Evaluation and selection of new Forage sorghum improved lines and varieties in Iran

In this study 34 forage sorghum pure line varieties which improved in sorghum breeding program in Iran, were conducted to determine of the most suitable variety, on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications at Karaj, in 2005. Ammonium phosphate on the base of P2O5 was applied at 115 Kg/ha. and total nitrogen was used 183 Kg/ha. at four times. Four traits including green fodder, dry matter, plant height and tiller number were measured in each cutting. Harvesting was conducted from 8.4 m2 area. Data were analyzed in split plot on time based on RCBD and the means comparised with Duncan multi rang test (DMRT) method, analysis of variance showed significant differences between cuttings, varieties and cutting * variety interaction at 1% of probability. Comparison of the means by DMRT showed that KFS3 and KFS6 were produced the highest and lowest green fodder with 179.56 and 83.54 t/ha. respectively. In aspect of dry matter KFS18 and KFS6 were produced the highest and lowest dry matter with 39.84 and 20.02 t/ha. Respectively. The 84/1384 produced the highest plant height, 271.7 cm and KFS14 the lowest plant height, 129.7 cm at second cutting. 144/1384 was produced the highest tiller number per plant with 6.33 tiller at second cutting and KFS14 was produced the lowest tiller number with 1.00 tiller at first cutting. According to all traits especially main traits to forage production, totally 15 varieties were chosen for investigation of regional adaptation of new forage sorghum varieties at different conditions.