Esterase isozyme analysis of five varieties of Sorghum sudanense

Esterase isozyme in leaf and root of 5 varieties of Sorghum sudanense registered in China were analyzed using PEGA technique associated with determination of soluble sugar. The results indicated that the number of bands presented in leaf was less than those presented in roots and varied from 28 to 46. Among 5 varieties, the band color presented in Rf 0.84 in Ningnong was similar to that of Wulate No.1 which was stained in dark brown, this band in Xinsu No.2 and Yanchi was stained to brown, while it was disappeared in Qitai variety. Band numbers in roots in 5 varieties varied from 35 to 49, according to the color characteristics of band presented at Rf 0.84, 5 varieties could be classified into 3 groups. Xinsu No.2 and Yanchi were in group 1and the band color at Rf 0.84 was dark brown. Ningnong and Wulate No.1 were in group 2 and the band color was brown, while it was absent in Qitai. It could be concluded that esterase isozyme analysis was an effective method for identifying the varieties of S. sudanense.