Evaluation of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Varieties, for Yield and Yield Components at Kako, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment involving seven improved sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties and one local check was carried out at Kako farmers' training center during the 2006 main cropping season to identify the best performing variety to the lowlands of South Omo Zone. The sorghum varieties included in the field experiment were seven improved (Seredo, Meko-1, 76TI#23, Gambella 1107, Teshale, Gubiye, Abshir) and a local check. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Phenological and growth parameters such as yield and yield components, total biomass and harvest index were studied. The result showed that all phenological and growth parameters were significantly affected by variety except number of tillers and panicle length per plant. There was a proportional increment on the number of tillers per plant observed for the improved sorghum varieties over the local check. Grain yield, total biomass, 1000 seeds weight and harvest index were significantly affected by variety. Grain yield advantages of 74.26%, 64.96% and 58.06%, were obtained from the improved sorghum varieties Teshale, Meko-1 and Gambella 1107, respectively over the local check. The highest grain yields of (3.3667 t ha -1) and (2.4733 t ha -1) were recorded for the varieties Teshale and Meko-1, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved sorghum varieties such as Teshale or Meko-1 is advisable and could be appropriate for sorghum production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.