Forage yield and morphological characteristics of sorghum and pearl millet genotypes under warm–humid conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29059/rmic.v1i1.6Keywords:
Biomass production, total dry matter, C4 grassesAbstract
Sorghum and pearl millet are important forage alternatives in warm sub-humid environments due to their adaptation and capacity to produce biomass. The objective of the study was to evaluate forage yield and the morphological composition of sorghum and pearl millet genotypes under warm sub-humid conditions. The experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions with supplemental irrigation, evaluating 12 sorghum genotypes and one pearl millet genotype. Plant height and green matter yield (TGM) and dry matter (TDM) yield were measured, as well as the proportions of leaf, stem, panicle, and dead material. The statistical analysis was performed using a randomized complete block design with four replications (Tukey; α=0.05). Genotypes 197-1 and 197-1-1 recorded the greatest heights (≈ 295 cm) and the highest TGM (63.9–67.6 t ha-1) and TDM (13.9–15.3 t ha-1) yields, with a dominance of stem (>55 %). In contrast, pearl millet and Procónsul showed the lowest heights (142-148 cm) and the lowest yields (10.3-19.8 t ha-1 of TGM; 2.5-5.4 t ha-1 of TDM), traits commonly observed in reduced-height and dual-purpose materials. Genotypes such as Fortuna and 195-2 showed a more balanced composition, with a higher proportion of leaf (≈36-38 %) and panicle (≈23-30 %), suggesting greater quality potential. The results indicate that tall genotypes are suitable for maximizing forage production, whereas those with a greater proportion of leaf and panicle are better suited to systems in which nutritive quality is prioritized.
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