Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a good alternative for silage, especially in places with water scarcity and high temperatures, due to their morphological and physiological characteristics. Proper management contributes both to productivity and to the quality of forage. The present study was conducted with the following objectives: To evaluate the agronomic and bromatological performance of varieties of sorghum silage as well as their phenotypic stability in the early and late (off) seasons of planting in the region of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. The experiment was performed at the Capim Branco Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Uberlândia - UFU located in Uberlândia - MG. In this experimental area forage was planted at the normal, seasonal time and in the off season. A randomized block design was used with 25 treatments and three replications. Flowering, dry matter yield, plant height, Acid Detergent Fiber and Neutral Detergent Fiber of the cultivars were all found to be affected by the time of planting. The SF11 variety was found to be superior in terms of productivity and fiber quality regardless of the season. The evaluation of dry matter stability demonstrated superiority among the varieties: SF15, SF11, SF25, PROG 134 IPA, 1141572, 1141570 and 1141562. As for the stability of fiber quality, the 1141562 variety stood out.

Key words: Photoperiod, digestibility, genotype, Sorghum bicolor.