Forage potential of sorghum sudangrass hybrids

The objective of this study was to evaluated the forage potential of 23 experimental genotypes and two check cultivars (AG2501C and BRS800) obtained by crossing sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. Bicolor) with sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor cv. Sudanense), managed in a cutting regime. The experimental procedure followed a completely randomized block design, including three replications per treatment and the mean values were compared by Scott-Knott test. Fifty seven days after sowing, the fresh matter production varied from 24.8 up to 37.8 t/ha, and dry matter production from 3.5 up to 5.8 t/ha, both results were not statistically different. It was observed great variation to leaf/stem ratio, and difference (P<0.05) among treatments. The height of the plants presented variation (P<0.05) among hybrids and was positively correlated (P<0.01) with the production characteristics. The productivity demonstrated the potential of these hybrids for forage production in central area of Brazil in the beginning of drought period. The significant difference in leaf/stem ratio could be used as a criterion for genotype selection.