RA 00048.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

The Contribution of IRAT to the Development of Sorghum Varieties and
Hybrids in West Africa
J. Chantereau
Abstract
Initially, in the early 1960s, ecotypes such as Muskwari in Cameroon, Belko and Gnefing in Upper Volta, Tiemarifing in
Mali, Jan Jare and Mourmour in Niger, Congossane SH60 in Senegal were developed by mass and pedigree selection
within locals. A second stage involved the development of earlier, shorter varieties with more compact heads and tan
straw—exotic lines were used. A series of hybrids (IRAT S12 and IRAT 179) and varieties [(IRAT S6. S7, S8 in Upper
Volta, IRAT S10 in Niger, IRAT S11 (CE90), S13 (CE67). S15 (CE99) and (CE111)] in Senegal were developed. Crop
management was found important if increased yields were to be realized from these new varieties and hybrids. Traits
such as resistance to grain mold and food quality were also found to be important. Recent selection for varieties and
hybrids involves these traits plus seedling vigor and related factors contributing to stand establishment. Promising
lines are CE 145-66, CE 151-186, CE 151-262, and CE 157-95.
New seed parents for hybrids have been developed and CE 102A and B and CE 111 A and B are useful in Senegal. In
the north of Senegal, with irrigation, CSH-9 from India, CK 612A from USA. R 7 5 - 1 4 from ICRISAT and the IRAT hybrid
181 are performing well. The importance of linking new varieties and hybrids with improved management practices is
emphasized.
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