Evaluation of improved sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) varieties for moisture deficit areas of Konso, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment involving seven improved sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties and one local check was carried out at Konso Woreda at Arfayde, Fuchucha and Sorobo farmers’ training center during the 2016-2017 main cropping season to identify the best performing variety to the moisture deficit areas of Segen area people zone. The seven improved sorghum varieties include (Melkam, Seredo, Meko-1, 76TI#23, Teshale, Gubiye, Dekeba) and a local check. The experimental was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters such as yield and yield components were studied. The result showed that all phenological and growth parameters were significantly affected by variety, also grain yield were significantly affected by variety. Grain yield accounted for 75.28 and 50.74% at Sorobo, 5 3.46 and 51.28% at Arfayde were obtained from the improved sorghum varieties Melkam and Teshale respectively, 58 and 40% were obtained from the improved sorghum varieties 76T1#23 and melkam at Fuchucha respectively over the local check. The highest grain yields of 2.67 and 1.34 t ha-1 at Sorobo, 4.4667 and 4.2667 t/ha) at Arfayde were recorded for the varieties Melkam and Teshale, respectively. Whereas 4.2 and 2.93 t/ha grain yield at Fuchucha were recorded for the varieties 76T1#23 and Melkam, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of the improved sorghum varieties such as Melkam or Teshale is advisable and could be appropriate for sorghum production in the studied areas even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.