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Growth of biomass sorghum under semi-arid conditions in Mediterranean regions is mainly hindered by water deficit. This study aimed at evaluating sorghum genotypes for biomass performance and drought resistance at the seedling stage and in field conditions in Italy. Data from seventy-five lines and two hybrids revealed that tropical sorghum landraces could achieve high levels (33-51 t ha(-1) under irrigation, and 20-29 t ha(-1) under rain-fed experiments) of total aboveground dry biomass yield. Certain of them displayed contemporarily tolerance to water deficit stress at the seedling stage and in open-field. Performance tinder rain-fed conditions was significantly associated with green leaf area retention (r: -0.47; P: 0.001), plant height (r: 0.50; P: 0.001), and maturity (r: 0.61; P: 0.001). Differences in biomass potential contributed to dry matter yield differences tinder water limiting conditions. Tolerance index of seedling shoot and that of root, respectively tinder mild drought and warm and high water shortage-stressed environments, proved interesting indicators of drought resistance and aboveground biological yield in open-field conditions. A stay-green source (SDS 1948-3) along with two senescent types (IS 23509 and IS 33350) were identified and would be of greater interest in drought resistance breeding research.