Effect of sowing dates on growth, yield and economics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) genotypes

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Main Sorghum Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat, Gujarat to investigate the appropriate sowing date for growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cultivars under rainfed condition. Sixteen treatment combinations were evaluated in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Treatments were comprised of four sowing dates i.e. D1: Onset of monsoon, D2: 15 days after first date of sowing, D3: 30 days after first date of sowing, D4: 45 days after first date of sowing. Four sorghum genotypes i.e. V1: GJ 38, V2: GJ 42, V3: SR 2872 and V4: SR 1904 was tested. The results showed that sowing of sorghum genotype SR 2872 at the time of onset of monsoon significantly enhanced plant growth and growth attributes. Sowing at the time of onset of monsoon gave higher grain (3253 kg/ha) and stover (11471 kg/ha) yield. Genotype SR 2872 recorded highest grain yield (2406 kg/ha) and stover yield (9299 kg/ha).