Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, 2n = 2x = 20) is one of the most important cereal crops globally, recognized for its exceptional adaptability to harsh environments, nutritional richness, and economic relevance, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic variability, heritability, and trait associations among 50 sorghum genotypes under saline soil conditions. Twelve quantitative traits were evaluated, revealing significant genotypic differences for all traits studied. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation (GCV and PCV) were recorded for panicle weight, grain yield per plant, biological yield, harvest index, and flag leaf Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, indicating considerable genetic diversity and a low environmental influence. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance for these traits suggests the predominance of additive gene action, making them amenable to improvement through phenotypic selection. Principal component analysis (PCA) and biplot visualization further aided in identifying key traits contributing to genetic divergence and helped classify salt-tolerant genotypes. Genotypes such as SGP-GS-36, BP-53, and SGP-GS-74 were identified as superior performers under saline conditions. The study provides valuable insights for developing salt-tolerant sorghum varieties suitable for cultivation in the salt-affected regions of Gujarat and beyond

Sorghum, Salt, Variability, Phenotypic coefficient of variation, Heritability, Genetic advance

The present study revealed substantial genetic variability among 50 sorghum genotypes under saline conditions, particularly for key traits such as panicle weight, grain yield, biological yield, and flag leaf Na⁺/K⁺ ratio. High heritability and high genetic advance for these traits indicate the predominance of additive gene action, suggesting that phenotypic selection would be effective for improvement. Genotypes such as SGP-GS-36, BP-53, and SGP-GS-74 demonstrated superior salt tolerance by maintaining lower Na⁺/K⁺ ratios. PCA analysis further supported the identification of salt-tolerant genotypes by highlighting the major contributing traits. Traits with low GCV and PCV, like days to flowering and maturity, showed limited scope for improvement. Overall, the findings provide a strong foundation for selecting and developing salt-tolerant sorghum varieties suitable for cultivation in saline soils of Gujarat and similar agro-ecological regions

Sunil K. Patel, B.K. Davda, Ketan Kanjariya and Haimil Joshi (2025). Evaluation of Morphological and Biochemical Traits for Salt Tolerance in Sorghum Genotypes. Biological Forum, 17(7): 155-160