Intraspecific variations in growth, yield and photosynthesis of sorghum varieties to ambient UV (280–400nm) radiation

► Field study conducted for intraspecific variations in UV-A/B sensitivity of sorghum. ► Cumulative stress response index of sorghum varieties calculated after exclusion of UV-A/B. ► Significant intraspecific variations exist in magnitude of solar UV induced changes. ► Exclusion of solar UV positively regulated all growth/yield parameters in sorghum. ► Absence of ambient UV enhanced photosynthesis consequentially improved yield of sorghum. A field study was conducted to investigate the impact of ambient solar UV on the various growth, physiological and yield parameters of four sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) varieties—Indore-12, Indore-26, CSV-23 and Indore-27 by excluding either UV-B (I-26>I-27. Thus I-27 was the most sensitive and I-12 the least sensitive variety to present level of solar UV radiation. The differences in UV sensitivity identified among sorghum varieties might be useful in breeding programs for increased tolerance to UV-B radiation.