Authors:
Ndukwe, O. O.*, Okondor, P. I., Uko, I., Obidiebube, E. A., Okolie, H., Apalowo, O. A. and Orji, C. M. , Nigeria |
Abstract:
The phenology, growth and yield performance of four new varieties of sorghum as influenced by
NPK 15:15:15 rates were evaluated in Awka, Anambra State Nigeria, a humid tropical zone. The
new varieties, Improved Deko, SK-5912, KSV-8 and CSR-01 were evaluated alongside Bida
Local, an existing Nigerian sorghum landrace whereas NPK rates comprised 0, 200 and 400
kg/ha. Experimental design was 3 x 5 factorial experiment in randomized complete block design
(RCBD). The findings showed significant (P<0.05) interaction effect on phenology of sorghum.
All the new varieties significantly flowered and matured earlier than the landrace. Earliest
flowering (? 69 days) and grain maturity (? 111 days) were recorded in Improved Deko across
the NPK rates whereas latest flowering (? 114 days) and harvest (? 154 days) were observed in
Bida local. This implied that the Improved Deko flowered (45 days) and matured (43 days)
earlier than the Bida Local across the NPK rates. Bida Local produced more number of leaves
with wider stems than the new varieties especially at 90 days after planting while fewest number
of leaves and narrowest stems were observed in Improved Deko. Although there was a
progressive increase in growth (plant height, number of leaves, stem girth) with increase in NPK
rates but the mean values recorded with 200 kg/ha NPK application were significantly at par
with those obtained with 400 kg/ha NPK application. Highest panicle weight (67.5 g/plant) and
grain yield (2.33 t/ha) were significantly (P<0.05) recorded in SK-5912 when the variety
received 200 kg/ha NPK. This grain yield (2.33 t/ha) from SK-5912 was higher than the world
average sorghum production (1.45 t/ha) Varieties SK-5912, KSV-8 and CSR-01 and Improved
Deko had 145.84%, 50.26% and 35.09% grain yield increase with 200 kg/ha NPK when
compared to the local variety. The results obtained from the study showed that SK-5912, KSV-8
and CSR-01 sorghum varieties can adapt favourably to a humid region of Awka agricultural zone
of Anambra State, Nigeria especially when the soil is amended with 200 kg/ha NPK |
