Effects of Cutting Time and Varieties on Fodder Grain Yields and Yield Components of Sorghum under Semi Arid Environments of Makueni County in Kenya

Abstract

Field trials were conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kiboko, Kenya during season 1 (October –December 2013) and season 2 (March - May, 2014). The objectives of the experiment were to determine the fodder and grain yield in sorghum varieties cut at different times and the effect of cutting time on sorghum yield components. The experimental was laid out in a 4 x 4 factorial split plot design, replicated thrice. The main plots were allocated the four cutting times, viz., No cut (C0), Cutting 40 days after sowing (C40), Cutting 75 days after sowing (C75) and Cutting at 40 and then 75 days after sowing (C40-75), respectively. The sub-plot treatments were four varieties, namely Gadam El Hamam (Vg), Mexico R Line 5 (Vm), KAT 369 X F6 YQ 212 (VK3) and KAT 487 (VK4), respectively. The results indicated that cutting time and varieties significantly affected sorghum plant height, number of tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain and fodder yields. The effects of cutting time and varieties did not significantly affect seedling emergence and vigor. Variety Mexico R Line 5 produced the highest mean fodder yield of over 16 t/ha under C75 in season 1.

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KAT487 produced the largest amount of grain yield of 2.66 t/ha and under C40 in season 2. Cutting sorghum at

40 DAS resulted in re-growth that eventually produced both fodder and grain. Sorghum variety KAT 487 was the best dual purpose sorghum while Mexico R Line 5 was most suited for fodder production.