Effects of Planting Dates on Biomass and Quality of Sorghum and Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrids under Semi-Arid Conditions

Abstract

Sorghum productivity is highly influenced by temperature fluctuations, which is a critical issue in the context of climate change. To optimize sowing time and evaluate the comparative performance of sorghum and sorghum × Sudan grass hybrids (SSH), a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season. The main plot treatments included two planting dates (31 st March and 29 th April 2023), while the subplots included three hybrids (Sorgo Sweet, SS-1000, Jumbo) and Sorghum-2011. Data was analyzed using Fisher’s analysis of variance, with treatments compared through the least significant difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. Results showed that the SS-1000 hybrid excelled in key traits, including leaf count, plant height, tiller production, green fodder yield, and lower hydrocyanic acid (HCN) concentration, followed by Sorgo Sweet, Jumbo. Sorghum-2011, however, performed suboptimally across all measured traits. Additionally, the 31 st March planting date consistently outperformed the 29 th April planting, producing higher green fodder yields, better plant height, and lower HCN concentrations. These findings highlight the importance of selecting optimal sowing dates and using sorghum hybrids to enhance fodder crop productivity and safety, especially in the face of evolving climatic challenges.