the rate of about 10%, year. While there are organized grain markets there is a failure to
guarantee price because of a lack of ability by the government to buy, store, and market a surplus crop. Market prices
fall and the farmer loses incentive to produce.
The farmer has an array of varieties and he sows them according to such factors as soil type and fertility, rainfall, risk
aversion and consumer preference. There are changes in food habits; the younger generation may prefer to eat pasta
noodles or spaghetti rather than traditonal td resulting in differences for grain type within a family. Preferences for
good milling quality, color, clean, insect-free sound seed exist both in the market as well as the home. A better
understanding of indigenous knowledge on varietal preference is important.
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