Abstract

The study was conducted at two locations (Shambat and Islang) during two years (2002-2003) in Khartoum State with an objective to investigate the possibility of development of local forage hybrid sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The material comprised four local stocks (used as pollinators) and seven introduced genetic stocks (used as females) in A₃ cytoplasm and 'Pannar 888' as standard check. The study revealed highly significant differences among entries for all the characters studied as many hybrids excelled their parental lines in forage yield and in some of the yield-related traits. Hybrids: E-35-1 x S. 70, E-35-1 x S. 186, E-35-1 x Garawi and Dale x S.70 significantly out-yielded the check hybrid 'Panar 888' as well as the parental lines derived from the local cultivar 'Abu Sab'in'. The increase in yield of these hybrids was related to an increase in their stem diameter and plant height. The standard check, Pannar 888 excelled the newly developed hybrids in leaf: stem ratio, tillering and regrowth ability. The data obtained demonstrate the possibility of developing local hybrids having superior forage yield to both the introduced hybrids and the traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in. Apart from earliness, a potential exists for developing hybrids combining greater forage yield and desirable traits.

Key words: Hybrid, sorghum, forage, regrowth, potential, Ankolib, Rubatab, Shambat.