Evaluation of agronomic and nutritional characteristics of released/recommended sorghum varieties in Ghana

Abstract

Seven sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) varieties were characterized for agronomic, nutritional and anti-nutritional properties in multi-locational and on-farm trials over several years in Ghana. The varieties comprised early maturing Naga White, Kadaga and Kapaala, midseason NSV1 and NSV2, and late maturing Local 29 and Mankaraga. The study revealed that the varieties belonged to the Caudatum or Guinea races. Plant heights ranged from 190 to 280 cm for the short-duration varieties, from 400 to 410 cm for the medium-duration varieties, and were over 500 cm for the long-duration varieties. The character days to maturity was in the range 95-110, 140-150 and 160-170 days for the 3 maturity groups, respectively. Potential yields varied from 3.0 to 5.0 t ha-1 among the varieties. There were marked differences between the varieties in terms of photoperiod sensitivity. All 3 early varieties performed as photoperiod-neutral, whereas the medium- and long-duration varieties appeared photoperiod-sensitive. Proximate analysis of grain showed that NSV1 had the highest protein and mineral contents, suggesting that it was the most suitable of the 7 varieties for infant food formulations. Kapaala and Naga White showed potential for malting and brewing owing to their relatively low protein content but high carbohydrate levels. Finally, the analyses revealed that Kadaga, Naga White and NSV2 had much higher anti-nutritional characteristics or tannin contents than the other varieties