Purpose Sorghum Research Articles

Identifying Suitable Dual Purpose Sorghum OPVs Lines using GGE Biplot across Three Agro-Ecological Environments in Niger Republic

Objectives: Shortages in animal feed are common in Niger, often resulting in livestock death. Among adaptation strategies for this crisis, some dual-purpose sorghum lines suitable were developed for both grain and fodder. The aim of this study was to identify the ideal genotypes for southern Niger republic using GGE Biplot model. Methodology and Results: Thirty sorghum elite lines were evaluated in three locations (Tarna, Aderaoua and Bengou) for the dual-purpose traits (grain and fodder) and for yields stability in Niger. The traits were implemented following an Alpha Lattice design with three replications. Data on grain yield (GY) and fodder yield (FY) were collected and used as variables in this study. A combined analysis of variance showed a highly significant effect of the genotypes, environments and genotypes x environment interaction. The GGE Biplot model was performed to identify the most stable lines across environments. The results showed two megaenvironments for GY while for FY three megaenvironments were identified. For GY the genotypes that performed well in each environment based on the “which-won-where” polygon were G1 and G3 in Bengou megaenvironment and G28, G26 in Tarna-Aderaoua megaenvironment. For FY G25 was the vertex thus best genotype at Tarna, G10 at Aderaoua and G4 at Bengou. The site comparison biplot revealed that Aderaoua was the best environment for evaluating dual purpose sorghum genotypes in Niger. Conclusions and application of findings: For dual purpose (GY and FY) production in southern zone of Niger G25 (MDK), G20 (ICSX14 018 BCJP-14-1-SB6) and G4 (CSM63E) recorded a good and stable potential production for both GY (1310 kg/ha to 1740 kg/ha) and FY (10484 kg/ha to 12889 kg/ha), and are therefore recommended for scaling up and further breeding activities.

Telangana Jonna 1(CSV 41): A High Yielding, Dual Purpose, Potential Sorghum Variety

Aims: The aim of this study was popularize the developed high yielding, dual purpose, potential sorghum variety and its acceptability by the farming community.
 Study of Design: Randomized Block Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The Present study was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Nagarkurnool and evaluated across fifteen AICRP centers at national level from 2010 to 2019.
 Methodology: A high yielding, dual purpose sorghum variety was derived from a cross between SPV-86 x ICSR-89064 through Pedigree method of breeding and subsequently it was evaluated at station level from 2013 – 2015 and also at AICRP system from fifteen centers during 2016 – 2018 for its grain and fodder yield and resistance to pests and diseases and showed superior performance over the three nation checks.
 Results: Sorghum culture SPV 2437 recorded highest grain and fodder yield of 3179.8 kg ha-1 and15900.2 kg ha-1and yielded +39.25%, +3.86% and +14.88% higher grain yield and +92.48, +13.59, and +8.46 higher fodder yield superiority than checks CSV 17, CSV 20 and CSV-27 and shown 3.67 mean field grade and 4.37 mean threshed grade showing resistant reaction to grain mold disease.
 Conclusion: The sorghum variety SPV 2437 with higher grain and fodder yield, resistance to pest and disease and good cooking quality as compared to the check varieties was released through central varietal release committee during 2020 for Zone I (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Gujarat states) on the name of Telangana Jonna 1/CSV 41 and gaining its importance across the states for its high potential yield.

Phenotypic stability and adaptability of sweet sorghum genotypes evaluated in different Brazilian regions

Sweet sorghum is a special purpose sorghum with a sugar-rich stalk, almost like sugarcane. The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenotypic stability and adaptability of sweet sorghum genotypes, in different Brazilian regions, for the production of bioethanol. Twenty-five sweet sorghum genotypes were evaluated in 10 environments distributed in the Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, and Southern regions of Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three repetitions. The following agroindustrial traits were evaluated: fresh biomass yield (FBY), total soluble solids content (TSS) and tons of Brix per hectare (TBH). The adaptability and stability analyzes were performed with the methods GGEbiplot and Annicchiarico methodologies. The Annicchiarico and GGEbiplot adaptability and stability study methods presented satisfactory and consistent results and can be used separately or together in sweet sorghum breeding programs, and B005 and B008 sweet sorghum genotypes presented superior performance, with similar classification in both methods studied.

Induced variability and assessment of mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency in sorghum genotypes [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Purpose Sorghum is an important cereal crop, cultivated for food, fodder and biofuel. Mutation breeding techniques are used to create genetic variability for qualitative and quantitative traits in crop plants. The purpose of this study was to create induced variability and estimate mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of physical and chemical mutagens in two sorghum cultivars. Materials and methods Gamma rays (100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy, Co60 source, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai, India), ethyl methane sulfonate (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4% EMS, Sigma-Aldrich, Bangalore, India) and their combinations were used to mutagenize 296B (rainy season) and Parbhani moti (post-rainy) cultivars. Morphological and yield traits were analyzed for enhanced variability in qualitative and quantitative traits across M2 and M3 generations. Results Based on the mutagenic sensitivity, lethal dose at 50% survivability (LD50) for both the genotypes was found to be 269–281 Gy in case of gamma rays and 0.32–0.33% for EMS. Based on reduced germination and survivability, mutagenic sensitivity was dose dependent and genotype independent. High frequency of chlorophyll mutations (albino, xantha, viridis, variegated and chlorina) was linearly correlated with dose in both the genotypes. Among the favorable mutants, dwarf and brown midrib were isolated from Parbhani moti population, which could be used in the cross breeding programs. A combined treatment, 100 Gy + 0.1% EMS showed high mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency. Enhanced genetic variation for quantitative traits as measured by wide range values and coefficient of variation was attributed to the effect of physical and chemical mutagens. Early flowering and high grain yield (24–49% increase over control) mutants were identified in M2 and validated in M3 generation in both genotypes. Conclusions This study has revealed wide genetic variability and better effectiveness and efficiency of the physical (300 Gy) and chemical mutagens (0.2%) and their combination (200 Gy + 0.2%) across two sorghum genotypes. Significant correlations identified between quantitative traits will help in better selection in the segregating generations.

Development of Dual Purpose Sorghum [Sorghum Bicolor (L.) Moench] Hybrid for Kharif Season Having Higher Grain and Fodder Yield of SPH 1641

Due to variable use, drought hardiness, stability of yield and adoptability over wide range of climate, sorghum has maintained its importance and dependability. Dual purpose kharif sorghum hybrid SPH1641 line was developed by using new CMS line PMS71A having wide adoptability across season (kharif and rabi) and high yielding restorer line KR196 at Sorghum Research Station, Parbhani. On the basis of 5 years testing (kharif 2009-14) SPH 1641 recorded the advantage of 13.38 and 16.06 % for grain and 11.52 and 21.57% for fodder yield, over checks CSH 25 and CSH 16 in Maharashtra State Multi location Varietal cum Hybrid Trials. Grain (crude protein 9.8%) and stover quality (IVOMD 43.5%) parameters of this hybrid were comparable with checks. SPH 1641 is moderately tolerant to grain mold (FGMR 3.95 and TGMR 3.00), shoot fly and stem borer as well. Hence the hybrid is released for commercial cultivation in kharif sorghum growing areas of Maharashtra State in 2015.
 Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(2): 245-251, 2021 (June)

Effect of complete diets containing different dual-purpose sorghum stovers on nutrient utilization and growth performance in sheep

The complete diets containing different dual-purpose sorghum stovers were evaluated for their comparative effect on nutrient utilization and growth performance of ram lambs. Twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs of 4–6 months old (body weight, 14.39 ± 0.24 kg) were divided into four groups of six animals each in a completely randomized design. Experimental rations containing different sorghum stovers and concentrate ingredients were processed into mash and offered in the form of complete rations viz. local sorghum, Phule chitra, IS 12015 and IS 23143-based diets. Significant variations were found among the four sorghum cultivars (local Sorghum and 3 dual purpose cultivars: Phule chitra, IS 12015, and IS 23143) in all the chemical constituents, except for ether extract, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). The effects on in vitro gas production parameters were not appreciable. The cultivar based complete rations did not influence the weekly body weight changes of lambs during 120-day growth trial. Dry matter intake (DMI) of lambs fed dual purpose sorghum stover based rations was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the local sorghum stover based ration. Although the diets did not affect the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the dual purpose sorghum stover-based ration needed high cost per kg mutton production. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and total carbohydrates (TCHO) were higher (P < 0.05) in the rations prepared from the stovers of improved sorghum cultivars. The crude protein (CP) digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Phule chitra based ration. Even though the diets did not affect Ca and P balance, a tendency of lower (P = 0.09) urinary Ca and P retention was found in sheep fed local sorghum-based ration. It can be concluded that among the four evaluated sorghum cultivars, Phule chitra cultivar performed better in terms of growth and nutrient utilization.

A new high yielding dual purpose sorghum variety CO 32 for Tamil Nadu

The sorghum culture TNS 648 (APK 1 x M35-1) recorded an average grain yield of 2445 kg/ha and fodder yield of 6490 kg/ha with an increase of 10.30 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively over CO 30 under rainfed condition. It also excelled K 12 by recording a 9.17 per cent and 13 per cent increase for grain and fodder yield, respectively. In irrigated situation, TNS 648 recorded an average grain yield of 2911 Kg/ha and fodder yield of 11710 kg/ha with a yield increase of 12 per cent and 10, respectively overruling sorghum variety CO 30. TNS 648 also performed better over K12 by recording an 11.32 per cent and 14 per cent increase for grain and fodder yield, respectively. Under AICRP on Sorghum national level testing, TNS 648 recorded a mean yield of 3100 Kg/ha and fodder yield of 11453 Kg/ha and excelled CSV 17 by recording 6.11 and 29.99 per cent increase of grain and fodder yield, respectively. It matures in 105 - 110 days, Grains are highly acceptable, yellowish white in colour, borne on medium semi-compact ear heads. The sorghum culture TNS 648 is moderately resistant to important shoot pests viz., shoot fly and stem borer. It is moderately resistant to downy mildew and grain mold. It has high protein (11.31-14.66 %) and fiber content (5.8 %) along with better cooking quality traits. Hence, the promising culture TNS 648 has been proposed for new release during 2020 and released as sorghum CO 32 for general cultivation in Tamil Nadu for both under rainfed and irrigated condition.

Suitable weed management practices for dual purpose Sorghum K12 under Irrigated condition

A field experiment was investigated at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam for evaluating suitable weed management practices for dual purpose sorghum variety K 12 (Sorghum bicolor L.) under irrigated condition during rabi season, 2019-20. The experimental design used for the investigation was Randomized Block Design having three replications and twelve treatments. The weed management practices comprised of pre emergence herbicides namely atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 and pendimethalin @ 0.5 kg ha-1, post emergence herbicides viz., 2,4-D @ 0.5 kg ha-1 and metsulfuron methyl @ 6 g ha-1 with combination of hand weeding and mechanical weeding. Observations on weeds like weed flora, weed dry weight, weed density, weed control efficiency and on growth parameters like plant height, leaf length and breadth and yield parameters like grain and stover yield were documented. The field was infested with all three genera of weeds viz. grasses, broadleaved weeds and sedges. The results obtained from the experiment revealed that the weed density and weed dry weight was higher on the unweeded plot, which produced the lowest grain and stover yield of 1672 kg ha-1 and 5380 kg ha-1, respectively. Application of atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as pre emergence + one hand weeding at 40 DAS showed a better control over the weeds with a weed control efficiency of 97.0 per cent, which ultimately resulted in higher yield producing 3998 kg ha-1 of grains and 11534 kg ha-1 of stover yield. However, this was on par with weed free check which produced the maximum yield compared to all the other treatments. The weeds accounts around 51.4% and 39.4% of grain and stover yield reduction, respectively.

General and specific combining ability in dual purpose sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The aim of this study was to evaluate the general combining ability of sorghum lines and the specific combining ability of the hybrids for yield and its related traits. Three fertility restorer lines, ten male-sterile lines, and their hybrids from line x tester mating design crosses were evaluated in RBD with three replications in four environments. Analysis was performed using the Griffing’s method of diallel (1956) for individual environments and Daljit Singh (1979) for over the environments. There was a significant effect of GCA and SCA for most of the traits evaluated, indicating the participation of additive or domi­nant genes in inheritance. The restorer line SPV 1822 and five male sterile lines ICSA 29003, ICSA 29004, ICSA 29011, ICSA 29014 and ICSA 29016 show potential for use as parents in sorghum breeding programs. Crosses ICSA 29004 × SPV 1822 and ICSA 29012 × SPV 1822 were identified for multilocation testing.

Influence of plant spacing, nutrient levels and foliar nutrition on growth, yield and quality of dual purpose sorghum K12 under rainfed condition

Influence of plant spacing, nutrient levels and foliar nutrition on growth, yield and quality of dual purpose sorghum K12 under rainfed condition

Sorghum K 12(TKSV 0809) - A high yielding dual purpose sorghum variety for southern district of Tamil Nadu

Sorghum K 12 (TKSV 0809) is a high yielding dual-purpose sorghum variety identified for winter rainfed vertisol tracts of southern districts of Tamil Nadu. TKSV 0809 is a hybrid derivative of the cross SPV 772 x S 35-29 and evolved with an objective of development of high yielding dual-purpose short duration sorghum variety suitable for winter rainfed vertisol tracts of Tamil Nadu. TKSV 0809 was released as Sorghum K 12 variety to replace the existing variety K 8 during 2015 from Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti. K 12 sorghum is a short duration variety which matures in 95-100 days. K 12 sorghum is a photo insensitive variety suitable for growing in all seasons of Tamil Nadu against the ruling variety K8 which is photosensitive and suitable for Kharif season only. It recorded an average grain yield of 3123 kg/ha under the rainfed condition which is 22.4 and 23.9 per cent increased over the check K 8 and CSV 17 respectively. The K 12 Sorghum exhibited a potential grain yield of 5801 kg/ha under summer irrigated condition which is 139.3 per cent increased yield over check variety K 8.&nbsp; K 12 sorghum (TKSV 0809) is a dual-purpose variety with an average dry fodder yield of 11.9 tonnes /ha. The dry fodder yield was 31.8% increased yield over local check K 8 and 40.7% over zonal check CSV 17. The grains are creamy white in colour and suitable for cooking, popping, flaking and other value-added products. It is moderately resistant to shoot fly, stem borer and resistant to downy mildew.

Chemical composition, kinetics of degradation, and digestibility of forage of different purpose sorghum cultivars

The aim of the study was to identify suitability of different purpose sorghum cultivars for silage production and for green chopping, at the first and second season, based on the chemical composition and degradation kinetics. The experiment was based on a randomized block design with four replicates, with sowing in the months of November and March, as the first and second season, respectively. The trial was conducted at the Plant Production Sector of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondonia, Colorado do Oeste campus, and chemical analyses were performed at the Animal Nutrition Laboratory of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiaba campus. The treatments comprised six sorghum hybrids of different purposes (BRS 308 and BRS 310, grain sorghum; BRS 655 and BRS 610, forage sorghum; BRS 506 and CMSXS 647, sweet sorghum). The chemical composition, digestibility, and kinetic parameters were evaluated. At the first season, there was a higher digestibility (P < 0.0001) for sweet sorghum BRS 506, while for the second season, both grain sorghum BRS 308 and sweet sorghum cultivars BRS 506 and CMSXS 647 presented higher digestibility (P = 0.0005). Considering the nutritional value, all sorghum cultivars have the potential to produce silage, or to be used as green chop, at the first and second season.

YS-16: A high yielding dual purpose sorghum variety

Sorghum is an important dual purpose (grain and fodder) crop in Punjab, Pakistan. It is a good substitute for maize and is important as poultry feed because it is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins. A previous variety, YSS-98, became susceptible to foliar diseases and subsequently failed to provide satisfactory grain and fodder yields. A new genotype, YS-16, was developed with high grain and fodder yields and tolerance to foliar diseases. This genotype was sent to the expert subcommittee and approved with the name YS-16. The variety was selected through continuous selection from a germplasm received from ICRISAT India during Kharif-1987 and planted at the Maize & Millet Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal. This sorghum variety has the potential to produce a grain yield of 6,220 kg/ha, which is not only higher than the check variety but also higher than commercial hybrids. YS-16 was better in varietal yield trials, adaptability yield trials, at different farms, and in national uniform yield trials during 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. YS-16 also proved superior in stalk yield to check variety YSS-98 in varietal trials. The maturation period of YS-16 is 125 to 135 days. Due to its high sugar contents (Brix 18%), its stover is more palatable to milch animals. It is suitable for medium soil. YS-16 is the best variety recommended by the Punjab Seed Council due to height, sweetness, remaining green at maturity, higher grain yield and better lodging resistance due to strong root anchoring.

Influence Plant Geometry, Macro and Micro Nutrients on Yield and Nutrient uptake of Dual Purpose Sorghum under Rainfed Vertisols

Influence Plant Geometry, Macro and Micro Nutrients on Yield and Nutrient uptake of Dual Purpose Sorghum under Rainfed Vertisols

Effect of growth stage on fodder yield and quality of dual purpose sorghum

Mwangi PG, Gachuiri CK, Mbugua PN. 2017. Effect of growth stage on fodder yield and quality of dual purpose sorghum. Trop Drylands 1: 100-104. Improved Dual Purpose Sorghum (IDPS) (Sorghum bicolor-Var Ikinyaruka) were yielded at six physiological growth stages to evaluate the impact of growth stage on crop and feed quality. Six treatments based on sorghum growth’s physiological stage were randomly administered to the plot in a block and replicated three times. The treatments were IDPS yielded at bloom stage (PS1), soft dough stage (PS2), hard dough stage (PS3), physiological maturity stage (stalks with grains), (PS4), physiological maturity stage (stalks without grains) (PS5), and 1 month post grain reap (PS6). The parameters monitored were Dry Matter (DM) crop, Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL), In vitro Dry Matter Digestibility (IVDMD) and shoot count. The highest DM crop (18.0 ton/ha) was achieved at PS4 secernated with 8.69, 12.75, 16.27 17.04 and 13.04 ton/ha for PS1, PS2, PS3, PS5 and PS6, respectively. CP reduced with maturity from 8.6 at PS1 to 7.98, 7.96, 7.61, and 6.77 to 6.72 at PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 respectively. NDF and ADF at PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 were 54.4, 60.8, 65.71, 65.93, 66.73 70.3 and 27.93, 35.96, 41.98, 41.97, 42.04, 46.05 respectively. ADL was 3.44, 5.03, 7.38, 7.39, 7.42, and 8.3 for PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 respectively. Highest fodder IVDMD of 60.72 was at PS1 secernated with 60.12, 54.73, 53.82, 53.56 and 45.75 achieved at PS2, PS3, PS4, PS5 and PS6 respectively. The PS3 growth stage yielded in fodder material with highest nutritive value while highest fodder yields were achieved at PS4. Reaping at PS5 supplied both fodder and grains for livestock and human consumption respectively. It was proven that crop and quality of IDPS were affected by age at reaping time.

Fermentation characteristics of different purpose sorghum silage

Sorghum stands out among other plants recommended for ensiling due to its forage composition, its resistance to drought, and its planting range. New cultivars of grain and sweet sorghum that can be used for silage production are available, but there is little information regarding their ensiling characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics at the ensiling of different purpose sorghum cultivars, at two crop periods. The trial was carried out at the Plant Production Department of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia, Colorado do Oeste campus, Rondônia, Brazil, and chemical analyses were performed at the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The experimental design used was a randomized block, in split-plot design, with four replicates. The plot treatments consisted of six sorghum cultivars grown for different purposes (grain sorghum: BRS 308 and BRS 310; forage sorghum: BR 655 and BRS 610; sweet sorghum: BRS 506 and CMSXS 647). Split-plot treatments consisted of two cropping seasons (first crop and second crop). The grain sorghum cultivar BRS 310 was the only one that had suitable dry matter content for ensiling; however, it was also the only one that did not show ideal water soluble carbohydrate content for ensiling. Nevertheless, all treatments presented pH below than 4.2 and ammonia nitrogen lower than 12% of total N, which indicates that the fermentation inside the silo had proceeded well. For sweet sorghum cultivars, higher ethanol and butyric acid content were observed for the first crop than for the second crop. All evaluated sorghum cultivars can be used for silage production, but the use of sweet sorghum is recommended at the second crop.

Fermentation characteristics of different purpose sorghum silage

Sorghum stands out among other plants recommended for ensiling due to its forage composition, its resistance to drought, and its planting range. New cultivars of grain and sweet sorghum that can be used for silage production are available, but there is little information regarding their ensiling characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentation characteristics at the ensiling of different purpose sorghum cultivars, at two crop periods. The trial was carried out at the Plant Production Department of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia, Colorado do Oeste campus, Rondônia, Brazil, and chemical analyses were performed at the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, at the Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá campus, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The experimental design used was a randomized block, in split-plot design, with four replicates. The plot treatments consisted of six sorghum cultivars grown for different purposes (grain sorghum: BRS 308 and BRS 310; forage sorghum: BR 655 and BRS 610; sweet sorghum: BRS 506 and CMSXS 647). Split-plot treatments consisted of two cropping seasons (first crop and second crop). The grain sorghum cultivar BRS 310 was the only one that had suitable dry matter content for ensiling; however, it was also the only one that did not show ideal water soluble carbohydrate content for ensiling. Nevertheless, all treatments presented pH below than 4.2 and ammonia nitrogen lower than 12% of total N, which indicates that the fermentation inside the silo had proceeded well. For sweet sorghum cultivars, higher ethanol and butyric acid content were observed for the first crop than for the second crop. All evaluated sorghum cultivars can be used for silage production, but the use of sweet sorghum is recommended at the second crop.

Development of dual purpose sorghum: correlation and path-coefficient analysis of grain yield and stem sugar traits

Information on the relationship between grain yield, stem sugar and biomass is important in developing dualpurpose sorghums. The objective of this study was to determine, correlations and path-coefficients between grain yield and stem sugar traits. The study was conducted using 100 sorghum genotypes evaluated in six environments in southern Africa. Grain yield, the dependent variable, was positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with stem sugar, stem biomass, days to 50% flowering, number of leaves per plant, plant height and stem diameter. Grain yield was negatively significantly (P<0.05) correlated with stem juice score (r = -0.049), suggesting that high grain yielding cultivars are generally low in stalk juice. However, the significance of the positive correlation coefficient between grain yield and stem sugar (r = 0.071) suggested that the traits are not mutually exclusive. The identification of hybrids that combined high performance for both traits supported this. Path-coefficient analysis revealed that the number of leaves per plant had high, positive direct effect on grain yield, implying that selection for high performance in this trait improves grain yield. In contrast to the overall correlation coefficient, stem sugar had a negative direct effect on grain yield; suggesting that selection for high stem sugar content directly reduces grain yield. However, this was masked by the indirect effect, hence the significant positive and significant (P<0.001) correlation coefficient between the two traits. Key Words : Plant height, stem biomass, stem juice

Nutritional value of sorghum silage of different purposes

ABSTRACT Sorghum is a crop that stands out as an alternative to corn due to lower soil fertility demand and increased tolerance to drought. Lack of information about the qualitative behaviour of sorghum hinders the recommendation of different purpose sorghum cultivars. The goal was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of different purpose sorghum cultivar silages, at two cropping seasons. The trial was conducted at the Plant Production Department, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rondônia, Colorado do Oeste campus, and chemical analyses and in vitro incubation were performed at the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá campus. The experimental design was a randomized block with a split-plot arrangement and four replications. Plot treatments consisted of six different purpose sorghum cultivars (BRS 308 and BRS 310, grain sorghum; BR 655 and BRS 610, forage sorghum; and BRS 506 and CMSXS 647, sweet sorghum). Split-plot treatments consisted of two cropping periods (first crop and second crop). Forage sorghum cultivar BRS 655 demonstrated higher non-fiber carbohydrate content and lower potentially digestible fibre content than the other cultivars did. Sweet sorghum cultivars had higher levels of water soluble carbohydrates and non-protein nitrogen based on protein, lower indigestible neutral detergent fibre content at second crop, and higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than the other cultivars. The silages of sweet sorghum cultivars BRS 506 and CMSXS 647, and forage sorghum cultivar BRS 655 presented higher nutritional values.

Combining Ability and Heterosis of Selected Grain and Forage Dual Purpose Sorghum Genotypes

Sorghum is an important food and feed source in mixed crop-livestock production systems where its dual usage is a preferred option, especially among the resource poor small-scale farmers. Attempts to improve fodder quality traits in maize have been at the expense of grain traits and vice versa, but other studies demonstrated that it was possible to select for high stem biomass without compromising the improvement of grain yields in sorghum. As a follow up to this effort, this study was undertaken to estimate the combining ability of grain and forage sorghum genotypes and determine heterosis for several traits as a criteria for improving dual purpose sorghum cultivars. Four grain and four forage sorghum cultivars were crossed to generate 23 crosses following the half diallel mating design scheme at Makerere University Agricultural Research institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) in 2013. The crosses were evaluated at three locations in Uganda during two rainy seasons of 2014. Data were taken and analysed on leaf area, leaf-stem ratio, plant height, seed weight, grain yield, and biomass. Results indicated that the gene action for the traits under observation was controlled by both additive and non additive genetic effects. Majority of the parental lines had significant GCA estimates for all traits except line 20 for grain yield, lines 22 and 34 for plant height, line 35 for leaf-stem ratio, and line 22 for days to flowering. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) SCA estimates were prominent in most of the individual parental combinations for all traits except leaf area and leaf-stem ratio indicating the role of dominance gene action. Bakers ratio and heritability coefficients were &gt; 52% for biomass, flowering duration and plant height indicating that genetic gains can be achieved by conventional breeding for the three traits. Heterosis in grain yield and biomass over both the mid and better parents was shown by more than half of the crosses studied. This study suggested that both inter and intra allelic interactions were involved in the expression of the traits.