Leaf and Panicle Size of Sorghum Parents and Hybrids1

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) parents and hybrids were measured for leaf blade width and length and their panicles were weighed. Each entry was observed for time of floral initiation and time of flowering. Hybrids had smaller leaf blade areas at maturity than female parents and differences in leaf blade area appeared not to be important differences between parents and hybrids. Panicles of hybrids were heavier than those of parents and were produced in less time. The important difference between parents and hybrids appeared to be a difference in growth rate in favor of hybrids that began in the embryo and finally resulted in larger panicles in hybrids.