Performance and utilization of local sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in West Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Sorghum was seen as one of the crops best suited to future climate change due to its ability to adapt to conditions. such as drought, salinity and high temperatures. This study was aim to know the performance and utilization of local sorghum in West Nusa Tenggara especially in Bima District. A collection of sorghum samples was performed on a population of sorghum farmers in both small and larger planting areas. Observations were made on the characteristics of plant and panicle. In addition, interviews were conducted on farmers using questionnaires to obtain data on harvested area, planting location, harvest time, and sorghum utilization. Qualitative data obtained were analyzed descriptively and presented in tables and figures, while quantitative data were analyzed using Annova test continued by BNJ/Tukey at 0.05 level of significant. There are six (6) local sorghum varieties whose appearance are very different from one another namely gando bura, gando keta, gando keta 2, latu kala, latu keta, and latu keta 2. Varieties had effect on plant height, diameter of stem, leaf size and panicle length. Apart from being distinguished by the color of the husk, they are also distinguished from the shape and presence of fur at the tip seed. Specifically gando bura variety has the ability producing until 12 tillers. Sorghum has been consumed by Bima community as a main food mixed with rice, as well as processed food such as dodol sorghum and sorghum porridge.