Evaluation of seven sorghum genotypes (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) for silage.: I -: Agronomic traits

Some agronomic traits, important for silage production, were evaluated in seven sorghum genotypes of high, medium and low height. Fresh and dry matter yield (tons/ha) were determined. Plant height, stand, percentage of dead leaves and standability were evaluated at cut. Percentage of stem leaves and head ranged from 45.5 to 83.8%, 6.8 to 32.6% and 9.3 to 35.1%, respectively. Dead leaves percentage ranged from 20.0 to 63.3%. Plant height had significant correlation with dry matter production, stem proportion and standability. It was observed positive correlation between number of plants/ha and dry matter production. Great variation in fresh matter yield was registered High sorghums were more productive than medium height sorghums, and these, more productive than low height sorghum. The same tendencies were observed for dry matter yield; nevertheless hight genotypes were similar to one of medium height genotypes.