Effect of sowing date on development and yield potential of local and improved sorghum varieties in a Southern Guinea Savanna location, Nigeria.

Abstract

The effect of variable sowing dates on the physiological performance and the yield potential of two sorghum varieties (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) was investigated. Results showed significant reduction in time of flowering, blooming and physiological maturity as sowing was delayed. Total dry weight, plant height and leaf number were all reduced in late sowing compared with early sowing, indicating shortened vegetative growth as sowing was delayed. However accelerated flowering and physiological maturity led to significant reduction in the above - ground biomass and grain yield of both varieties. Mean grain yield was relatively higher in the locally adapted variety (IL - I) than in the improved cultivar (SK 5912).

Keywords: Sowing date effect, performance of local and improved sorghum var.