Résumé
Sweet sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor (L) Moench) is a potential alternative to sugarcane for dry areas and may serve as substrate for bio-alcohol production (Tuck et al. 2006) while producing grain for human consumption and/or feed. Moreover sorghum is drought and heat resistant and thus well adapted to conditions brought about by climate fluctuations (Borrell et al. 2000). Recent research indicated that many West African sorghum cultivars produce a large stock of sucrose that is not mobilized for grain filling; diverse germplasm is available for desirable traits for dual purpose sorghums (sugar X grain, Reddy et al. 2007). However, sorghum sweetness is a complex trait, highly prone to GxE (Genotype x Environment) interactions that are still poorly understood, as well as its competition with grain filling. A study was recently initiated to provide a functional analysis of the GxE control of sucrose accumulation in sorghum stems and its competition with grain filling. The present study focuses on the analysis, on contrasted or manipulated (pruned, sterile) genotypes, the variability in sorghum ability to accumulate sucrose while maintaining grain.