The present investigation was undertaken with an objective to characterize DUS and seedling traits in Rabi sorghum landraces of India. The present study clearly indicated that the sorghum genotypes can be distinguished and identified by physiological and biochemical test. The genotype EA 6 was observed with highest (93%) percent of seed germination whereas, EP 84 and EP 87 genotypes showed highest rate, speed and velocity of germination. The genotype SEVS 3 showed 96% of field emergence and genotype EP 97 (15.73cm) was with longest in root length while, PEC 7(15.91cm) was longest in shoot length. The genotype EC 34 showed (2711.46) high vigour index among the genotypes. Physiological observations studied in the present investigation can be helpful to identify the genuineness of the cultivar, planting value and the authenticity of the certified lot. The physiological parameters viz., root length, high vigour index are important traits in drought tolerance screening. Since, these Rabi landraces were collected from the drought prone area of the country, we can assume them as drought tolerant. The physiological traits seed vigour index and field emergence were very important for the evaluation of seed quality. The high vigour index was observed in genotypes EP 59, EA 10 and EA 11 while, the genotypes SEVS 96, EA 11, EP 80 and EP 95 were observed to possess high percent of field emergence. The accessions which were observed with high percentage of germination under cold stress condition were EP 9, EP 41 and SEVS 20.Biochemical observation viz., protein content, starch content, fat content, ash content and electrical conductivity were also studied. The genotype CSV 25 (18.72%) showed high percent of protein while the variety M 35 1 (69.70%) showed high percent of starch content among the studied genotypes. The high protein and starch Rabi landraces could be used to develop trait specific varieties. The sorghum genotypes EA 10, EA 6, EC 11, EC 21, EC 12, PEC 2 and variety M 35 1 were observed to possess high percent of starch, fat, protein and ash. These genotypes with better seedling and biochemical attributes could be suggested for use in the future breeding programmes.

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