Screening for Cold Tolerance during Germination within Sweet and Fiber Sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for Energy Biomass

Within the project “BIOSEA” funded by Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, a preliminary laboratory test was conducted to assess variability for cold tolerance during germination in 30 cultivars biomass sorghum, among fiber sweet types. Seed (%) mean time (MGT) were examined at seven constant temperatures (from 8 °C 35 °C) base temperature (Tb) thermal (?T) 50% calculated. A wide genetic diversity response sorghum ascertained (CV 45%) 10 25.4%). At °C, ‘Padana 4’, ‘PR811F’, ‘PSE24213’, ‘PR849’ ‘Zerberus’, seed exceeded 80%. Seeds ‘Zerberus’ also fastest, requiring less than 13 days final this low temperature. Great differences found Tb ?T cultivars. varied between 7.44 (‘PR811F’) 13.48 (‘Nectar’). Thermal was, on average, 24.09 °Cd?1, ranged 16.62 (‘Nectar’) 33.42 °Cd?1 (‘PSE24213’). The best combination two parameters (i.e., ?T) corresponded ‘Sucrosorgo 506’, ‘Jumbo’ ‘PR811F’. Accordingly, these are more tolerant stress and, thus, adapt early spring sowings Mediterranean areas (March-April). Cultivars ‘PR811F’ (fiber type) 506’ (sweet combine high with good productivity terms dry biomass, as assessed open-field conditions (late sowing). variation is useful identification genotypes suitable semi-arid areas. Selection within existing may contribute expansion into cooler cultivation areas, such those Northern Europe, which warm season crop.