FIELD EVALUATION OF SIXTEEN MULTI-CUT FODDER SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH GENOTYPES BASED ON THEIR AGRO-MORPHOLOGICALATTRIBUTES

Abstract

. Agro-morphological attributes are the key parameters for evaluating field crops including fodders. The genetic divergence of cereal forages provide sustainability to modern intensive production systems in the worlds. Changing climate situation is challenging for sorghum and other field crops. Therefore, characterization of agro-morphological attributes of sorghum is crucial for plant fitness, adaptability, livestock and human food supply in the worlds. A field study in the regular arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted at the experimental farm, RCA, Udaipur. The study was aimed to evaluate and characterize sixteen multi-cut fodder sorghum genotypes for various agro-morphological traits. As per recorded data, genotypes displayed significant variability for various traits. Additionally, green fodder yield (GFY) at first cut manifested significant and positive association with regeneration score whereas genotypic and phenotypic coefficient variation (GCV & PCV) remained high for dry fodder yield at second cut. Furthermore, high heritability (h 2 ) along with high expected genetic gains were exhibited by dry fodder yield at second cut. Moreover, plant height exhibited the maximum direct effect on green fodder yield at first cut followed by regeneration ability score and leaf: stem ratio. To conclude, genotype SPH-1877 showed better performance for green fodder and dry fodder yield, and also exhibited better regeneration score compared to the rest of the genotypes. This study suggests that the best sorghum cultivar with better agro-morphological and yield related traits can be useful for sustainable sorghum production and ensuring the fodder supply for livestock.