Representative data on genotypic differences in sorghum root characteristics are examined for prospective use in applied breeding programmes. Significant genotype differences in root characteristics observed are: root-length density at lower depths when the crop 15 grown
on stored. soil moisture. root-shoot ratios early establishment of nodal
Roots In seedlings, and microbial associations of roots. Four-fold genotypic differences root-shoot ratio were found at the seedling stage, but
high ontogenic shifts negated these differences at later stages. Hence
. sorghum breeding for efficient root systems should be confined to well-
defined target environments with specific objectives
