Evaluation of the growth and grain yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in Ekpoma, Nigeria

A field study was carried out during the 2019 cropping season to evaluate the growth and grain yield performance of five varieties of sorghum viz: Samaru local red, Samsorg 42, Samsorg 45, Samsorg 46 and Samsorg 47 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State. The design was a randomized complete block with four replicates. Growth parameters as well as grain yield and yield related data were collected. The result obtained revealed that there were significant differences on the growth and grain yield characters among the five varieties of sorghum. However, Samsorg 42 had the highest plant height (254.60 cm), number of leaves/plant (13.62); while Samsorg 45 had the least plant height (144.41 cm) and number of leaves/plant (6.37). Samsorg 46 variety had the highest days to 50% flowering and maturity. Samsorg 42 had the highest number of seeds/panicle (3600), weight of 1000 seeds (17.25 g) and grain yield (1529.00kg/ha); while Samsorg 45 had the least number of seeds/panicle (1561.00), weight of 1000 seeds (12.00 g) and grain yield (633.00 kg/ha). In terms of growth and yield, Samsorg 42 was found to be more suitable among the varieties evaluated in this zone. However, further studies should be carried out on the appropriate time of planting since the sorghum crop is sensitive to photoperiod.