Genotype and Environment Effects on the Popping Characteristics of Grain Sorghum

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is one of several caryopses that can be popped, but there is little information on the relative popping capacity of different sorghum varieties. The objectives of this study were to assess the variation among sorghum genotypes for popping and to determine the relative effects of genotype and environment on those traits. Eight grain sorghum entries differing in seed color, size, and test weight were evaluated for popping efficiency and expansion ratio. Differences existed among genotypes for both popping efficiency and expansion ratio. Three genotypes were grown in four locations across Texas, and analysis of grain samples from each location revealed that both genotype and environment influenced popping characteristics but the genotype effect was substantially larger than the environment effect. A genotype x environment interaction was also detected, but it did not affect the relative ranking of the best and worst varieties. Compared to popcorn, R11404 had similar popping efficiency but lower expansion ratio. There was variation in popping ability among sorghum genotypes, and it is possible to identify genotypes that have good popping characteristics.