Forage Improvement Program Annual Reports (2001-2010) ARC / Shambat - Sudan

Agricultural Research Corporation
Shambat Research Station

Forage Improvement Program
Annual Report, 2010

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

Introduction
The year 2010 marks the release of the first Sudan forage sorghum hybrid. A proposal to
release the locally developed hybrid SHM0022 (Abu Sabin x Sudan Grass) has been
submitted to the Variety Release Committee (VRC) in the 1st of March 2010. The VRC
approved the release of this hybrid under the name Hagin Garawi1 (1 ). The
released hybrid is expected to have a major impact on local hybrid seed industry as it
allows, for the first time, production of cheap seed of better adapted hybrids. In the same
meeting, the exotic hybrid CFSH30 has been submitted for release but was rejected by the
VRC.
The following activities were conducted or ongoing during the year 2010:
1. Dual (forage/grain) sorghum nursery
2. Alfalfa variety trial 2
3. Performance of new forage sorghum and maize hybrids in the Sudan
a. Testing of Egyptian forage sorghum hybrids
b. Testing of Egyptian maize hybrids
4. Germplasm maintenance
1-Dual (forage/grain) sorghum nursery
Introduction
In view of the pressing demand for animal feed coupled with the fact that grain sorghum is
the stable diet of the Sudanese peoples, it is imperative to reconsider the present mono-
commodity policy of sorghum. The current breeding strategy of strictly adopting grain-
yield criteria in evaluating sorghum genotypes has been questioned by some workers. The
fodders contribution to the total value of sorghum production has increased considerably,
specially in the recent decades. The objectives of this investigation were to develop dual
purpose (grain/fodder) sorghum genotypes having the potential of combining (to the
maximum possible) improved feed and food attributes.
PDF processed with CutePDF evaluation edition www.CutePDF.com
Mohammed. Maarouf I. Annual Report, 2010. Shambat Research Station. Agricultural Research
Corporation. Wad Medani. Sudan

2

Selection Criteria
The major selection criteria for developing dual (fodder/grain) sorghum genotypes include:
Earliness with high regrowth ability (to allow for more than one cut),
Medium plant height,
High tillering capacity,
Large panicle size (thick diameter).
leafiness,
Stay green,
Juicy sweet stems,
Bold white grains with low tannin content and no testa color
The dual (forage/grain) sorghum breeding nursery
A replicated breeding nursery comprising 122 sorghum genotypes was established in 25
November 2010 in the Experimental Farm of Shambat Research Station. The nursery
consisted of 34 Sudan Grass, 33 Abu Sabin, 29 grain sorghum, 17 sweet sorghum and 9
Ankolib genotypes (Table 1). The material were evaluated for some morphological
characters including (but not limited to) days to flower, plant height, stem diameter,
tillering, leafiness, stay green and sugar content. Due but before anthesis, 5 heads from
each genotype were bagged, harvested at seed maturity, left to dry in the lab and used to
evaluate panicle and grain characteristics. Based on the above attributes, 21 genotypes
comprising 7 Sudan Grass, 5 each Abu Sabin and grain sorghum, 2 each Ankolib and
sweet sorghum were selected. The 21 genotypes will be evaluated in a preliminary yield
trial (PYT) against standard checks.
2-Alfalfa variety trial 2
Four exotic Alfalfa varieties namely SARDI 10, Siriver, SuperCuf and Cuf101 were tested
against the local cultivar Hijazi. The treatments were arranged in RCB design of 3
replicates. Sowing date was on the 8
th
of Jan. 2009. The plot consisted of two ridges each 5
m long and 0.75 m apart. Sowing was done in furrows opened on both sides of the ridges
at seeding rate of 30 kg/ha. Starter dose of nitrogen fertilizer (Urea) at a rate of 27 kg n /ha
was applied at second irrigation. The initial (zero) cut was taken after 10 weeks from
sowing (at10% -25% flowering) after which cutting was done at a fixed interval of 28
days. Weeds were kept at minimum by hand weeding. The green matter yield (GMY) was
estimated by harvesting the whole plot. The dry matter yield (DMY) was estimated from
0.5 kg fresh sample taken from each harvested plot and air dried. Days to flower, plant

3

height were recorded. Dodder infestation has been encountered in some Hijazi plots and
was controlled by hand-removal and burning out before flowering. The trial continued up
to the 15
th
cut and then terminated. Only the results obtained for GMY will be highlighted
in this report.
Table 1. Dual (forage/sorghum) breeding nursery (Shambat, 2010 )
Entry
Name Source Group Grain color
1 SG44 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass White
4 SG44(4) Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass White
14 SG53-1 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass White
16 SG50-1 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass Brown
19 SG27 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass Brown
27 SG36 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass brown
28 SG51(28) Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass White
30 SG18(30) Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass Brown
31 SG32-2A Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass Brown
33 SG34 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass brown
34 SG32-2A (34) Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Sudan Grass brown
35 S.85 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Abu Sabin White

4

Table 1. Dual breeding nursery 2010, continued
60 S.19 (Kambal) Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Abu Sabin White
66 abu70 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Abu Sabin White
68 ANKS.S.S.exp Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Ankolib Brown
69 ANKS.43 Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Ankolib Brown
72 ANK.CHK Forage Improvement Prog Shambat Res. St. Ankolib Brown
75 ANK.Nyala Dr. Abdulrahman Nyala Res. St. Ankolib Brown
76 ANK.Sennar Sennar Ankolib Brown
77 K.S.5 USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum White
78 N111 USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
79 BlueRibbon USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
80 Brawly USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown

5

Table 1. Dual breeding nursery 2010, continued..
81 Kensas Collis USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
84 Atlas USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum White
85 Hastings USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
86 Red-x USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
88 Fremont USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
89 Waconia USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
90 Colman USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
91 Sugardrip USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum Brown
92 N109 USDA-ARS U. of Nebraska Sweet sorghum White
94 WadAhmed ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
95 ArfaaGadamak ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
96 Tabat Dept of Botany Fac. of Agric. U. of K. Grain sorghum White
97 Aklamoi Kasala Grain sorghum White
98 Haga Banet Dr. Abdulrahman Nyala Res. St. Grain sorghum White
99 Butana ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
100 Umbinen-7 ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
101 Umbinen-22 ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
102 GadamElhamam ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
103 Bashir ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
104 Milo ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
105 AjabSido ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
106 FakiMustahi ARC-National Program Abu Assar Grain sorghum White
107 Aklamoi UK Dept of Botany Fac. of Agric. U. of K. Grain sorghum White
108 DwarfWhiteMilo Dept of Botany Fac. of Agric. U. of K. Grain sorghum White
109 Geshesh Dept of Botany Fac. of Agric. U. of K. Grain sorghum White
110 ArossElremal Ahmad Ismail El Diwaem Grain sorghum White
111 FatretaBaladi Ahmad Ismail El Diwaem Grain sorghum White
112 Ahmadi 1 Prof. ElAhmadi Grain sorghum White
113 Ahmadi 2 Prof. ElAhmadi Grain sorghum White
114 HemasiAbiad Shendi Turus RiverNileState Grain sorghum White
115 Mugud/Hemasi Ahmar Shendi RiverNile State Grain sorghum Creamy
116 MaregBaladi Asfar Karima Northern State Grain sorghum Yellow
117 DebakaryNile Shendi - Ziedab Area Grain sorghum White
118 DebakaryAtbra Ed Damar UpperAtbara Grain sorghum White
119 MugudTengasi Merowi Tengasi NorthernState Grain sorghum Creamy
120 Abgaro Ed Damar RiverNileState Grain sorghum White
121 DuraAb70 Merowi Manasir NorthernState Grain sorghum White
122 AbgaroAtbra Shendi UpperAtbara Grain sorghum White


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Results
The results are presented in Tables 2 and 3. The contrast analysis (Table 2) indicated that-
on the average of the 15 cuts - the local cultivar Hijazi significantly out-yielded the exotic
cultivars averaging GMY of 7.4 t/ha. The best performing exotic cultivar (CUF101)
averaged 6.6 t/ha. The interaction of cultivar x cutting frequency was highly significant
(Table 3) however; the cultivar Hijazi - starting from cut 6- consistently out-yielded the
exotic cultivars across cuts.
Table 2. Green matter yield of Alfalfa varieties averaged over 15 cut (Shambat, 09/10)
Cultivar GMY/ha Contrast vs Hijazi (P. Value)
SARDI 10 6.3 <.001
SuperCuf 6.3 <.001
CUF101 6.6 <.001
Siriver 5.8 <.001
Hijazi 7.4 -
Mean 6.8
SE 0.11
CV (%) 19.1

Table 3. Green matter yield (GMY, t/ha) obtained in each cut by different Alfalfa
cultivars (Shambat, 09/10)
Cultivar
Cut_no
SARDI 10 Hijazi SuperCuf CUF101 Siriver
Cut1 11.3 10.9 11.6 11.2 11.5
Cut2 8.8 8.1 8.2 8.2 7.6
Cut3 7.5 7.5 6.8 7.4 6.6
Cut4 6.5 6.5 6.0 6.5 6.3
Cut5 5.9 6.6 5.9 6.2 5.8
Cut6 7.3 9.1 7.7 7.8 6.8
Cut7 2.8 4.6 3.0 3.2 2.2
Cut8 3.6 4.9 3.9 3.8 2.6
Cut9 4.6 6.1 4.9 4.6 3.6
Cut10 7.9 9.7 8.5 8.5 7.5
Cut11 5.2 8.2 6.2 6.3 5.1
Cut12 9.1 10.1 8.7 9.1 8.2
Cut13 6.5 8.2 6.4 7.0 5.5
Cut14 4.7 6.3 4.5 5.8 4.5
Cut15 3.0 3.9 2.7 3.4 2.6
Mean
P. Value (cultivar x cut)
SE
LSD (0.05)
CV (%)
6.8
<.001
0.47
0.95
19.1


7

3-Performance of new forage sorghum and maize hybrids in the Sudan
Introduction
Two maize hybrids: HYTECH2031, HYTECH2055 and one forage sorghum hybrid:
Mabrouk were received from Misr HyTech Seed Int. Cairo- Egypt, via Ala eldin Works
for Agricultural Inputs, Khartoum North - Sudan. The introduced materials were tested
against standard checks in 9 environments (for maize) and 7 environments for forage
sorghum. Table 4 shows the introduced hybrids and the standard checks used in the study.
Table 5 shows the test-environments and the progress achieved up to Sept. 2011. The
major part of this report highlights the agronomic performance (mainly yield) of the
studied materials as observed in the field trials conducted during 2010 / 2011 growing
seasons. The names of scientists contributing in this study and their institutions are
presented in Appendix 1.

Table 4. The introduced plant materials and the standard checks used in the study
Cultivar Crop Description Source
HYTECH2031 Maize Hybrid White seed Newly introduced Misr HyTtech Co.
HYTECH2055 Maize Hybrid- Yellow seed Newly introduced Misr HyTtech Co.
PAN6966 Maize Hybrid-Yellow seed Released (Check) Pannar Co.
Hudieba2 Maize OPV*- Yellow seed Released (Check) ARC/Sudan
Hudieba1 Maize OPV- White seed Released (Check) ARC/Sudan
Mabrouk Forage sorghum Hybrid Newly introduced Misr HyTtech Co.
PAN888 Forage sorghum Hybrid Released (Check) Pannar Co.
Kambal Forage sorghum OPV Released (Check) ARC/Sudan
Abu70 Forage sorghum OPV Traditional (Check) Farmer
*: OPV = Open pollinated variety


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Table 5. Environments (location/year)*under which the introduced materials have been
tested and the progress achieved up to Sept. 2011
Location Year Crop Sowing date Achievement
Shambat 2010 Maize
Sorghum
25 Oct
7 Nov
Trials conducted, data collected & analyzed
Suba West 2010 Maize
Sorghum
30 Oct
27 Oct
Shendi 2010 Maize
Sorghum
25 Oct
25 Oct
Merowi 2010 Maize
Sorghum
28 Nov
28 Nov
Sururab 2010 Maize
Sorghum
28 Oct
28 Oct
Shambat 2011 Sorghum 3 April Trials conducted, data collected & analyzed
Sennar 2011 Maize 12 July Trials conducted, data collection ongoing
Gedarif 2011 Maize 12 Aug Trials conducted, data collection ongoing
Damazin 2011 Maize 27 July Trials conducted, data collection ongoing
El dowim 2011 Maize &
Sorghum
20 Sept Trials conducted, data collection ongoing
Suba West 2011 Sorghum Planned during Oct-Nov 2011
*; All irrigated except Damazin and Gedarif (Rain-fed)

3.a. Forage Sorghum
The first cut
Tables 6 and 7 show the results of forage yield obtained for the first cut by the hybrid
Mabrouk and 3 standard checks in 5 environments. The hybrid Mabrouk significantly
outyielded the standard checks averaging 31.7 t/ha (fresh yield) and 7.3 t/ha (dry yield).
The best yield averaged by the standard checks was 26.7 and 5.79 t/ha for fresh and dry
yield, respectively. Across environments, the yield obtained by Mabrouk consistently
excelled that of the standard checks in most cases. Its yield was specifically high at Shendi
amounting to 40.1 t/ha for fresh yield (= 11.4 t/ha dry yield). The yield levels obtained at
Shambat (2011) were low and the observed differences between entries were not
significant at 0.05 probability level

9

The 2nd cut
Tables 8 and 9 show forage yield of the 2nd cut obtained by the hybrid Mabrouk and the
standard checks in different environments. The hybrid Mabrouk significantly outyielded
the checks Kambal and Abu70 averaging 17.92 t/ha (fresh yield) and 3.83 t/ha (dry yield).
The check hybrid PAN888 gave 16.72 and 4.02 t/ha fresh and dry yield, respectively. Its
yield was not significantly different than that of Mabrouk.
Table 6. Fresh yield of the first cut (t/ha) obtained by the introduced forage sorghum hybrid
(Mabrouk) and the standard checks under 5 test-environments (Sudan, 2010/11)
Cultivar
Environment
Abu70 Kambal Mabrouk PAN888
Merowi 17.7 24.5 36.7 28.8
Shambat (Nov 2010) 26.1 29.2 32.4 25.2
Shendi 29.5 37.3 40.1 30.6
Suba West 20.3 22.6 27.3 19.2
Shambat (Mar 2011) 20.7 19.9 21.8 18.7
Cultivar Mean

22.8 26.7 31.7 24.5
P.value
SE
LSD (0.05)
CV (%)
<.001
0.85
2.43
14.4

Table 7. Dry yield of the first cut (ton/ha) obtained by the introduced forage sorghum hybrid
(Mabrouk) and the standard checks under 4 test-environments (Sudan, 2010/11)
Cultivar
Location
Merowi 3.98 4.84 8.36 7.10
Shambat (2010) 5.51 5.45 6.52 4.80
Shendi 8.34 9.38 11.40 8.65
Shambat (2011) 3.52 3.05 2.94 2.61
Cultivar Mean

5.34 5.68 7.3 5.79
P.value
SE
LSD (0.05)
CV (%)
<.001
0.193
0.557
12.8
2.3 Forage sorghum demonstration plot

10

The introduced hybrid Mabrouk was tested against two standard checks (Abu70 and
PAN888) in the farmers field at Sururab site (Khartoum State) in an area of 1050 m
2
. The
crop was established and managed by the farmer under direct supervision of the research
scientists. Table 10 shows the fresh yield of the first and the 2nd cut. Mabrouk
outperformed the standard checks in the first and the second cut with respective yield of
35.4 and 21.25 t/ha. The best yielding check (PAN888) gave 26.7 and 14.82 t/ha,
respectively.

Table 8. Fresh yield of the 2nd cut (t/ha) obtained by the introduced forage sorghum hybrid
(Mabrouk) and the standard checks under 3 environments (Sudan, 2010/11)
Cultivar
Location
Merowi 9.78 12.49 25.59 19.74
Shambat 8.49 8.03 14.62 11.66
Shendi 10.93 10.69 13.54 18.76
Mean 9.73 10.4 17.92 16.72
P.value
SE
LSD 0.05
CV (%)
<.001
1.098
3.185
27.8

Table 9. Dry yield of the 2nd cut (t/ha) obtained by the introduced forage sorghum hybrid
(Mabrouk) and the standard checks under 2 environments (Sudan, 2010/11)
Cultivar
Location
Shambat 2.80 2.51 4.33 3.68
Shendi 2.61 2.59 3.32 4.43
Mean

2.71 2.55 3.83 4.06
P.value
SE
LSD 0.05
CV (%)
<.001
0.199
0.592
3.7


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Table 10. Fresh yield of the first and the 2nd cut (t/ha) obtained by the forage sorghum
hybrid (Mabrouk) and two standard checks in the demonstration plot conducted at Sururab
site (Sudan, 2010/11)
Cultivar First cut 2nd cut
Abu 70 19.45 8.85
Mabrouk 35.40 21.25
PAN888 26.70 14.82
Mean 27.18 14.97
SE 1.594 1.042
LSD 0.05 4.871 3.161

3.b Maize
Table 11 shows seed yield obtained by the two introduced maize hybrids and the standard
checks. Tables 12 and 13 show the results obtained for plant height and days to flower,
respectively. Table 14 shows the seed yield obtained at Sururab demonstration plot. The
hybrid HYTECH2055 significantly surpassed the standard checks in seed yield averaging
5.41 t/ha. Its yield was leading at all environments, specially in Merowi (7.37 t/ha) and
Shendi (6.90 t/ha). The best check (PAN6966) gave 4.35 t/ha yielding higher than
HYTECH2031 (3.69 t/ha), however the difference in yield was not statistically significant
(p = 0.05). The low yield levels obtained at Suba Site (1.38-2.88 t/ha) could be attributed
to salinity and sodicity problems known to exist in Suba soils.
The introduced hybrids were taller than Hudieba 1 and 2 showing plant height of about
240cm but the latter two were the earliest to tassel (61-62 days). The hybrid
HYTECH2055 tasseled in 64.8 days, earlier than the check PAN6966 (68.2 days).
Under the farmers field conditions, the hybrids HYTECH2055 and HYTECH2031
significantly outyielded the standard checks showing seed yields amounting to 4.81 and
4.27 t/ha, respectively. The best check (PAN6966) yielded 3.15 t/ha (Table 14). The
percentage of lodging was only evaluated at Shambat trial (data not presented). The hybrid
HYTECH2031 incurred the highest lodging percentage (14.3 %). This hybrid has been

12

also observed to have tendency to lodge in the demonstration plot conducted at Sururab
site.
4-Maintenance of germplasm
A seed maintenance plot was established on 14/ Oct/ 2010 in the Experimental Farm of
Sudan University. The germplasm maintained included the following:
Abu 70 females (A & B lines): S.3, S.134, S.148 and S.93
Sudan Grass male parents and elite genotypes: SG51, SG34, and SG32-2A (Sudan-1)

Table 11. Seed yield (t/ha) of two introduced maize hybrids (HYTECH2031, HYTECH2055)
and three standard checks obtained under four environments (Sudan, 2010/11)
Cultivar
Location
HYTECH2031

HYTECH2055

Hudieba1

Hudieba2 PAN6966
Merowi 4.30 7.37 4.06 4.20 6.22
Shambat 3.80 4.49 2.73 3.35 3.42
Shendi 4.77 6.90 4.25 5.41 5.17
Suba West 1.88 2.88 1.38 2.25 2.60
Mean 3.69 5.41 3.10 3.80 4.35
P.value
SE
LSD 0.05
CV (%)
<.001
0.353
1.014
14.5

Table 12. Plant Height (cm) of two introduced maize hybrids (HYTECH2031,
HYTECH2055) and three standard checks obtained under four environments (Sudan,
2010/11)
Cultivar
Location
HYTECH2031

HYTECH2055

Hudieba1

Hudieba2 PAN6966
Merowi 249 268 179 226 267
Shambat 262 251 173 218 242
Shendi 254 264 217 235 243
Suba West 198 188 142 164 189
Mean 241 243 178 211 235
Prob.
SE
LSD 0.05
CV (%)
<.001
9.04
25.67
7.8


13

Table 13. Days to 50% tasseling of two introduced maize hybrids (HYTECH2031,
HYTECH2055) and three standard checks obtained under three environments (Sudan,
2010/11)
Cultivar
Location
HYTECH2
031

HYTECH2055

Hudieba1

Hudieba2 PAN6966
Merowi 80.5 77.8 71.0 70.8 79.5
Shambat 64.5 60.5 62.0 59.3 65.8
Shendi 61.5 56.3 54.3 53.3 59.3
Mean 68.8 64.8 62.4 61.1 68.2
P. value
SE
LSD 0.05
CV (%)
<.001
1.086
3.142
2.9

Table 14. Maize seed yield obtained in the demonstration plot at Sururab site (Sudan, 2010)
Cultivar Seed yield (t/ha)
HYTECH2031 (introduced hybrid) 4.27
HYTECH2055 (introduced hybrid) 4.81
Hudieba2 (check) 2.55
PAN6966 (check hybrid) 3.15
Mean 4.20
SE 0.329
LSD 0.05 1.558
Appendix 1. Names of the contributing research scientists and their institutions
Location Researcher name Institute
Shambat Maarouf Ibrahim Mohammed Agricultural Research Corporation (ARC), Shambat
Research Station
Suba West Hussein Muhi Eldin University of Sudan, Fac. of Range & Forestry Sci.
Shendi Hassan Ahmed Tambal ARC, Shendi Research Station
Merowi Fath Al Aalim Hamza ARC, Merowi Research Station
Sururab Muzamil Ahmed Al Talib ARC, Shambat Research Station
Sennar Ahmad Abu Assar
(Mohammed Al Assad)
ARC, Sennar Research Station

Gedarif Yousif Mohamed Zien Elabidin ARC, Gedarif Research Station
Damazin Gamal Mohammed Ali Fadel ARC, Damazin Research Station

Annual Report, 2009

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

Introduction
The year 2009 has witnessed the release of the first improved Garawi (Sudan Grass)
cultivar. The Variety Release Committee (VRC) in its meeting held on the 3
rd
of March
2009 at Khartoum has approved the release of the line SG32-2A selected from the local land
race Garawi under the name SUDAN 1. In the same meeting, the VRC rejected the release
of the lines SG51 from Garawi and ANKSSS from Ankolib populations.
2. Alfalfa seed production trial
3. Effect of sowing date and variety on the yield of the 2
nd
cut of forage sorghum
4. Germplasm maintenance
1.0 Alfalfa variety trial 1
This is the second year for this experiment. Materials and methods were reported in the
annual report 2008. The results are presented in Tables 1 and 2. In the overall average of
cuts, the local cultivar Hijazi, averaged green matter yield (GMY) amounting to 5.3 t/ha
outyielding the best exotic cultivar Siriver (4.5 t/ha). The same is true for dry matter yield
(DMY). Table 2 shows the GMY obtained by the three cultivars for the 28 cut. The
interaction of cultivars with cuts was significant indicating inconsistency in their yield
performance across cuts. In most of the 28 cuts, the local cultivar Hijazi showed significant
increase in forage yield over the exotic ones.
2.0 Alfalfa seed production trial
This is the second year for this trial. Materials and methods are presented in the previous
report. The experiment is still going on. The data collection has been interrupted by some
unfavorable administrative events. Only the main and significant interaction effects on seed
yield will be highlighted. Results are presented in Tables 3 and 4. The local cultivar Hijazi
significantly out-yielded the exotic cultivar Siriver in seed yield. However, the interaction

2

between picking frequency and cultivar in seed yield was highly significant. In the first pick,
the seed yield of Hijazi was 417 kg/ha, significantly well above that of Siriver (107 kg/ha),
nonetheless the opposite is true in the second pick in which both cultivars displayed low
seed yield. The effect of seed rate and row spacing on seed yield was not significant.

Table 1. Forage yield of 3 Alfalfa cultivars averaged over 28 cuts (Shambat, 2008-09)

Cultivar
Green matter yield
(t/ha)
Dry matter yield
(t/ha)
Cuf101 4.01 1.25
Hijazi 5.33 1.76
Siriver 4.47 1.45

Mean 4.91 1.61
s.e.d. 0.1440 0.055

3.0 Effect of winter sowing dates and variety on the yield of second cut of forage
sorghum (in collaboration with Dr. Lako Posk Logali, Agronomist, Shambat Research Station)
Introduction
The yield of forage sorghum is usually depressed during winter season due to thermo and/or
photoperiod effects. This can be manipulated through either sowing date or variety choices.
Sowing in the appropriate date might maximize the yield of the 2
nd
hence, compensating for
the poor yield obtained in the first cut. On the other hand, it is well known that sorghum
varieties differ in their response to temperature and day length effects. The objectives of this
study were to identify winter sowing dates (using different genotypes) that might result in a
2
nd
cut having higher yield than the first one.
Materials and Methods
The treatments comprised 3 cultivars (Kambal, SafedMoti and Abu70) and 6 sowing dates
effected in the beginning of each month starting from Nov through May excluding March.
The trial started in Nov 2007 in the Experimental Farm of Shambat Research Station. The
treatments were factorialy arranged in RCB design with 3 replicates. The plot consisted of 3
ridges each 5 m long and 0.75 m apart. The seeds were sown in furrows opened on both
sides of the ridges. The experiment was watered every 10 to 15 days and weeded twice.
Nitrogen fertilizer (Urea) at the rate of 55kgN/ha was added at second irrigation. The same
dose was added following the first cut to evaluate the yield of second cut. Harvesting was

3

practiced when each treatment in each plot has completed 50% flowering. The whole plot
was harvested to estimate the green matter yield (GMY) of the first and the second cut. The
dry matter yield (DMY) was estimated from a sample of 0.5 kg taken from GMY of each
harvested plot and air dried. Plant height and days to heading were recorded. The results of
the 6
th
sowing date (May sowing) will not be highlighted in this report.

Table 2. Forage yield of Alfalfa cultivars by cut (Shambat, 2008-09)
Cultivar
Cut
Cuf101 Hijazi Siriver
Green Mater yield (t/ha)
cut1 7.58 8.22 7.99
cut2 5.33 7.72 7.06
cut3 3.83 6.24 5.23
cut4 3.54 5.15 4.85
cut5 3.15 5.52 5.30
cut6 4.33 5.80 4.85
cut7 1.97 3.14 2.58
cut8 3.59 4.86 4.72
cut9 6.14 8.11 7.59
cut10 6.09 8.59 7.10
cut11 7.74 10.3 7.73
cut12 6.67 7.77 6.49
cut13 7.33 8.33 6.76
cut14 4.89 5.76 4.71
cut15 3.93 4.41 3.42
cut16 2.67 3.26 2.44
cut17 2.11 2.24 1.88
cut18 1.73 2.38 1.85
cut19 1.10 1.88 1.48
cut20 0.67 1.12 0.73
cut21 1.22 1.93 1.37
cut22 2.10 3.49 2.23
cut23 4.55 6.18 4.81
cut24 3.94 5.93 3.99
cut25 6.33 7.11 5.75
cut26 4.39 5.16 3.88
cut27 3.99 4.52 2.60
cut28 1.23 1.74 1.47
Mean
Sig. L. (cut x cultivar)
s.e.d.
CV (%)
4.91
**
0.7588
25.4


4

Table 3. Effect of interaction of picking frequency with variety on Alfalfa seed yield
(Shambat, 08-09)
Harvest
Cultivar
Pick 1 (kg/ha) Pick 2 (kg/ha)
Hijazi 417 53
Siriver 107 92
P. value
SE
<.001
12.2

Table 4. Main effects on Alfalfa seed yield (Shambat, 08-09)
Factor Level Seed yield (kg/ha) P. value SE
Cultivar
Hijazi 235
<.001 9.2
Siriver 99
Seed rate
2 kg/fed 158
0.154 9.2
4 kg/fed 177
Spacing
1 row / ridge 180
0.052 9.2
2 rows / ridge 154
Pick
Pick 1 262
<.001 8.0
Pick 2 73

Results (Green matter yield)
The results are presented in Tables 5 and 6. The interaction of sowing date with cutting
frequency is highly significant. February sowing gave GMY of 2
nd
cut exceeding that of the
1
st
one with respective yield amounting to 31.4 and 27.1 t/ha. This yield was also the best
among those obtained by other sowing dates for the 2
nd
cut. Sowing in April resulted in the
lowest 2
nd
cut yield. November sowing gave the best yield for the 1
st
cut (Table 5). On the
other hand significant interaction between sowing date and variety was also encountered.
SafedMoti and Kambal out-yielded the traditional cultivar Abu70 in November and
December sowings. SafedMoti out-yielded Kambal in November sowing.

Maintenance of germplasm
The following germplasm were maintained in the Experimental Farm of Sudan University:
1. Eleven forage sorghum (Abu 70) female parents (A & B lines)
2. Twenty Sudan grass male parents
3. The released Sudan grass cultivar (Sudan 1)
4. The released cultivar Kambal

5

Table 5. Effect of interaction of sowing date with cutting frequency on the yield of
forage sorghum (Shambat, 08-09)
Cutting frequency
Sowing date
Green matter yield (t/ha)
First cut Second cut Cumulative
1
st
week of Nov 36.2 23.9 60.1
1
st
week of Dec 24.4 24.7 49.1
1
st
week of Jan 28.7 26.9 55.6
1
st
week of Feb 27.1 31.4 58.5
1
st
week of April 33.8 12.3 46.1
P. value
SE
LSD (0.05)
<.001
1.80
5.19

Table 6. Effect of interaction of sowing date with variety on the yield of forage
sorghum (Shambat, 08-09)
Variety
Sowing date
Abu70 Kambal SafedMoti
1
st
week of Nov 21.2 28.7 40.3
1
st
week of Dec 18.8 25.3 29.5
1
st
week of Jan 27.1 26.1 30.2
1
st
week of Feb 26.4 30.8 30.5
1
st
week of April 23.9 23.7 21.6
P. value
SE
LSD (0.05)
0.001
2.21
6.27

Annual Report, 2008

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1. Rhodes Grass trial I (ongoing)
2. Rhodes Grass trial II (ongoing)
3. Advanced local x local forage sorghum hybrids multi-location yield trial
4. Introduced forage sorghum hybrid (CFSH30) multi-location trial
6. Alfalfa seed production trial
7. Seed maintenance of forage sorghum genotypes

1-- Rhodes Grass trial I
This is a continuation of a study initiated in 2006. Materials and methods were as
described in the Annual Report 2006. Performance of the studied materials has been
covered up to the 9
th
cut in the previous report. Tables 1 and 2 show performance of
five Rhodes Grass and two check cultivars (Berseem and Clitoria) evaluated up to the
19
th
cut for green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yield, respectively. The Cultivars
performed significantly different across cuts in green and dry matter yields. In each
cut, differences between Rhodes cultivars for GMY were not significant in most
cases. Rhodes grass cultivars consistently outyielded Berseem and Garawi up to the
10
th
cut. The reverse is true in the 11
th
, 17
th
, 18
th
and 19
th
cut. High GMY levels
ranging from 23 to 40 t/ha were obtained by Rhodes cultivars across the first 6 cuts;
whereas very low GMY levels ranging from 1.25 to 9.3 t/ha were shown in the last
three cuts. In contrast, the GMY of Berseem and Clitoria, though generally lower than
that of Rhodes cultivars, was not drastically affected in the subsequent cuts.


2

2-- Rhodes Grass trial II
This is a replicate of the Rhodes Grass trial I. The trial was established in Nov 2007.
Tables 3 and 4 show performance of five Rhodes Grass and two forage sorghum
cultivars (Abu Sab'in and Garawi) evaluated up to the 4
th
cut for green and dry matter
yield, respectively. Tables 5 and 6 show performance of five Rhodes Grass and two
forage legume cultivars (Berseem Hijazi and Clitoria) evaluated up to the 9
th
cut for
green and dry matter yield, respectively. In all cases, the performance of cultivars
across cuts differed significantly in forage yield. In each cut, differences among
Rhodes cultivars for GMY were not significant in most cases. The GMY of Rhodes
cultivars up to the 5
th
cut was comparable in most cases ranging from 19 to 31 t/ha.
Abu Sab'in outyielded most of the Rhodes cultivars in GMY of the first cut averaging
38 t/ha. However, most of the Rhodes cultivars outperformed those of forage sorghum
specially in the 3
rd
and the 4
th
cuts. Most of Rhodes Grass cultivars consistently
outyielded Berseem Hijazi up to the 6
th
cut. Unlike Berseem, the check Clitoria
yielded better in the later cuts outyielding some of the Rhodes cultivars in the 8
th
cut.
The highest GMY shown by Rhodes Grass was 31 t/ha obtained by Fine Cut and Hay
Maker at the first and the 3
rd
cut, respectively; whereas the lowest GMY was 1.75 t/ha
obtained by Katambora Australia in the 8
th
cut. The best GMY of Berseem and
Clitoria were 13.6 and 13.4 t/ha obtained in the first cut, respectively; whereas the
lowest GMY were 4.72 t/ha obtained by Berseem in the 9
th
cut and 5.34 t/ha obtained
by Clitoria in the 2
nd
cut.

3-- Advanced local x local forage sorghum hybrids multi-location yield trial
This is a continuation for the trial conducted in the previous season. The 12 locally
developed hybrids together with their 14 parents and the four checks were grown at
Feki Hashim, Kuku Scheme and Shambat. The respective sowing dates were 24 April,
24 August and 1 Nov. 2008. Other materials and methods were similar to those
mentioned in the previous report except that the design of the trial conducted at
Shambat 2008 was RCBD with two replicates. The trial at Kuku Scheme was
subjected to moisture stress and received only three irrigations.
Table 7 shows the GMY of local forage sorghum hybrids, their parents and check
cultivars obtained at Feki Hashim, Kuku Scheme and Shambat. Table 8 reflects the
DMY obtained by the respective materials. At Feki Hashim the local hybrid S.148 x
SG 34 gave the highest GMY averaging 65.8 t/ha. Its yield was significantly higher

3

than that obtained by the exotic hybrids, the check cultivars and the parental lines.
The second best GMY (59.2 t/ha) was shown the hybrid Dale x S.70. The highest
GMY obtained by the checks was shown by Kambal (50.6 t/ha) and Safed Moti (45.1
t/ha). The lines S.134 and S.3 among parents showed the highest GMY averaging
55.1 and 53.7 t/ha, respectively. The extremely low GMY given by the parent Dale
(5.1 t/ha) could be attributed to the inability of this line to compete with weeds that
showed high level of infestation. At Kuku the local hybrids S.3 x SG 34 and S.148 x
SG 34 gave the highest GMY averaging 46.2 and 41.6, respectively. They outyielded
at least one of the two exotic hybrids in addition to the checks Kambal and Abu
Sab'in. The hybrid S.148 x Ank SSS that ranked high in GMY at Shambat 2007/08
and Feki Hashim was the worst among local hybrids in GMY at Kuku whereas, the
opposite is true for the local hybrid S.3 x SG 50 and the exotic hybrid Pannar 888. At
Shambat no significant differences in forage yield were encountered between the
studied materials. The trial was highly infested by Buda (Striga hermonthica). The
yield of local hybrids ranged from 30.3 to 40.5 t/ha whereas that of the checks ranged
from 23.5 to 35.2 t/ha obtained by the exotic hybrid Pannar 888 and the recommended
cultivar Kambal, respectively.
For DMY, the genotypes differed significantly at Shambat 2007 but not at Shambat
2008. At Shambat 2007 the local hybrid S.148 x SG 34 ranked first, outyielding the
exotic hybrids, the local checks and the parental lines.
The results obtained by the preliminary and advanced yield trials conducted across
different environments demonstrate clearly that some of the 12 locally developed
forage sorghum hybrids were superior in forage yield to the exotic (commercial) ones
and the recommended cultivar Kambal. Therefore, at least two of these hybrids
(including S.148 x SG 34) will be submitted for release as the first Sudan forage
sorghum hybrids.

4-- Introduced forage sorghum hybrid (CFSH30) multi-location trial
This is the second season for this trial. The introduced forage sorghum hybrid
CFSH30 was tested at 4 locations in Khartoum State, namely, Shambat, Feki Hashim,
Kuku Scheme and Islang. This report highlights the results obtained at Shambat site.
The data of other sites are under processing. The introduced hybrid was evaluated for
five cuts against the recommended cultivar Kambal and the traditional variety Garawi.
Other materials and methods were similar to those of the previous experiment except

4

that sowing date was on 12 Nov. 2007. The green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter
yields were shown by Tables 9 and 10, respectively. Differences among cultivars in
forage yield were significant. The cultivars differed significantly across cuts in forage
yield. Kambal gave the highest GMY (38.4 t/ha) in the 1
st
cut, but its yield was not
significantly different from that obtained by CFSH30 (35.6 t/ha). On the other hand,
the introduced hybrid CFSH30 outyielded Kambal and Garawi in the subsequent cuts
(2 through 5). It maintained, relatively, consistent yield levels up to the 3
rd
cut;
whereas the yield of the checks, specially Kambal, declined remarkably across cuts.

5-- Alfalfa variety trial 1.
This is the first season for this experiment. Two exotic Alfalfa cultivars, namely,
Siriver and Cuf 101 were tested against the traditional variety Hijazi. The experiment
was conducted at Shambat. Sowing date was on 31.Jan. 2008. The treatments were
arranged in CRD with 31, 21, and 4 replicates for Hijazi, Siriver and Cuf 101,
respectively. The plot size was 21 m
2
comprising 3 ridges each 6 m long and 0.75 m
apart. The seed was sown in furrows opened on both sides of the ridge at a rate of 38
kg /ha for Siriver and Cuf 101 and 50kg/ha for Hijazi. A starter dose of 60 kg of
Urea/ha was added at second irrigation. Irrigation water was applied every 7 to 10
days. The zero cut was done 90 days from sowing after which cutting was done at a
fixed interval of 28 days. Weeds were kept at minimum by hand weeding. The green
matter yield (GMY) was estimated from one third of the plot (7 m
2
) by harvesting the
inner 2 meters leaving the outer 2 meters from each side of the plot (2 m x 3 ridges).
The dry matter yield (DMY) was estimated from 0.5 kg fresh sample taken from each
harvested plot and air dried. Days to flower, plant height and number of stems per m
2

were recorded.
Results
Table 11 shows contrast analysis for Alfalfa cultivars in forage yield and related traits
based on data combined over 9 cuts. Table 12 shows the performance of Alfalfa
cultivars for forage yield in each of the 9 cuts. The contrast analysis revealed highly
significant differences between cultivars in forage yield and related traits. The local
variety Hijazi outyielded Siriver and Cuf 101with respective DMY of 3.65, 3.27 and
2.49 t/ha. It was also earlier and taller than the exotic cultivars. Hijazi kept
consistently higher levels of forage yield than the exotic cultivars across the 9 cuts.

5

6-- Alfalfa seed production trial
Introduction
This is the first season for this experiment. One of the major problems of Alfalfa
(Berseem Hijazi) production in the Sudan is the availability of cheap and high quality-
seed. The objectives of this study were to investigate the specialized vs non-
specialized (traditional) methods of seed production. In the specialized method
Alfalfa is primarily cultivated for seed whereas in non-specialized (traditional)
method it is originally grown for fodder and when the crop is due to breaking the
farmer switch to seed production.
The traditional method was simulated by growing the local variety Hijazi and the
exotic cultivar Siriver for fodder production using practices similar to those described
in the Alfalfa variety trial 1. These plots will be switched to seed production after two
years of fodder production.
The specialized method was investigated at the following levels:
1. Seed rate (4.76 and 9.5 kg/ha equivalent to 2 and 4kg/fed, respectively)
2. Row spacing (sowing at one side of the ridge and sowing at both sides)
3. Variety (the local variety Hijazi and the exotic cultivar Siriver)
The treatments were arranged in split plot design with 3 replicates by assigning
variety to main plots, row spacing to sub-plot (imposed on variety) and seed rate to
sub-sub-plot (imposed on row spacing). Other materials and methods were similar to
those mentioned in the Alfalfa variety trial 1.
Results
Table 13 shows seed yield and yield components of the first pick of two Alfalfa
cultivars. Table 14 shows the interaction effect of cultivar, row spacing and seed rate
on the first pick of Alfalfa seed. Apart from 1000 seed weight, differences between
the two cultivars in seed yield and yield components were significant. The local
cultivar Hijazi significantly outyielded Siriver in seed production with respective seed
yield amounting to 417 and 107 kg/ha. Hijazi showed increased number of pods and
seeds per pods than Siriver. Interaction effect between cultivar, row spacing and seed
rate on seed yield of the first pick was not significant


6

6-- Seed maintenance of forage sorghum genotypes
Some of the elite genotypes of forage sorghum were grown for seed maintenance on
March 2008. They include 7 Sudan grass genotypes (SG32-2A, SG34, SG51, SG18,
SG50, SG10-1 and SG2), 6 Ankolib genotypes (ANKSSS, ANK40, ANK42 ANK43,
ANK18 and ANK36) and 13 introduced sweet sorghum (Dale, Blue Ribbon, Sugar
Drip, N100, N98, N109, Wary, Waconia, Brawley, Rox Orange, Ellis, Atlas and
Hastings).

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9

Table 3. Performance of 5 Rhodes grass and two forage sorghum cultivars evaluated
for green matter yield across 4 cuts (Shambat, 2007/08).
Varieties Green matter yield (t/ha)
Cut1 Cut2 Cut3 Cut4
Abu Sab'in (check) 38.4 17.1 8.85 7.10
Garawi (check) 29.0 22.0 16.24 16.1
Fine Cut 31.1 26.5 30.00 22.3
Hay Maker 26.8 29.2 31.00 23.3
Katambora Australia 26.1 25.3 29.58 21.6
Katambora Zimbabwe 19.4 21.8 18.83 30.0
Top Cut 28.6 27.4 25.75 24.4
Grand mean 24.06
**
3.676
10.427
26.0
Sig. l.
SE

L.S.D.(0.05)
C.V. (%)
** : Significant at 0.01 probability level

Table 4. Performance of 5 Rhodes grass and two forage sorghum cultivars evaluated
for dry matter yield across 4 cuts (Shambat, 2007/08).
Varieties Dry matter yield (t/ha)
Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Cut 4
Abu Sab'in (check) 8.23 4.07 2.34 2.19
Garawi (check) 6.08 5.32 4.55 4.69
Fine Cut 8.27 7.12 8.86 6.55
Hay Maker 6.84 8.41 9.29 6.67
Top Cut 6.95 6.91 7.35 6.87
Grand mean 6.39
**
1.005
2.850
27.1
Sig. l.
SE

L.S.D.(0.05)
C.V. (%)


10

Table 5. Performance of 5 Rhodes grass and two forage legume cultivars evaluated
for green matter yields across 9 cuts, (Shambat, 2007/08).
Cultivars
Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Cut 4 Cut 5 Cut 6 Cut 7 Cut 8 Cut 9
Berseem Hijazi (check) 13.6 12.9 11.4 11.4 8.49 5.83 5.28 5.56 4.72
Clitoria (check) 13.4 5.34 8.69 8.45 5.71 11.3 7.58 9.68 8.02
Fine Cut 31.1 26.5 30.0 22.3 23.0 14.3 4.08 2.00 3.58
Hay Maker 26.8 29.2 31.0 23.3 26.4 16.5 6.75 3.00 2.25
Katambora Australia 26.1 25.3 29.6 21.6 22.2 12.5 2.75 1.75 2.50
Katambora Zimbabwe 19.4 21.8 18.8 30.0 19.0 30.4 18.8 6.50 2.08
Top Cut 28.6 27.4 25.8 24.4 22.4 14.2 3.75 1.83 3.25
Grand mean 15.0
**
2.811
7.879
30.8
Sig. l.
SE

L.S.D.(0.05)
C.V. (%)

Table 6. Performance of 5 Rhodes grass and two forage legume cultivars evaluated
for dry matter yields across 9 cuts, (Shambat, 2007/08).

Cultivars
Dry matter yield (t/ha)
Cut1 Cut2 Cut3 Cut4 Cut5 Cut6 Cut7 Cut8 Cut9
Clitoria (check) 2.58 1.19 2.16 2.52 1.35 3.10 1.94 2.66 1.93
Fine Cut 8.27 7.12 8.86 6.55 7.03 4.56 1.59 0.57 0.96
Hay Maker 6.84 8.41 9.29 6.67 8.16 5.56 2.66 0.90 1.37
Top Cut 6.95 6.91 7.35 6.87 6.75 4.47 1.40 0.57 0.89
Grand mean 4.21
**
0.772
2.164
30.3
Sig. l.
SE

L.S.D.(0.05)
C.V. (%)


11

Table 7. Green matter yield (GMY t/ha) of local forage sorghum hybrids, their parents
and check cultivars obtained in the advanced yield trials conducted in different
environments (Khartoum State, 2007-08).
.
ns : not significant at 0.05 probability level

Code Entry
Feki Hashim
2008
Kuku
2008
Shambat
2008/09
1 S.134 x Hastings 46.4 32.8 38.4
2 S.134 x SG 32-2a 58.5 31.9 35.0
3 S.134 x SG 51 56.1 31.9 33.3
4 S.148 x SG 34 65.8 41.6 37.7
5 S.148 x SG 32-2a 58.2 39.6 37.9
6 S.148 x Ank SSS 56.0 24.2 34.0
7 S.3 x SG 34 53.9 46.2 40.5
8 S.3 x SG 32-2a 54.2 38.1 39.7
9 S.3 x SG 50 48.6 38.6 31.5
10 S.79 x Ank 42 47.2 26.1 30.2
11 S.93 x SG 34 53.7 35.6 31.0
12 Dale x S.70 59.8 26.9 30.3
13 S.3 53.7 25.6 25.5
14 S.134 " 55.1 24.1 29.2
15 S.148 " 39.7 22.9 21.4
16 S.79 " 38.8 14.8 23.4
17 S.93 " 32.7 18.3 21.8
18 Dale " 5.1 11.4 8.0
19 SG 34 46.7 22.2 14.9
20 SG 32-2a " 30.3 22.6 26.2
21 SG 50 " 29.5 18.9 11.0
22 SG 51 " 37.1 20.1 34.6
23 Ank SSS " 25.3 18.1 27.6
24 Ank 42 " 42.7 22.2 12.9
25 Hastings " 27.3 20.0 20.0
26 S.70 " 42.9 16.8 20.2
27 Pannar888 (exotic hybrid) 39.8 32.9 23.5
28 SafedMoti (exotic hybrid) 45.1 26.4 32.7
29 Kambal (check) 50.6 19.7 35.2
30 Abu Sab'in (check) 41.5 17.8 23.4
Mean 44.7 26.3 27.7
Sig. L. ** ** ns
SE 3.2741 2.763 6.8
LSD (0.05) 9.8156 11.3
CV (%) 12.7 14.9 34.7

12

Table 8. Dry matter yield (DMY t/ha) of local forage sorghum hybrids, their parents
and check cultivars
Code Entry Shambat 2007 Shambat 2008
1 S.134 x Hastings 9.50 8.34
2 S.134 x SG 32-2a 12.62 7.38
3 S.134 x SG 51 11.18 8.45
4 S.148 x SG 34 13.88 9.23
5 S.148 x SG 32-2a 10.82 7.97
6 S.148 x Ank SSS 12.62 7.71
7 S.3 x SG 34 11.90 10.16
8 S.3 x SG 32-2a 11.35 9.20
9 S.3 x SG 50 9.80 7.29
10 S.79 x Ank 42 8.44 6.37
11 S.93 x SG 34 10.93 6.59
12 Dale x S.70 11.64 7.03
13 S.3 8.47 5.81
14 S.134 " 8.59 6.41
15 S.148 " 7.13 4.33
16 S.79 " 6.90 5.19
17 S.93 " 5.87 4.74
18 Dale " 1.77 2.10
19 SG 34 7.53 3.53
20 SG 32-2a " 6.14 6.87
21 SG 50 " 6.79 2.97
22 SG 51 " 7.40 8.02
23 Ank SSS " 5.56 6.32
24 Ank 42 " 7.90 3.13
25 Hastings " 5.29 4.64
26 S.70 " 8.36 4.59
27 Pannar888 (exotic hybrid) 7.29 5.79
28 Safed Moti (exotic hybrid) 8.30 7.07
29 Kambal (check) 9.29 7.46
30 Abu Sab'in (check) 7.89 6.35
Mean 8.70 6.37
Sig. L. ** ns
SE 0.793 1.608
LSD (0.05) 2.244 -
CV (%) 15.8 35.7


13

Table 9. Performance of introduced forage sorghum hybrid (CFSH30) for green
matter yield across five cuts as compared to two check cultivars (Shambat, 2008)
Cultivar
Cut1 Cut2 Cut3 Cut 4 Cut 5 Average
CFSH30 35.6 32.8 29.3 18.9 10.7 25.4
Kambal (check) 38.4 17.1 8.85 7.10 0.00 14.3
Garawi (check) 29.0 22.0 16.2 16.1 0.00 16.7
Sig. L **
2.853
8.438
23.2
*
1.757
6.898
23.2
SE
LSD (0.05)
CV (%)
*, ** : significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level, respectively.

Table 10. Performance of introduced forage sorghum hybrid (CFSH30) for dry
matter yield across five cuts as compared to two check cultivars (Shambat, 2008)

Cultivar
Dry matter yield (t/ha)
Cut1 Cut2 Cut3 Cut 4 Cut 5 Average
CFSH30 7.38 6.37 7.10 5.88 3.04 5.96
Abu Sab'in (check) 8.23 4.07 2.34 2.19 0.00 3.37
Garawi (check) 6.08 5.32 4.55 4.69 0.00 4.13
Sig. L **
0.706
2.084
24.3
*
0.427
1.677
24.3
SE
LSD (0.05)
CV (%)


14

Table 11. Contrast analysis for Alfalfa cultivars based on data combined over 9 cuts
for green (GMY) dry (DMY) forage yield and related traits (Shambat, 2008)

Table 12. performance of 3 Alfalfa cultivars in forage yield obtained across 9 cuts
(Shambat, 2008)

Cultivar
Cut No.
Hijazi Siriver Cuf101 Hijazi Siriver Cuf101
Green matter yield (t/ha) Dry matter yield (t/ha)
Cut 1 20.2 19.9 18.3 8.87 8.53 7.67
Cut 2 9.3 8.7 6.4 3.58 3.31 2.48
Cut 3 7.6 6.5 4.4 3.38 2.63 1.60
Cut 4 6.3 6.1 4.3 2.58 2.48 1.81
Cut 5 6.7 6.6 3.8 2.96 2.61 1.47
Cut 6 7.1 6.1 5.0 2.76 2.35 1.82
Cut 7 3.9 3.2 2.3 1.86 1.36 0.99
Cut 8 6.0 5.9 4.3 2.58 2.38 1.72
Cut 9 10.0 9.4 7.2 4.28 3.79 2.86
Grand Mean 8.2 3.42
SE 0.34 0.143

Cultivar GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha) Days to flower Plant height (cm)
Berseem Hijazi 8.6 3.65 25.6 46.8
Siriver 8.0 3.27 30.8 40.1
Cuf 101 6.2 2.49 31.5 37.9
SE 0.32 0.133 0.41 0.8861
LSD (0.05) 0.67 0.278 2.54 5.5505
Hijazi vs Siriver ** ** ** **
Hijazi vs Cuf 101 ** ** ** **

15

Table 13. Seed yield and yield components of the first pick of two Alfalfa cultivars
(Shambat, 2008)


Table 14. Interaction effect of cultivar, row spacing and seed rate on the first pick of
Alfalfa seed (Shambat, 2008)

Cultivar Seed yield
(kg/ha)
No of Pods
/plant
No of
seeds/Pod
1000 seed
weight (gm)
Berseem Hijazi 417 52.8 3.67 3.08
Siriver 107 33.3 2.10 3.40
Mean 262 43 2.89 3.24
Sig. L ** ** ** ns
SE 17.0 2.24 0.0723 0.2048
Row spacing On one side of the ridge On both sides of the ridge
Seed rate 2 kg / fed 4 kg / fed 2 kg / fed 4 kg / fed
Berseem Hijazi 433 423 380 432
Siriver 108 146 65 107
Average 271 284 223 269
Grand mean
Sig. L
SE
262
ns
34.8

Annual Report, 2007
By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1. Ankolib advanced yield trial
2. Introduced sweet sorghum advanced yield trial
3. Seed production of local x local forage sorghum hybrids
4. Advanced local x local forage sorghum hybrids yield trial (AYT)
5. Rhodes Grass trial I (ongoing)
6. Rhodes Grass trial II
7. Introduced forage sorghum hybrid trial

1- Ankolib advanced yield trial (in collaboration with Hassan Tambal, Shendi
Research Station):
The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Shendi Research Station.
The plant materials comprised 3 Ankolib selections namely: S.42, S. 43 and S.S.S.
Expt and two checks (the traditional Ankolib and Kambal the recommended Abu
Sab'in cultivar). Sowing date was on 18. Jan. 2007. The design was RCBD. The
experiment received eight irrigations. Other materials and methods were similar to
those of Ankolib experiment conducted at Hudieba in 2006
Results
Table 1 shows the results obtained by three Ankolib lines and the two checks for
green matter yield (GMY) and plant height. The genotypes showed no significant
differences in GMY but differed significantly in plant height. The line S.42 gave the
highest yield averaging 25.0 t/ha. The checks Kambal and the traditional Ankolib
gave 23.9 and 20.3 t/ha, respectively. All of the Ankolib lines were significantly taller
than the check Ankolib.


2

2- Introduced sweet sorghum advanced yield trial (in collaboration with Hassan
Tambal, Shendi Research Station):
The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Shendi Research Station.
The plant materials comprised four introduced sweet sorghum genotypes (Sugar Drip,
Blue Ribbon, Hastings and N 100) and two checks (the traditional Abu Sab'in and
Kambal cultivars). Sowing date and other materials and methods were similar to those
applied to Ankolib advanced yield trial
Results
Table 2 shows the results obtained by the 4 introduced genotypes and the check
cultivars. The entries differed significantly in GMY and plant height. With the
exception of Hastings, the GMY obtained by the introduced genotypes were
comparable to that of the checks, with Blue Ribbon and Sugar Drip averaging 32.3
and 31.2 t/ha, respectively. The checks Kambal and Abu Sab'in averaged 32.1 and
29.9 t/ha, respectively. Sugar Drip was the tallest among introduced genotypes,
whereas N 100 and Hastings showed the lowest values for plant height in the whole
materials tested.

3- Seed production of local x local forage sorghum hybrids
A crossing block was conducted in the Experimental Farm of Shambat Research
Station to produce seeds of the local x local forage sorghum hybrids. Nine males and
6 females were sown on 28 Dec. 2006 and 15 Feb. 2007. The male comprised five
locally developed Sudan Grass genotypes (S.32-2a. S.34, S.51, S.50 and S.10-1), two
locally developed Ankolib genotypes (S.S.S.expt. and S.42) one locally developed
Abu Sab'in genotype (S.70) and one introduced sweet sorghum cultivar (Hastings).
The females comprised six genotypes, five of which were locally developed from Abu
Sab'in population, namely: S.148, S.3, S.134, S.93 and S.79. The sixth female (Dale)
was sweet sorghum genotype introduced from USA. The seeds of at least 12 hybrids
were produced for advanced testing (Table 3)

4- Advanced local x local forage sorghum hybrids yield trial (AYT)
The 12 hybrids together with their 14 parents were tested against four checks at
Shambat. Sowing date was on 8.Oct.2008. The checks comprised Abu Sab'in, Kambal
plus the exotic commercial hybrids Pannar 888 and Safed Moti. The design was

3

lattice with 15 incomplete and 3 complete blocks. The incomplete block composed of
2 plots 15 m
2
each. The plot size was 16.3 m
2
. The seeds were sown in furrows
opened on both side of the ridge at a rate of 50 seed per m/row. Other materials and
methods were similar to those of the preliminary yield trial conducted at Shambat in
the previous season.
Results
Table 4 shows the performance of the studied materials for green (GMY) and dry
(DMY) matter yields. Differences between entries in forage yield were highly
significant. The adjusted means generated by design were considered due to the
increased relative efficiency over the RCBD. The local hybrids S.148 x SG 34, and
S.134 x SG 51 out-yielded the exotic hybrids and the local checks with respective
GMY amounting to 60.7 and 58.4 t/ha. The best yield obtained by the checks was
shown by the exotic hybrid Safed Moti (50.1 t/ha) and Kambal (42.6 t/ha). The GMY
of parents ranged from 25.2 to 46.9 t/ha obtained by Dale and Ank SSS, respectively.
For DMY, the hybrid S.148 x SG 34, excelled the parents, exotic hybrids and the
local checks (Kambal and Abu Sab'in).

5- Rhodes Grass trial I
This is the second year for this trial. Materials and methods were described in the
pervious report. Table 5 shows performance of five Rhodes Grass and two checks
cultivars (Abu Sab'in and Garawi) for green matter yield across 4 cuts. Table 6 shows
performance of five Rhodes Grass for green matter yield as compared to the checks
Berseem Hijazi and Clitoria across 9 cuts. The performance of cultivars in forage
yield differed significantly across cuts. Apart from the first cut, Rhodes Grass
cultivars outyielded the checks Abu Sab'in and Garawi. Differences among Rhodes
cultivars were not significant. Abu Sab'in yielded better than Garawi ranging from
12.6 to 28.5 t/ha in the 4
th
and the 3
rd
cut, respectively; whereas the yield of Rhodes
Grass ranged from 25.9 to 40.9 t/ha obtained by Katambora Zimbabwe in the 1
st
and
4
th
cut, respectively. On the other hand, the Rhodes Grass cultivars outyielded
Berseem Hijazi and Clitoria up to the 7
th
cut, after which the Rhodes yield declined
significantly. The yield of Berseem ranged from 4.1 to 16.9 t/ha obtained in the 9
th

and 3
rd
cut, respectively; whereas that of Clitoria ranged from 3.7 to 23.5 t/ha
obtained by the 9
th
and the 6
th
cut, respectively.


4

6- Rhodes Grass trial II
This is a replicate of the previous Rhodes Grass variety trial except that sowing date
for Berseem Hijazi and Rhodes cultivars was on 12 Nov. 2007 whereas other
materials were sown on 10 Oct. 2007.
Results
The First Cut: The results are presented in Table 7. The entries differed significantly
in all characters studied. Unlike the pervious season, none of the Rhodes Grass
Cultivars outyielded Abu Sab'in or Garawi; however, some of them outyielded
Berseem and Clitoria. The GMY of Rhodes cultivars ranged from 19.4 to 31.1 t/ha
obtained by Katambora Zimbabwe and Fine Cut, respectively. The check Abu Sab'in
gave the highest GMY (38.1 t/ha). Top Cut was the latest in the whole materials
tested taking 91 days to flower, whereas Fine Cut and Katambora Zimbabwe were the
earliest among Rhodes cultivars, taking 52 and 53 days to flower, respectively. Abu
Sab'in and Garawi were significantly taller than Rhodes cultivars that ranged from 82
to 98 cm.

7- Introduced forage sorghum hybrid trial
This is the first season for this experiment. The material comprised one introduced
forage sorghum hybrid 'CFSH 30', the recommended cultivar 'Kambal', the traditional
cultivars Garawi and Abu Sab'in and the commercial hybrid Pannar 888. The
introduced hybrid was received from the Canadian Company: Agriculture
Environmental Renewal Canada Inc. (AERC Inc.) via Dr. Sami Bella from Faculty of
Animal Production, University of Khartoum. Two experiments were conducted in the
Experimental Farm of Shambat Research Station. The first one was sown on 8.Oct.
2007 whereas the second experiment was sown in the 2
nd
week of Nov. 2007. In the
first experiment the introduced hybrid was tested against Kambal, Abu Sab'in and
Pannar 888 whereas in the second experiment it was tested only against Garawi and
Abu Sab'in. The materials were arranged in RCBD with 3 replicates. The plot size
was 3 ridges 6m long spaced at 0.75m. The seeds were sown in furrows opened on
both side of the ridge at a rate of 50 seeds per m/row. The treatments received 55 kg
n. /ha at second irrigation. The experiment was watered every 7 to 10 days. Weeds
were kept at minimum by hand weeding. The whole plot was harvested to determine
the GMY. The first and the subsequent cuts were done when each cultivar completed

5

50 % flowering. Nitrogen dose at 55 kg n /ha was given following each cut. GMY,
DMY, days to flowering, plant height, plant count and leaf to stem ratio were
recorded.
Results
Tables 8 and 9 show the performance of the studied materials for green (GMY) matter
yield across three cuts in the first and the second experiments, respectively. In the first
experiment the checks outyielded the introduced hybrid CFSH30 in the first cut but
the reverse is true for the second and the third cuts. In the second experiment, the
yield obtained by CFSH30 (30.5t/ha) was comparable to that of Abu Sab'in (32.9 t/ha)
and Garawi (24.8 t/ha), but as in the first experiment CFSH30 outyielded both checks
in the second and the third cut.
Table 10 shows days to flower and plant height for the studied materials. CFSH30
was the earliest, taking 42.6 days to flower. It was about 2 weeks earlier than the
check cultivars.


6

Table 1. Performance of three Ankolib lines and two check cultivars for green
matter yield (GMY) and plant height (Shendi, 2007)
** : significant at 0.01 probability level., ns = non significant

Genotype GMY (t/ha) Plant height (cm)
S.42 25.0 198
S.43 24.4 202
S.S.S. Expt 23.1 181
Ankolib (check) 20.3 152
Kambal (check) 23.9 203
Mean 23.3 187
Sig L. ns **
SE 1.576 7.06
LSD (0.5) 23.01
CV(%) 11.7 6.5

7

Table 2. Performance of four introduced sweet sorghum genotypes and two
check cultivars for green mater yield (GMY) and plant height (Shendi, 2007)
Cultivar
GMY (t/ha) Plant height (cm)
Sugar Drip 31.2 188
Blue Ribbon 32.3 172
Hastings 26.8 165
N 100 29.3 143
Abu Sab'in (check) 29.9 197
Mean 30.3 175
Sig. level ** **
S.E 0.686 2.68
LSD (0.05) 2.162 8.57
CV(%) 3.9 2.6
** : significant at 0.01 probability level.


8

Table 3. The 12 local x local forage sorghum hybrids produced in a crossing
block for advanced testing (Shambat, 2006/2007)

Code Hybrid Type
1 S.134 x Hastings Local x Local
2 S.134 x SG 32-2a Local x Local
3 S.134 x SG 51 Local x Local
6 S.148 x Ank SSS Local x Local
10 S.79 x Ank 42 Local x Local
12 Dale x S.70 Exotic by Local


9

Table 4. Green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields obtained by the advanced 12 local
forage sorghum hybrids, their parents and 4 check cultivars (Shambat, 2007).

Code Entry GMY DMY
(t/ha) Rank (t/ha)
1 S.134 x Hastings 45.2 13 9.50
2 S.134 x SG 32-2a 47.3 8 12.62
3 S.134 x SG 51 58.4 2 11.18
4 S.148 x SG 34 60.7 1 13.88
5 S.148 x SG 32-2a 44.4 15 10.82
6 S.148 x Ank SSS 51.6 3 12.62
7 S.3 x SG 34 49.9 6 11.90
8 S.3 x SG 32-2a 50.6 4 11.35
9 S.3 x SG 50 44.5 14 9.80
10 S.79 x Ank 42 47.8 7 8.44
11 S.93 x SG 34 47.0 9 10.93
12 Dale x S.70 46.9 10 11.64
13 S.3 39.2 22 8.47
14 S.134 " 40.2 20 8.59
15 S.148 " 34.6 25 7.13
16 S.79 " 30.5 28 6.90
17 S.93 " 30.6 27 5.87
18 Dale " 25.2 30 1.77
19 SG 34 36.3 24 7.53
20 SG 32-2a " 38.2 23 6.14
21 SG 50 " 29.8 29 6.79
22 SG 51 " 43.8 17 7.40
23 Ank SSS " 46.9 10 5.56
24 Ank 42 " 44.2 16 7.90
25 Hastings " 40.4 19 5.29
26 S.70 " 45.5 12 8.36
27 Pannar888 (exotic hybrid) 39.3 21 7.29
28 Safed Moti (exotic hybrid) 50.1 5 8.30
29 Kambal (check) 42.6 18 9.29
30 Abu Sab'in (check) 34.2 26 7.89
Mean 42.8 8.70
Sig. L. ** **
SE 2.2960 0.793
LSD (0.05) 6.8835 2.244
CV (%) 9.28 15.8

10

Table 5. Performance of five Rhodes Grass and two checks cultivars for green
matter yield across 4 cuts (Shambat, 2007).
Cultivar
Cut1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Cut 4
Abu 70 (check) 27.71 20.42 28.49 12.64
Garawi (check) 25.57 16.72 14.39 17.21
Fine Cut 30.49 29.93 36.39 35.84
Hay Maker 33.40 26.46 32.08 37.50
Top Cut 23.06 27.99 36.67 34.59
Grand mean 28.51
**
2.021
5.733
12.4
Sig. l.
SE
L.S.D.(0.05)
C.V. (%)


11

Table 6. Performance of five Rhodes Grass and two check cultivars evaluated for
green matter yield across 9 cuts, (Shambat 2006/ 07).

Cultivar
Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Cut 4 Cut 5 Cut 6 Cut 7 Cut 8 Cut 9
Clitoria (check) 11.0 10.5 10. 6 23.0 15.5 23.5 7.60 9.10 3.70
Fine Cut 30.5 29.9 36. 9 35.8 36.0 28.5 18.0 11.0 13.0
Hay Maker 33.5 26.5 32. 1 37.5 33.6 26.8 14.9 112 12.9
Top Cut 23.1 28.0 36.7 34.6 32.4 28.3 15.9 9.4 13.6
Grand mean 21.7
**
1.696
4.770
12.0
Sig. l.
SE

L.S.D (0.05)
C.V (%)

12

Table 7. Green (GMY) dry (DMY) matter yields of the 1
st
cut and yield related
traits of five Rhodes grass genotypes and four local forage types (checks) grown
at Shambat, 2007

Cultivar GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha) Days to flower Plant ht (cm)
Fine Cut 31.1 8.27 52 98
Hay Maker 26.8 6.84 67 96
Katambora Australia 26.1 6.96 68 85
Katambora Zimbabwe 19.4 3.45 53 82
Top Cut 28.6 6.95 91 94
Abu Sab'in (check) 38.4 8.23 58 126
Berseem Hijazi (check) 13.6 3.01 63 49
Clitoria (check) 13.4 2.58 - 82
Garawi (check) 29.0 6.08 60 120
Mean 25.1
5.82
64 92
Sig.L * ** ** **
SE 4.49 1.214 5.7 4.8
LSD (0.05) 13.46 3.641 17.3 14.5
CV (%) 30.9 36.1
15.4
9.0


13

Table 8. Green matter yield obtained at different cuts by different forage
sorghum cultivars grown at Shambat, Oct. 2007

Cultivar
Cut1 Cut 2 Cut3

CFSH30 21.8 15.1 11.6
Pannar 888 (check) 34.8 12.4 7.70
Kambal (check) 45.6 6.88 4.68
Abu Sab'in (check) 31.97 8.25 2.84

Mean 33.1 10.7 6.7
s.e.d. 4.494 0.476 0.415
CV (%) 19.2 5.5 7.6


14

Table 9. Green matter yield obtained at different cuts by different cultivars of
forage sorghum and their performance averaged over different cuts (Shambat,
Nov. 2007).

Cultivar
Cut 1 Cut 2 Cut 3 Cultivar

CFSH30 30.5 31.4 25.1 29.0
Abu Sab'in (check) 32.9 14.7 7.58 18.4
Garawi (check) 24.8 18.8 13.9 19.2

Sig.L. ** **
LSD (0.05) 8.541 3.821
CV (%) 16.8


15

Table 10. Yield-related traits of different forage sorghum cultivars grown at
Shambat Nov. 2007

Cultivar Days to flower Plant height (cm)
CFSH30 42.6 174
Pannar 888 (check) 56.0 209
Abu Sab'in (check) 57.3 186
Mean 53.0 192
s.e.d. 0.899 7.98
CV (%) 2.4 5.9

Annual Report, 2006
By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

The following activities were conducted during the year 2006:
1. Rhodes Grass nursery
2. Local x local forage sorghum hybrids (PYT)
3. Rhodes Grass variety trial
4. Maize variety trial (CIMMYT)
5. Sudan Grass advanced yield trial
6. Ankolib advanced yield trial
7. Introduced sweet sorghum advanced yield trial
8. Forage sorghum hybrids crossing blocks
9. Maintenance of male sterile sorghum genetic stocks

1- Rhodes Grass nursery
Nine Rhodes grass genotypes received from the International Livestock Research
Institute 'ILRI' were grown at Shambat Experimental Farm on 20 Nov. 2006 (Table
1). Days to flower and plant height were recorded. Seeds from each genotype were
collected.

2- Local x local forage sorghum hybrids preliminary yield trial (PYT)
2.1 Shambat PYT
The 38 hybrids chosen in the previous season were grown in a PYT together with
their 19 parents plus 8 checks (totaling 65 entries). The checks include : the
recommended Abu Sab'in cultivar 'Kambal', the traditional Abu Sab'in, two
commercial hybrids (Pannar888 and Bulk Master) and 4 local x exotic experimental
hybrids developed by our program in 2002, namely: Dale x S.70, Hastings x S.70, E-
35-1x S.186 and E-35-1 x S.70. Sowing date was on 26 Sept. 2006. The design was

2

Alpha lattice with 13 incomplete blocks and 3 complete blocks. The incomplete block
composed of 5 plots each of 0.75 x 6m ridge. Sowing was done on one side of the
ridge by placing 5 seeds in holes spaced at 5 x 75cm along and between ridges,
respectively. The experiment was watered every 7 to 10 days and weeded twice. 55 kg
n /ha was added at second irrigation. Harvesting took place when each cultivar in each
plot completed 50% flowering. Green matter yield (GMY) was estimated from the
whole plot omitting 0.5m from each side of the ridge. Dry matter yield (DMY) was
estimated from 0.5 kg fresh sample taken from the harvested plot and air dried. Days
to booting and flowering, plant height, stem diameter, regrowth, No of plants
plant/plot and Buda counts were recorded.
Results
Table 2 shows the results obtained for green matter yield. Differences between entries
were highly significant for GMY. Many hybrids outyielded the commercial hybrid
Pannar888 and the traditional cv Abu Sab'in. Some of them outperformed their
parents and the checks in earliness, vigor and regrowth (data not shown). The hybrids
were ranked based on their performance in the above mentioned attributes and 11
local x local plus one exotic x local hybrids (= 12 hybrids) were chosen for advanced
testing in the coming season (Table 3)
2.2 Hudieba PYT (in collaboration with Moataz A. Mohamed, Hudieba Research
Station):
The above experiment was replicated at Hudieba. Sowing date was on 12 Dec. 2006.
Materials and methods were similar to those of Shambat experiment. Unfortunately,
the experiment failed to yield reliable results.

3- Rhodes Grass variety trial
This is the first season for this trial. Five Rhodes Grass cultivar viz. FineCut, TopCut
(of the Australian Selected Seeds Co. via their local agent Ayna'at), HayMaker,
Katambora Australia and Katambora Zimbabwe (of the Australian Blue Ribbon Co.),
were grown together with the local cultivars Bereseem Hijazi, Clitoria, Garawi and
Abu Sab'in in the Experimental Farm of Shambat Research Station. Sowing date was
on 20 Nov. 2006. The materials were arranged in RCBD with 3 replicates. The plot
size was 3 ridges 6m long spaced at 0.75m. The seed were dripped in furrows opened
on both sides of the ridge using seeds rates of 10, 48, 12, 70 and 120 kg/ha for

3

Rhodes Grass, Bereseem Hijazi, Clitoria, Garawi and Abu Sab'in, respectively. The
treatments received 86 kg P
2
O
5
and 55 kg n. per hectare before sowing and at second
irrigation, respectively. The experiment was watered every 7 to 10 days. Weeds were
kept at minimum by hand weeding. The whole plot was harvested to determine the
GMY. The first cut was done when each treatment completed 50 % flowering, after
which cutting was practiced at intervals of 35, 40 and 23 days for Rhodes Grass,
Clitoria and Berseem Hijazi, respectively. Garawi and Abu Sab'in were cut at 50 %
flowering. GMY, DMY, days to flowering, plant height and plant count were
recorded.
Results
The First Cut: The results are presented in Table 4. The entries differed significantly
in all characters studied. Most of the Rhodes Grass Cultivars significantly outyielded
the checks, ranging from 26.7 t/ha for HayMaker down to 18.4 t/ha for TopCut. The
GMY of the checks ranged from 15.8 t/ha for Abu Sab'in down to 5.5 t/ha for Clitoria.
HayMaker was the earliest to flower among the Rhodes group (83 day) whereas Abu
Sab'in and Garawi were the earliest among the checks taking around 74 days to
flower.

4- Maize variety trial (CIMMYT)
Two copy-sets of the trial 06EVT14A (16 and 17) were received from CIMMYT each
comprising 11 genotypes (Early Yellow open pollinated genotypes). The genotypes
plus the local check Mugtama 45 were replicated 3 times in alpha lattice design with 3
incomplete blocks each comprising 4 plots. The plot consisted of two 5m long-ridges
spaced at 0.75m. Sowing date was on 14 Oct. 2006. Sowing was done on one side of
the ridge by placing two seed in holes spaced at 20 cm along the ridge. The
experiment received 55 kg n/ha at second irrigation, hand weeded twice and watered
every 7 to 10 days. Days to tassel, plant height, no of plants per plot, No of cobs per
plot, No of cobs per plant seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot and No of lodged
plants at harvest were recorded. Leaf diseases and insect damage were monitored.
Seed yield per plant was determined from 5 randomly selected plants from each plot.
Seed yield per plot was determined by harvesting the whole plot. Time of harvest was
at black layer formation for each genotype at each plot. Cobs were picked and left to
dry and then threshed by hand.

4

Results
Table 5 shows the results. The genotypes differed significantly in all characters other
than plant height. Many of the CIMMYT genotypes significantly outyielded the local
check specially the S03TEY group, among which S03TEY-Pp/Bm and S03TEY/LN
were the best yielders averaging 5.54 and 5.34 t/ha, respectively. The local check
Mugtama 45 averaged 3.17 t/ha. Both genotypes were significantly earlier than the
local check.

5- Sudan Grass advanced yield trial
Five Sudan Grass genotypes (S. 32-2a, S. 51, S. 50, S. 10-1 and S. 18sg) were tested
against the traditional check Garawi and the released cultivar Kambal. The plot size
was 5 ridges 6 m long spaced at o.75 m. Sowing date was on 26.9.2006. The green
matter yield (GMY) was estimated by harvesting the whole plot. Yield-related traits
were determined. Other materials and methods were similar to those of the previous
season.
Results
The data presented in Table 6 indicate that highly significant differences between
entries were detected for all characters studied. S.32-2a and S. 51 gave the highest
GMY among selections averaging 27.7 and 26.1 t/ha, respectively. However, both
genotypes yielded significantly lower than Kambal and were not significantly higher
in GMY than the check Garawi. Both genotypes were the earliest among selections.

6- Ankolib advanced yield trial (in collaboration with Moataz A. Mohamed,
Hudieba Research Station):
This experiment was conducted in 3 locations viz. Shambat, Hudieba and Gash Delta.
The plant materials include 5 Ankolib selections namely: S.40., S. 18 ank, S. 42,
S.S.S. expt. and S.43. The checks include the traditional Garawi, the released cultivar
Kambal and the traditional Abu Sab'in. However, due to seed limitation some of these
genotypes were absent in Hudieba and Gash. Sowing dates were on 26 Sept. 2006 at
Shambat, 21 Nov.2006 at Hudieba and last week of Sept 2006 at Gash Delta. Other
materials and methods used at Shambat were similar to those of Sudan Grass
Experiment. At Hudieba the plot composed of 3 ridges 5m long spaced at 0.75m.

5

Seeds were dribbled in furrows opened on both sides of the ridge. At Gash, sowing
was done on flat by placing the seeds in holes spaced at 75 x 10 cm
Results
Table 7 shows the results obtained in the 3 locations. The entries differed significantly
in GMY at Shambat and Hudieba, but not at Gash Delta. S.S.S.expt and S.42 were the
best yielding at Shambat and Hudieba; however, their yield was significantly lower
than that of the check Kambal. All Ankolib selections significantly outyielded the
check Ankolib at Shambat but most of them were significantly later in flowering.

7- Introduced sweet sorghum advanced yield trial
This experiment was conducted at Shambat and Hudieba. The plant materials include:
Sugar Drip, Dale Blue, Ribbon, Hastings and N 100. The checks include the
traditional Ankolib, the released cultivar Kambal and the traditional Abu Sab'in.
However, due to seed limitations some of these genotypes were absent in both
locations. Sowing dates were on 14 Oct. 2006 at Shambat and 21 Nov.2006 at
Hudieba. Other materials and methods used at Hudieba, were similar to those of
Ankolib experiment conducted in the same site. At Shambat, the plot composed of 3
ridges 6m long spaced at 0.75m. Apart from that, materials and methods used were
similar to those of the previous season.
Results
Table 8 shows the results obtained at both locations. The entries differed significantly
in all characters at Shambat, but not at Hudieba. Sugar Drip and N 100 were the best
in GMY among the introduced genotypes. Sugar Drip significantly outyielded the
checks Ankolib and Abu Sab'in, but not Kambal. However, it was significantly the
latest to flower in the whole material tested.

8- Forage sorghum hybrids crossing blocks
Two crossing blocks were established in the Experimental Farm of Shambat Research
Station. The parental materials were sown at variable sowing dates ranging from 11
March to 26 March 2006 to allow for desirable nicking. The objective of first block
(Table 9) was to produce F1 local x local hybrid seed for establishing the planned
hybrid testing program. 14 males comprising 8 Sudan Grass, 4 Ankolib and 2
introduced sweet sorghum genotypes were crossed to 7 Abu Sab'in females. A second

6

block (Table 10) was established with the aim of producing F1 local x exotic hybrid
seed. 12 males comprising 8 grain sorghum, one dual purpose (grain/forage), 2 Sudan
Grass and one Ankolib genotypes were crossed to 5 exotic females.

9- Maintenance of male sterile sorghum genetic stocks
The 12 Abu Sab'in females in A3 CMS developed by our program in 2004 were
maintained. Remnant seed from the 29 forage sorghum genetic stocks in A3
cytoplasm received from USDA-ARS, Department of Agronomy, University of
Nebraska, USA, in 2001 were maintained. However, seed of many lines failed to
grow and were totally missed.


7

Table 1. Rhodes Grass materials grown at Shambat, 2006 (received from
International Livestock Research Institute 'ILRI' )

No Genotype Accession No
Lot
No
Production Designated
under
Weight
(gm)
Area Year

1 Boma Chloris gayana 13330 13 DZeit 1993 FAO 5
2 Katambora Chloris gayana 7384 22 DZeit 2003 FAO 5
3 Pioneer Chloris gayana 6627 31 0 - FAO 5
4 Masaba Chloris gayana 6630 4 Zwai 2003 FAO 5
5 Callide Chloris gayana 6633 24 Zwai 1994 FAO 5
6 Elmba Chloris gayana 13329 11 Zwai 1994 FAO 5
7 Rongai Chloris gayana 7113 14 Soddo 1944 FAO 5
8 Mabrara Chloris gayana 7103 13 Zwai 1995 FAO 5
9 Samford Chloris gayana 6625 14 Zwai 1986 FAO 5


8

Table 2. Green matter yield (GMY) of 38 local x local hybrids (plot no 1 through
38), parents (39-57) and checks (58-65) grown at Shambat, 2006
Plot
No
Entry Name
Adjusted
GMY (t/h)
Rank
Unadjusted
GMY (t/h)
Rank
22 S.148 x S.G. S.34 60.32 1 61.00 1
18 S.134 x S.G. S. 51 56.48 2 56.67 2
28 S.148 x S.S.S.expt 56.10 3 56.00 4
21 S.134 x hastings 55.80 4 56.00 3
25 S.148 x S.G S.32-2a 55.54 5 55.33 5
7 S.3 x S.G. S.10-1 54.89 6 55.19 6
16 S.134 x S.S.S.expt 54.76 7 54.67 8
58 Dale x S.70 54.54 8 54.68 7
10 S.3 x S.G. S. 51 54.41 9 54.67 9
8 S.3 x S.S.S.expt 53.30 10 53.09 11
63 kambal 52.75 11 53.33 10
2 S.3 x S.G. S.34 51.98 12 52.00 13
14 S.134 x S.G S.32-2a 51.95 13 52.00 12
11 S.3 x sg.s.32-1 51.26 14 51.33 14
65 Bulk Master 50.82 15 36.00 51
1 S.3 x S.42. ank 50.71 16 51.00 15
36 S.79 x S.42. ank 50.35 17 50.67 16
19 S.134 x S.G. S.34 50.15 18 50.33 17
61 E-35-1 x S.70 49.23 19 49.33 18
13 S.134 x S.42. ank 49.15 20 49.33 19
56 S.148 ab70 48.99 21 49.33 20
60 E-35-1 x S.186 48.99 22 49.33 22
3 S.3 x S.40, ank 48.65 23 49.33 21
15 S.134 x S.40, ank 48.23 24 48.00 23
32 S.158 x S.42. ank 47.97 25 48.00 24
24 S.148 x S.G. S.18 47.83 26 47.67 26
35 S.79 x sg.s.32-1 47.49 27 47.67 25
6 S.3 x S.G S.32-2a 47.26 28 47.00 27
4 S.3 x S.18. ank 46.25 29 46.67 28
59 Hastings x S.70 45.47 30 45.68 29
30 S.158 x S.G. S. 50 45.45 31 45.67 30
9 S.3 x S.G. S. 50 45.29 32 45.67 31
5 S.3 x S.G. S.18 44.84 33 45.00 32
20 S.134 x S.G. S.10-1 44.60 34 44.67 34
37 S.66 x S.G S.32-2a 44.37 35 44.33 37
23 S.148 x S.G. S. 50 44.24 36 43.67 39
12 S.134 x S.G. S. 50 44.19 37 44.33 36
38 S.66 x sg.s.32-1 44.19 38 44.67 33
31 S.158 x S.G S.32-2a 44.07 39 44.33 38
34 S.93 x S.G. S.34 43.66 40 44.33 35
57 S.134 ab70 43.08 41 43.33 40
17 S.134 x sg.s.32-1 42.08 42 42.19 41
26 S.148 x S.G. S.10-1 41.47 43 41.67 43
53 S. 79 ab70 41.24 44 42.00 42
29 S.158 x S.G. S.34 40.86 45 40.67 45
41 S.(32-2)A SG 40.82 46 41.00 44
33 S.93 x S.G. S. 50 39.26 47 39.60 46
51 S. 66 ab70 39.10 48 39.60 47
55 S. 3 ab70 38.91 49 39.33 49


9

Table 2 continued

Plot
No
Entry Name
Adjusted
GMY (t/h)
Rank
Unadjusted
GMY (t/h)
Rank
64 Abu Sab'in 38.88 50 39.60 48
44 S.51 SG 38.43 51 38.67 50
39 S. 32-1 SG 34.59 52 34.68 52
54 S. 93 ab70 34.52 53 34.33 53
27 S.148 x S.40, ank 33.71 54 33.72 55
50 S.S.S. Expt ank 33.08 55 34.00 54
40 S. 34 SG 32.78 56 33.33 56
62 Pannar888 32.67 57 32.33 57
42 S. 18 SG 31.11 58 31.67 58
49 Hastings 29.79 59 29.67 59
47 S. 42 ank 29.06 60 29.67 61
52 S. 158 ab70 28.85 61 29.33 62
48 S. 18 ank 28.76 62 29.67 60
46 S. 40 ank 28.01 63 28.67 63
45 S. 10-1 SG 28.00 64 28.00 64
43 S. 50 SG 23.76 65 24.67 65

Mean 43.990
Sig. L. **
SE 3.2912
LSD (0.05) 9.2442
CV (%) 13
.


10

Table 3. Local hybrids advanced for further testing based on average rank of
some forage attributes (Chosen from PYT 2006, Shambat)

Plot Name code Type

1 S.134 x hastings 4x11 Local x Local
2 S.134 x S.G S.32-2a 4x1
Local x Local
3 S.134 x S.G. S. 51 4x3
Local x Local
4 S.148 x S.G. S.34 6x7
Local x Local
5 S.148 x S.G S.32-2a 6x1
Local x Local
6 S.148 x S.S.S.expt 6x5
Local x Local
7 S.3 x S.G. S.34 2x7
Local x Local
8 S.3 x S.G S.32-2a 2x1
Local x Local
9 S.3 x S.G. S. 50 2x9
Local x Local
10 S.79 x S.42. ank 10x17
Local x Local
11 S.93 x S.G. S.34 8x7
Local x Local
12 Dale by S.70 12x15 Exotic by Local


11

Table 4. Green (GMY) dry (DMY) matter yields and yield related traits of 5
Rhodes grass genotypes and 4 local forage types (checks) grown at Shambat,
2006

Genotype GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha) Days to flower Plant ht (cm)
Fine Cut 24.4 3.45 87.3 99.3
Hay Maker 26.7 3.80 83.0 97.3
Top Cut (check) 18.4 2.33 92.3 72.7
Abu Sab'in (check) 15.8 2.18 74.7 104
Berseem Hijazi (check) 8.1 0.99 86.0 53.3
Clitoria (check) 5.5 0.67 92.7 55.7
Garawi (check) 14.6 1.86 73.7 117
Mean 17.5 2.33 85.5 87.1
Sig.L ** ** ** **
SE 1.86 0.264 1.56 5.795
LSD (0.05) 5.58 0.790 4.67 17.375
CV (%) 18.4 19.6 3.2 11.5
** : significant at 0.01 probability level


12

Table 5. Grain yield and yield related traits obtained by 11 maize genotypes
received from CIMMYT and one local check (Shambat, 2006)

Genotype
Grain yield
(t/ha)
Days to
tasseling
Days to
maturity
Plant
ht (cm)
Seed yield/
plant (gm)
ACROSS0331 4.03 55.0 106 168 70.7
AGUAFRIA0331 5.16 53.7 104 180 87.3
COTAXLAT0331 3.69 53.3 100 177 66.9
COTAXTLAS0031RE 3.64 53.3 107 182 88.4
CUYUTA0331 4.79 53.3 104 170 82.3
P31HSRSC11 4.10 53.0 100 165 75.1
S03TEY 4.84 52.3 100 160 93.4
S03TEY-Pp/Bm 5.54 49.0 100 172 100
S03TEY-SCB/FAW 3.78 51.7 97.7 173 65.7
S03TEY/LN 5.34 50.0 93.0 172 89.1
TURIPANA0331 4.58 50.3 102 167 79.1
MUGTAMA 45 (Check) 3.17 54.7 107 183 78.6
Mean 4.39 52.5 102 172 81.4
SIg.L ** ** ** ns *
SE 0.370 0.55 1.37 5.21 6.55
LSD (0.05) 1.086 1.61 4.01 - 19.21
CV (%) 14.6 1.8 2.3 5.2 13.9
**: significant at 0.01 probability level., * : significant at 0.05 probability level ns : not significant at
0.05 probability level


13

Table 6. Green matter yield (GMY) and some yield related traits of 5 Sudan
Grass genotypes and two check cultivars (Shambat, 2006)

Genotype GMY (t/ha) Days to flower Plant ht (cm)
S.50 16.7 71. 7 157
S.10-1 18.9 80.0 168
S.18 21.4 68.0 179
S.(32-2)A 27.7 63.3 208
S.51 26.1 60. 7 191
Garawi (check) 22.7 67.0 185
Kambal (check) 36.0 64.0 207
Mean 24.2 67.8 185
Sig L. ** ** **
SE 1.736 2.187 4.90
LSD (0.5) 5.349 6.739 15.09
CV (%) 12.4 5.6 4.6
**: significant at 0.01 probability level.


14

Table 7. Green matter yield (GMY) and yield related traits obtained by Ankolib
genotypes and the checks (2006).
Locations
.Shambat Hudieba Gash
Genotype
GMY
(t/ha)
Days to
Flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Stem Diam
(cm)
GMY
(t/ha)
GMY
(t/ha)
S.42 20.0 62.3 177 0.667 16.2 21.1
S.43 19.0 58.9 173 0.714 11.9 26.6
S.S.S. Expt 23.0 61.0 184 0.600 15.9 35.3
S.40 19.4 61. 7 175 0.667 - 36.4
S.18 20.0 53.3 155 0.700 - -
Ankolib (check) 12.6 50.0 131 0.700 12.5 20.4
Kambal (check) 36.0 64.0 207 0.833 21.8 -
Abu Sab'in (check) 24.3 59. 7 185 0.833 - -
Aklamoi (check) - - - 35.3
Sig. level ** ** ** ns * ns
S.E 1.851 1.156 7.55 0.0559 1.891 5.565
LSD (0.05) 5.614 3.562 23.28 - 6.167 -
CV(%) 14.7 3.4 7.5 13.5 20.9 33.0
**: significant at 0.01 probability level., * : significant at 0.05 probability level ns :
not significant at 0.05 probability level


15

Table 8. Green matter yield (GMY), yield related traits and total soluble solids
(Tss) obtained by introduced sweet sorghums genotypes and local checks (2006)
Location
.Shambat. Hudieba
Genotype
GMY
(t/ha)
Days to
Flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Stem Diam
(cm)
Tss
(Brix)
GMY
(t/ha)
Sugar Drip 39.6 81.3 173 0.700 17.3 17. 6
Dale 14.7
Blue Ribbon 28.5 67.0 175 0.667 15.0 18.3
Hastings 27.0 72.0 166 0.650 16.8 16.6
N 100 30.3 71.3 154 0.767 17.3 16.6
Ankolib (check) 25.2 50.0 131 0.700 11.7 -
Abu Sab'in (check) 30.5 57.3 167 0.800 8.0 18.7
Kambal (check) 44.0 66.5 161 0.713 14.0 13.6
Sig. level ** ** ** * ** ns
S.E 2.197 0.925 5.57 0.02564 1.194 2.287
LSD (0.05) 6.771 2.915 17.55 0.08079 3.680 -
CV(%) 11.8 2.4 6.0 6.2 14.5 23.9
**: significant at 0.01 probability level., * : significant at 0.05 probability level ns :
not significant at 0.05 probability level


16

Table 9. F1 forage sorghum hybrid crossing block comprising 14 males and 7
females (Shambat, 2006)

Males (local Stocks) Females (Local Stocks)
No Name Type Name Type Sterility
type
1 S.34 SG Sudan Grass 1 S.3 Abu Sab'in A3 CMS
3 S.32-1 SG Sudan Grass 3 S.79 Abu Sab'in A3 CMS
4 S.10-1 SG Sudan Grass 4 S.93 Abu Sab'in A3 CMS
6 S.18 SG Sudan Grass 6 S.148 Abu Sab'in
7 S.(32-2) A Sudan Grass 7 S.134 Abu Sab'in
8 S.27 SG Sudan Grass
9 S.40 ANK Ankolib
10 S.S.S. ANK Ankolib
11 Atlas Sweet sorghum
12 Hastings Sweet sorghum
13 S.42 ANK Ankolib
14 S.18 ANK Ankolib

: Except Atlas and Hastings (USA)


17

Table 10. F1 forage sorghum hybrid crossing block comprising 12 males and 5
females (Shambat, 2006)

Males (local Stocks) Females (Exotic = USA)
No Name Type Name Type Sterility
type
1 Wad Ahmed Grain sorghum 1 Fremont Sweet sorghum A3 CMS
2 Mugud Abiad Grain sorghum 2 Colman Sweet sorghum A3 CMS
3 Arf. Gadamak Grain sorghum 3 Atlas Sweet sorghum A3 CMS
4 Aklamoi Grain sorghum 4 Early Sumac Sweet sorghum A3 CMS
5 Aross Elrimal Grain sorghum 5 Blue Ribbon Sweet sorghum A3 CMS
6 Geshish Grain sorghum
7 G.Elhamam Grain sorghum
8 Buda Red Grain sorghum
9 Kambal Forage/Grain
10 S.(32-2)A Sudan Grass
11 S.34 SG Sudan Grass
12 S.42 ANK Ankolib

Annual Report, Winter Season 2005/2006
By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

Winter Season 2005/2006
The following activities were conducted in the Experimental Farm of
Shambat Research Station:
1. Sudan Grass yield trial
2. Ankolib yield trial
3. Evaluation of introduced forage sorghum hybrids
4. Development of local forage sorghum hybrids

1. Sudan Grass yield trial
Materials and methods
Five Sudan Grass selections namely: S. 32-2a, S. 51, S. 50, S. 10-1 and
S. 18sg were tested against the traditional check Garawi, the released
cultivar Kambal and the traditional Abu Sab'in. The plot size was 4 ridges
5 m long spaced at o.75 m. Sowing date was on 6 October 2005. The
green matter yield (GMY) was estimated by harvesting the whole plot.
Yield-related traits were determined. After harvest, nitrogen fertilizer at a
rate of 55 kg N/ha was added and the experiment was irrigated to
evaluate the yield of the second cut. Other materials and methods were
similar to those of the previous season.
Results
First cut: The data presented in Table 1 indicate that significant
differences between entries were detected for all characters studied. S.32-
2a gave the highest GMY (38.8 t/ha) followed by S. 51 (38.2 t/ha) and
S.18SG (38.1 t/ha). The GMY of these selections was significantly (p
<0.05) higher than that obtained by the other materials tested. For dry
matter yield (DMY), two of them were significantly (p <0.05) higher than
Mohammed. Maarouf I. Annual Report, 2005/2006. Shambat Research Station. Agricultural
Research Corporation. Wad Medani. Sudan

2

the check cultivars. Among selections, S.50 kept the lowest GMY for the
second season. However, its DMY was significantly (p <0.05) higher
than the checks. The traditional check Garawi was significantly (p <0.05)
earlier compared to materials other than S.32-2A and S. 51 which were
the earliest among selections. For plant height, all selections were
significantly (p <0.05) taller than the check Garawi.
Second cut: S.32-2A significantly (p <0.05) outyielded the check
cultivars and other selection in GMY averaging 18.3 t/ha. The GMY
obtained by the checks was 10.9, 8.7 and 5.4 t/ha, Garawi, Kambal and
Abu Sab'in, respectively.

2. Ankolib yield trial
Five Ankolib selections namely: S.40., S. 18 ank, S. 42, S.S.S. expt. and
S.43 were tested against the traditional check Garawi, the released
cultivar Kambal and the traditional Abu Sab'in. The methods and
materials used were similar to those of Sudan Grass verification yield
trial. However, the second cut was not evaluated
Results
The results obtained are presented in Table 2. The entries differed
significantly in all characters other than plant height. The S.S.S.expt.
gave the highest yield in the whole material tested averaging 41.1 and
8.93 t/ha for GMY and DMY, respectively. It was the latest in flowering
(62 days) but not significantly different from Kambal (59.7 days). The
GMY of the checks was 32.4, 23.7 and 22.2 kg/ha for Kambal, traditional
Ankolib and Abu Sab'in, respectively.

3. Evaluation of introduced forage sorghum hybrids
Four forage sorghum genotypes comprising two newly introduced
hybrids (Bulk Master and Silage King from Pannar Co.), the released
hybrid Pannar 888 and the traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in were replicated
6 times in a completely randomized design. Sowing date was on 6
October 2005. The plot comprised 4 ridge 5m long and 0.75m apart. The
seeds were dribbled in furrows opened on both sides of the ridge. Seed

3

rate was 48 kg/ha (20 kg/fed.). Nitrogen fertilizer (urea) was added at the
second irrigation at a rate of 55 kg N/ha. The experiment received one
hand-weeding and watered every two weeks. The GMY of the first and
the second cut were determined by harvesting the whole plot after
completion of 50% flowering for each variety. A random sample of 0.5
kg taken from the harvested material of each plot was air dried to
estimate the DMY of the first cut. Plant counts per m
2
, leaf to stem ratio,
plant height, days to 50% booting and flowering were recorded.
Results
Results are presented in Tables 3 and 4. The treatments differed
significantly in most of the characters studied.
Green matter yield: As shown by Table 3, all of the hybrids
significantly out-yielded the traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in in GMY. In
the first cut, the newly introduced hybrids Silage King and Bulk Master
ranked first averaging 32.3 and 31.0 t/ha, respectively. The released
hybrid Pannar 888 and Abu Sab'in averaged 29.3 and 24.1 t/ha,
respectively.
In the second cut, Pannar 888 significantly out-yielded the newly
introduced hybrids and Abu Sab'in, averaging 14.9 t/ha. The yields
obtained by Silage King (9.79 t/ha) and Bulk Master (9.72 t/ha) were
significantly higher than that obtained by Abu Sab'in (6.38 t/ha).
Dry matter yield: Differences between treatments with regard to DMY
were not significant. However, the treatments kept the same relative
performance as in GMY. The DMY ranged form 4.52 for Abu Sab'in to
5.09 t/ha for Silage King.
Yield related traits: The treatments differed insignificantly with regard
to number of plants/m
2
taken after 3 weeks from sowing. However, at
harvest, the hybrids were significantly higher in number of plants/m
2
than
Abu Sab'in, especially at the second cut (Table 3).
Significant differences between treatments were detected for days to 50%
booting and flowering (Table 4). The traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in was
the earliest to flower, whereas Silage King was the latest. Their respective
days to flower were 57.7 and 62.3. Pannar 888 took 58.5 days to flower.
It was significantly earlier than the newly introduced hybrids.

4

Plant height taken at the first cut ranged from 201 for Abu Sab'in to 209
cm for Silage King, but with no significant differences between
treatments (Table 4). However, at the second cut, the treatments differed
significantly in plant height. Pannar 888 was the tallest (143 cm) followed
by Bulk Master (119 cm). Abu Sab'in showed the lowest value for plant
height (101 cm).
Significant differences were detected between treatments for leaf to stem
ratio. The hybrids were significantly better in leaf to stem ratio than the
traditional cv Abu Sab'in. Bulk Master and Silage King gave similar
values (0.45), whereas Pannar 888 and Abu Sab'in obtained 0.44 and 0.41
respectively.
4. Development of local forage sorghum hybrids
4.1 Local x local hybrids nursery
The eighty seven hybrids produced in the previous season, their 21
parents and 7 checks (totaling 115 entries) were replicated twice in a
nursery established on 6 October 2005. The checks comprised 4 local x
exotic hybrids, one introduced hybrid (Pannar 888), Kambal (the newly
released cultivar) and the traditional Abu Sab'in. The local x exotic
hybrids were chosen (based on their good performance) from 28 hybrid
developed at Shambat in December 2001 and tested over two years
(2002-2003) and two locations (Islang and Shambat). The plot consisted
of one ridges 5 meter long. 4 seeds were sown in holes spaced at 10 cm
along the ridge. Nitrogen (urea) was applied two weeks after sowing at a
rate of 55 kg N/ha. The nursery was irrigated every 7 to 10 days. Days to
50 % booting and flowering, plant height, stem diameter were recorded.
Visual assessments were made on stem borer infestation, occurrence of
leaf diseases, tillering capacity and regrowth ability (monitored two
weeks after cutting).
Results
The materials and the recorded data are presented in Table 5. Differences
between entries were highly significant for the studied characters. The
materials were grouped over local hybrids, parents, local x exotic hybrids,
and checks (Pannar 888, Kambal and traditional Abu Sab'in) and contrast
analysis was performed. Results are reflected in Table 6. Significant

5

differences between entries within groups were encountered for all
studied traits. The local hybrids were significantly earlier (53 day) and
taller (233 cm) than all other groups, pointing to their improved growth
vigor. Based on their average rank for the recorded traits and visual
assessment of the other attributes, 38 hybrids (Table 7) were advanced for
further testing in preliminary yield trial in the coming season.


6

Table. 1: Green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields and related traits of 5 selected Sudan
Grass lines and 3 checks grown at Shambat (Winter 2005/2006).

First cut Second cut
Entry GMY
(t/ha)
DMY (t/ha) Days to
flowering
Plant ht
(cm)

GMY
(t/ha)
S. 50 31.2 bc # 7.26 bc 64.0 a 212 bc 9.5 b
S. 51 38.2 a 8.59 a 54.7 D 231 ab 10.2 b
S.32-2a 38.8 a 7.73 ab 56.0 D 213 bc 18.3 a
S.10-1 33.2 b 6.61 cd 63.3 A 208 c 10.6 b
S.18SG 38.1 a 7.02 Bc 61.7 ab 248 a 10.8 b
Garawi (check) 28.5 cd 6.01 De 55.7 D 180 d 10.9 b
Kambal (check) 32.2 b 5.99 De 59.7 Bc 192 cd 8.7 b
Abu Sab'in (check) 26.0 d 5.06 e 57.3 cd 213 bc 5.4 c

Mean 33.3 6.78 59.0 212 10.5
Sig.L ** ** ** ** **
SE 1.041 0.296 1.043 6.68 0.780
CV (%) 5.4 7.6 3.1 5.5 10.5
**: = significant at 0.01 probability level.
# : = In each column, means with letters in common are not significantly different at 0.05
probability level according to Duncans multiple range test.

Table. 2: Green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields and related traits of 5 selected Ankolib
lines and 3 checks grown at Shambat (Winter 2005/2006).

Entry GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha) Days to flowering Plant ht (cm)
S. 40 33.4 bc # 6.56 c 55.3 c 185 a
S. 18 ank 30.9 c 6.18 c 56.0 c 186 a
S. 42 37.6 ab 7.60 b 55.7 c 188 a
S. S. S. expt 41.1 a 8.93 a 62.0 a 205 a
S. 43 29.9 c 5.67 c 58.3 bc 188 a
Ankolib (check) 23.7 d 4.03 d 51.0 d 157 b
Kambal (check) 32.4 C 5.95 C 59.7 ab 193 a
Abu Sab'in (check) 22.2 d 3.86 d 51.0 d 189

Mean 31.4 6.10 57.0 186
Sig.L ** ** ** n.s.
SE 1.543 0.330 0.956 8.77
CV (%) 8.5 9.4 2.9 8.2
*, ** : = significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.
n.s. : = not significant at 0.05 probability level
# : = In each column, means with letters in common are not significantly different at 0.05


7

Table 3. Yield and plant count of 3 forage sorghum hybrids and the traditional cultivar Abu
Sab'in (Shambat, Oct. 2005)

Table 4. Yield related traits of 3 forage sorghum hybrids and the traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in
(Shambat, Oct. 2005)
**: = significant at 0.01 probability level.

Forage yield (t/ha) No. of Plant/msq
Entry
First Cut Second Cut 21 day from
sowing
First Cut Second Cut
Green Dry Green

Abu Sab'in 24.1 4.52 6.38 581 794 292
Bulk Master 31.0 4.92 9.72 457 1189 477
Pan 888 29.3 4.85 14.9 499 1243 679
Silage King 32.3 5.09 9.79 422 1043 461

Mean 29.2 4.84 10.2 490 1067 478
Sig. L. ** ns ** ns * *
SE 1.63 0.32 0.96 45 100 81
Entry
Days to 50%
booting
Days to 50%
flowering
Pant ht (cm) Leaf to stem
ratio
First cut Second cut

Abu Sab'in
50.2 57.7 201 101 0.41
Bulk Master
54.8 59.7 209 119 0.45
Pan 888
53.3 58.5 204 143 0.44
Silage King
56.7 62.3 202 108 0.45

Mean 53.8 59.5 204 118 0.44

Sig. L. ** ** ns ** **
SE 0.58 0.76 5.29 4.67 0.007

8

Table 5. Performance of 87 local hybrids, their parents and checks for some traits in
forage sorghum (Sambat,2005/2006)
Entry
no. Name Group
Plant ht
(cm)
Days to
booting
Days to
flowering
Stem
diam.
1 S.134 x Atlas Local x local Hybrid
232.5 47 55 1.3
2 S.134 x Hastings Local x local Hybrid
237.5 47 54 1.3
3 S.134 x S.G. S. 50 Local x local Hybrid
256 47 53 0.75
245 46 54 0.9
5 S.134 x S.G S.32-2a Local x local Hybrid
250 45 53 0.9
6 S.134 x S.G. S.10-1 Local x local Hybrid
237 48 54 0.825
7 S.134 x S.G. S.18 Local x local Hybrid
233 47 52.5 0.825
242.5 46 54.5 1.1
9 S.134 x S.40, ank Local x local Hybrid
255 45 54.5 1.3
10 S.134 x S.18. ank Local x local Hybrid
245 46 52.5 1.1
252.5 46 53 0.75
12 S.134 x S.S.S.expt Local x local Hybrid
261 50 59 1.1
13 S.134 x S.G. S. 32-1 Local x local Hybrid
250 46 54.5 1.1
246 46 54 1.2
263.5 48 56.5 1.3
253 46 52 0.9
240 46 53.5 1.1
249.5 45 53.5 0.9
248 46 55 0.825
251 45 53 0.825
251.5 41 51.5 0.9
249 49 55.5 1.3
225 47 53.5 0.9
239 52 60 0.9
227.5 43 51 0.825
221 48 55 1.3
225.5 48 55 1.1
233.5 48 53.5 0.725
229 48 56 0.825
235 48 55 0.8
230 45 53 0.825
234 46 53.5 0.825
233 41 50 0.825
227.5 46 54 1.025
213 48 54.5 1.025
224.5 44 53.5 0.825
204.5 41 50 0.75
210 48 57.5 0.75
227.5 49 56.5 1.025
236.5 47 54 0.725
239 46 53.5 1.025
248 48 55 0.75
242.5 48 55.5 0.75
253 48 56.5 0.75
257.5 44 53.5 0.825
260 46 55 0.9
259 48 55 0.825
266.5 47 54 0.825
259 51 60.5 1.1
224 46 53 0.735

9

Table 5 cont.
Entry
no. Name Group
Plant ht
(cm)
Days to
booting
Days to
flowering
Stem
diam.
226.5 43 50.5 0.825
231 44 52.5 1.025
227.5 41 49.5 0.825
225.5 41 49.5 0.75
227.5 40 47 0.75
226 43 49 0.75
218.5 44 53 0.825
215 44 52.5 1.025
223.5 46 53 0.9
223.5 44 53.5 0.9
214.5 46 54 0.9
217.5 48 55.5 0.9
216.5 43 48 0.825
227 44 52 1.1
237.5 46 52.5 1.025
234.5 45 51 0.825
242 44 50.5 0.9
228.5 45 50.5 0.9
224.5 43 50.5 1.1
222.5 46 51.5 1.1
232 46 53.5 1.025
225 44 51.5 0.825
233.5 46 53 0.825
230.5 47 55 1
233 48 55.5 1
238 45 52 0.75
211 44 51 0.9
227.5 41 46.5 0.825
224 41 47 0.9
227 44 50.5 0.9
205 39 45 0.75
223.5 45 51.5 0.8
202.5 41 51 0.825
212.5 44 51.5 0.9
218.5 41 47 0.9
217 44 52 0.825
206 45 51.5 0.825
88 S. 32-1 SG Male Parent
227 48 55.5 0.9
89 S. 34 SG
Male Parent 218.5 47 58 0.825
90 S. 27 SG
Male Parent 192 38 43 0.7
91 S. 32-2a SG
Male Parent 232.5 48 57.5 0.75
92 S. 18 SG
Male Parent 222.5 51 62 0.825
93 S. 50 SG
Male Parent 229 51 62 0.75
94 S. 51 SG
Male Parent 227 48 58 0.825
95 S. 10-1 SG
Male Parent 222 45 63.5 0.75
96 S. 40 ank
Male Parent 222.5 46 53.5 0.9
97 S. 42 ank
Male Parent 227.5 46 54.5 0.75
98 S. 18 ank
Male Parent 197.5 44 52 0.825
99 Hastings
Male Parent 234.5 50 60 0.9
100 Atlas
Male Parent 219.5 52 61 0.9
101 S.S.S. Expt ank
Male Parent 225.5 50 61 1.1

10

Table 5 cont.
Entry
no. Name Group
Plant ht
(cm)
Days to
booting
Days to
flowering
Stem
diam.
102 S. 66 Ab70 Rubatab Female Parent
165 44 51.5 0.9
103 S. 158 Ab70 Rubatab
Female Parent 159 47 52.5 0.9
Female Parent 155.5 48 52 1.1
Female Parent 159 45 50.5 0.825
106 S. 3 Ab70 Aiab
Female Parent 185 51 60.5 1.1
107 S.148 Ab70 Aiab
Female Parent 190.5 51 58.5 1.3
108 S.134 Ab70 Aiab
Female Parent 209.5 51 59 1.3
109 Dale x S.70 Local x exotic Hybrid
195.5 51 60 1.025
110 Hastings x S.70
Local x exotic Hybrid 180 52 61.5 1.1
111 E-35-1 x S.186
112 E-35-1 x S.70
113 Pannar 888
Check 202.5 48 57 0.75
114 Kambal Check
204 49 58.5 0.9
115 Abu Sab'in Check
187.5 45 55 1.1

Mean 225.8 46.0 53.9 0.924
Sig. L ** ** ** **
S.E.D. 17.81 1.92 1.30 0.165
CV (%) 7.9 4.2 2.4 17.9


11

Table 6. Contrast analysis between different groups for some characters in forage sorghum

Group Days to flowering Plant ht (cm) Stem diam (cm)
Local x local hybrids (LH) 52.9 233 0.916
Parents (P) 56.5 206 0.911
Local x exotic hybrids (L x Exotic) 59.4 186 1.131
Checks 56.8 198 0.917
Mean 53.9 226 0.923

Group
LH vs P
LH vs L x Exotic
LH vs checks
S.E.D.
**
**
**
**
1.398
**
**
**
**
8.95
*
ns
**
ns
0.0809

12

Table 7. : Local hybrids advanced for further testing based on average rank of some forage
attributes (selected from 2005/06 nursery)

S.No Entry No Name Average rank

1 48 S.3 x S.42. ank
7
2 45 S.3 x S.G. S.34
7.25
3 46 S.3 x S.40, ank
8.25
4 47 S.3 x S.18. ank
8.75
5 44 S.3 x S.G. S.18
10
6 42 S.3 x S.G S.32-2a
11
7 43 S.3 x S.G. S.10-1
12
8 49 S.3 x S.S.S.expt
12.25
9 40 S.3 x S.G. S. 50
12.5
10 41 S.3 x S.G. S. 51
12.5
11 50 S.3 x sg.s.32-1
16.75

12 3 S.134 x S.G. S. 50
7.5
13 11 S.134 x S.42. ank
8
14 5 S.134 x S.G S.32-2a
9.25
15 9 S.134 x S.40, ank
10
16 12 S.134 x S.S.S.expt
11
17 13 S.134 x sg.s.32-1
11
18 4 S.134 x S.G. S. 51
11.25
19 8 S.134 x S.G. S.34
12.5
20 6 S.134 x S.G. S.10-1
13.25
21 2 S.134 x hastings
14.25

22 21 S.148 x S.G. S.34
7.25
23 16 S.148 x S.G. S. 50
8
24 20 S.148 x S.G. S.18
8.75
25 18 S.148 x S.G S.32-2a
9.75
26 19 S.148 x S.G. S.10-1
11
27 22 S.148 x S.40, ank
13.25
28 24 S.148 x S.S.S.expt
15.75

29 33 S.158 x S.G. S.34
11.25
30 28 S.158 x S.G. S. 50
13.5
31 30 S.158 x S.G S.32-2a
14
32 36 S.158 x S.42. ank
17

33 76 S.93 x S.G. S. 50
10.5
34 82 S.93 x S.G. S.34
16.5

35 73 S.79 x sg.s.32-1
13.5
36 71 S.79 x S.42. ank
15.25

37 53 S.66 x S.G S.32-2a
13
38 60 S.66 x sg.s.32-1
17.75

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Releases
The Abu Sab'in line S.19 which was isolated from the traditional cultivar
'Abu Sab'in' (Aliab type) was released under the name Kamabl by the
Variety Release Committee (VRC) in its meeting held at Wad Medani on
30/11/2004.
A proposal to release twelve Abu Sab'in lines male-sterilized in A3
cytoplasm (Abu Sab'in females) was presented to the VRC in its meeting
held at Khartoum on 28/12/2004. Although the work was highly
appreciated, the proposal was turned down on the argument that the VRC
is not authorized to release genetic stocks.

2.0 Winter Season 2004/2005
The following activities were conducted in the Experimental Farm of
Shambat Research Station:
2.1 Sudan Grass verification yield trial
2.2 Ankolib verification yield trial
2.3 Development of local forage sorghum hybrids
2.4 Seed maintenance

2.1 Sudan Grass verification yield trial
The plot size was 4 ridges 6 m long spaced at o.75 m. Five seeds were
sown in holes spaced at 5 cm along both sides of the ridge. Sowing date
was on 20 Feb.2005. Yield was estimated by harvesting the two middle
ridges 2 weeks after flowering. Yield-related traits were determined.

Nitrogen fertilizer at a rate of 55 kg n./ha was added after harvest. The
experiment was irrigated to evaluate the yield of the second cut.

Results
Table 1 shows the green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields of the first
cut and yield related traits of six Sudan Grass selections and two check
cultivars, namely: Kambal (the recommended Abu Sab'in) and the
traditional Garawi (Sudan Grass).
Significant differences between entries were detected for all characters
studied. S.(32-2)A gave the highest GMY (41.8 t/ha) followed by Kambal
(40.3 t/ha). The GMY obtained by S.(32-2)A was significantly (p <0.05)
higher than that of the traditional cultivar (Garawi). S.50 was the lowest
in GMY in the whole material tested.
S. (32-2)A was the earliest to flower followed by S.51 and S. 18SG. The
line S.10-1 was the latest to flower. S.(32-2)A was significantly (p <0.05)
earlier than Kambal.
S. 50 was the best in leaf to stem ratio. With the exception of S.51, the
Sudan Grass materials were better in leaf to stem ratio than Kambal.

2.2 Ankolib verification yield trial
The methods and materials used were similar to those of Sudan Grass
verification yield trial. However, the second cut was not evaluated
Results
Table 2 shows Green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields and yield-
related traits of 4 Ankolib selections and two check cultivars, namely: the
traditional Ankolib and Kambal.
With the exception of leaf to stem ratio, the entries showed significant
differences for all characters studied. The S.S.S.Expt gave the highest
yield in the whole material tested averaging 46.3 and 11.9 t/ha in GMY
and DMY respectively. However, it was the latest in flowering (75 days).
Kambal ranked second in GMY (39.5 t/ha) and took 62 days to flower.
The traditional check Ankolib gave the lowest GMY and DMY.
However, with the exception of S.S.S. Expt, its yield was not

significantly different than other Ankolib selections. As mentioned
earlier, the entries exhibited no significant differences with regard to leaf
to stem ratio. However, all Ankolib materials were better in leaf to ratio
than Kambal.
2.3 Development of local forage sorghum hybrids
Production of F1 hybrids seeds
A crossing block comprising 7 females of the newly developed A3 Abu
Sab'in genetic stocks and 12 male parents was established on 1/
March/2005. The 7 Abu Sab'in females included four Rubatab types viz.
S.66, S. 158, S.79, S.93 and three Aliab type viz. S.3, S.148 and S.134.
The 12 male parents comprised 7 Sudan Grass selections [S.32-1, S.34,
S.27, S.(32-2)A, S.18SG, S.50, S.51] and 5 sweet sorghum genotypes
comprising three Ankolib selections (S.40, S.42, S.18Ank) + two exotic
sweet sorghum genotypes (Hastings and Atlas). The male parents were
chosen to represent a wide range of variability in agronomic as well as
morphological aspects. The male parent Hastings (introduced from USA)
was chosen due to its good performance in general combining ability as
shown by our previous studies. The theoretical product of the 7 females
and 12 males is 84 hybrids. However, due to nicking problems some
cross combinations were impossible. As a result, two new males chosen
form the near by Sudan Grass and Ankolib experiments were used to
compensate for the missing crosses. These were S.10-1 and S.S.S.Expt
from Sudan Grass and Ankolib experiments respectively. The total
number of hybrids thus produced was 87. With few exceptions, the
amount of seed being produced for each hybrid was enough to grow two
to five one-ridge plot. The hybrids and their parents are presented in
Table 3.
2.4 Seed maintenance
Seed of the following materials were maintained:
14 genetic stocks of local forage sorghums sterilized in A3
cytoplasm
12 Male parents (7 Sudan grass, 3 Ankolib + Hastings and Atlas)
Kambal (the newly released Abu Sab'in variety)
Some Abu Sab'in selections

Table 1. Green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields of the first cut and yield-
related traits of six Sudan Grass selections and 1 check cultivar. (Shambat, May,
2005).

Entry GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha) Days to
flower
Plant ht.
(cm)
Leaf to stem
ratio
(percentage)

S.(32-2)A 41.8 A 10.0 AB 55.3 D 226 A 37.0 B
S.51 36.1 ABC 9.04 ABC 56.0 CD 199 B 34.5 C
S.10-1 34.4 BCD 9.16 ABC 65.7 A 179 B 36.8 B
S.18SG 36.4 ABC 8.88 BC 57.7 C 193 B 37.6 B
S.50 29.7 D 8.25 C 60.7 B 181 B 42.8 A
Kambal (check) 40.3 AB 10.6 A 60.0 B 191 B 33.9 C
Girawi (check) 31.4 CD 7.95 C 57.0 CD 185 B 37.7 B

Mean 35.7 9.13 58.9 193 37.2
Sig. level ** * ** * **
S.E. 1.87 0.49 0.53 7.72 0.74
CV (%) 9.07 9.33 1.57 6.91 3.43

*,** : Significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.
# : In each column means with letters in common are not significantly different at 0.05


Table 2. Green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yields and yield-related traits of 4
Ankolib selections and 2 check cultivars. (Shambat, May, 2005).

Entry GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht.
(cm)
Leaf to stem
ratio
(percentage)

S.S.S.Expt 46.3 A 11.9 A 75 A 194 A 38.3
S.43 35.7 BC 9.48 B 60 BC 197 A 36.3
S.40 36.1 BC 8.81 BC 56 D 208 A 37.2
S.18Ank 34.0 BC 8.72 BC 58 CD 173 B 38.6
Ankolib (check) 31.8 C 7.63 C 59 BCD 173 B 37.2
Kambal (check) 39.5 B - 62 B - 33.8

Mean 37.2
9.31
61.7
189 36.9
Sig. level **
**
**
** N.S.
S.E. 1.7
0.47
1.00
4.75 1.37
CV (%) 7.9
8.73
2.82
4.35 5.25

** : Significant at 0.01 probability level.
N.S. : Insignificant at 0.05 probability level


Table 3. Experimental forage sorghum hybrids developed at Shambat (2005)
S.
No. Code Pedigree Female Male Note

1 SHM0001 S.134 x ATLAS S.134* ATLAS #
2 SHM0002 S.134 x HASTINGS S.134 HASTINGSS #
3 SHM0003 S.134 x S.G. S. 50 S.134 S. 50 @
4 SHM0004 S.134 x S.G. S. 51 S.134 S. 51 @
5 SHM0005 S.134 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.134 S.(32-2)a @
6 SHM0006 S.134 x S.G. S.10-1 S.134 S.10-1 @
7 SHM0007 S.134 x S.G. S.18 S.134 S.18 @
8 SHM0008 S.134 x S.G. S.34 S.134 S.34 @
9 SHM0009 S.134 x S.40, ANK S.134 ank s.40
10 SHM0010 S.134 x S.18. ANK S.134 ank. s.18
11 SHM0011 S.134 x S.42. ANK S.134 ank. s.42
12 SHM0012 S.134 x S.S.S. ex/pt. ANK S.134 ank. s.swet.s.expt
13 SHM0014 S.134 x sg.s.32-1 S.134 sg.s.32-1 @

14 SHM0015 S.148 x ATLAS S.148* ATLAS Few seed
15 SHM0016 S.148 x HASTINGS S.148 HASTINGSS
16 SHM0017 S.148 x S.G. S. 50 S.148 S. 50
17 SHM0018 S.148 x S.G. S. 51 S.148 S. 51
18 SHM0019 S.148 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.148 S.(32-2)a
19 SHM0020 S.148 x S.G. S.10-1 S.148 S.10-1
20 SHM0021 S.148 x S.G. S.18 S.148 S.18
21 SHM0022 S.148 x S.G. S.34 S.148 S.34
22 SHM0023 S.148 x S.40, ANK S.148 ank s.40 Few seed
23 SHM0024 S.148 x S.18. ANK S.148 ank. s.18
24 SHM0025 S.148 x S.S.S. expt. ANK S.148 ank. s.swet.s.expt
25 SHM0027 S.148 x sg.s.32-1 S.148 sg.s.32-1

26 SHM0028 S.158 x ATLAS S.158** ATLAS
28 SHM0030 S.158 x S.G. S. 50 S.158 S. 50
29 SHM0031 S.158 x S.G. S. 51 S.158 S. 51
30 SHM0032 S.158 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.158 S.(32-2)a
31 SHM0034 S.158 x S.G. S.18 S.158 S.18
32 SHM0035 S.158 x S.G. S.27 S.158 S.27
33 SHM0036 S.158 x S.G. S.34 S.158 S.34
34 SHM0037 S.158 x S.40, ANK S.158 ank s.40
35 SHM0038 S.158 x S.18. ANK S.158 ank. s.18
36 SHM0039 S.158 x S.42. ANK S.158 ank. s.42
37 SHM0042 S.158 x sg.s.32-1 S.158 sg.s.32-1

38 SHM0043 S.3 x ATLAS S.3* ATLAS
40 SHM0045 S.3 x S.G. S. 50 S.3 S. 50
41 SHM0046 S.3 x S.G. S. 51 S.3 S. 51
42 SHM0047 S.3 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.3 S.(32-2)a
43 SHM0048 S.3 x S.G. S.10-1 S.3 S.10-1
44 SHM0049 S.3 x S.G. S.18 S.3 S.18
45 SHM0050 S.3 x S.G. S.34 S.3 S.34
46 SHM0051 S.3 x S.40, ANK S.3 ank s.40
Table 3 (cont.)

Table 3. Experimental hybrids.. (cont.)
No. Code Pedigree Female Male Note
47 SHM0052 S.3 x S.18. ANK S.3 ank. s.18
48 SHM0053 S.3 x S.42. ANK S.3 ank. s.42
49 SHM0054 S.3 x S.S.S. expt. ANK S.3 ank. s.swet.s.expt
50 SHM0056 S.3 x sg.s.32-1 S.3 sg.s.32-1

51 SHM0057 S.66 x S.G. S. 50 S.66** S. 50
52 SHM0058 S.66 x S.G. S. 51 S.66 S. 51
53 SHM0059 S.66 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.66 S.(32-2)a
54 SHM0061 S.66 x S.G. S.18 S.66 S.18
55 SHM0062 S.66 x S.G. S.27 S.66 S.27
56 SHM0063 S.66 x S.G. S.34 S.66 S.34
57 SHM0064 S.66 x S.40, ANK S.66 ank s.40
58 SHM0065 S.66 x S.18. ANK S.66 ank. s.18
59 SHM0067 S.66 x S.43. ANK S.66 ank. s43
60 SHM0068 S.66 x sg.s.32-1 S.66 sg.s.32-1

61 SHM0069 S.79 x ATLAS S.79** ATLAS
63 SHM0071 S.79 x S.G. S. 50 S.79 S. 50
64 SHM0072 S.79 x S.G. S. 51 S.79 S. 51
65 SHM0073 S.79 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.79 S.(32-2)a
66 SHM0075 S.79 x S.G. S.18 S.79 S.18
67 SHM0076 S.79 x S.G. S.27 S.79 S.27
68 SHM0077 S.79 x S.G. S.34 S.79 S.34
69 SHM0078 S.79 x S.40, ANK S.79 ank s.40
70 SHM0079 S.79 x S.18. ANK S.79 ank. s.18
71 SHM0080 S.79 x S.42. ANK S.79 ank. s.42
72 SHM0082 S.79 x S.43. ANK S.79 ank. s43
73 SHM0083 S.79 x sg.s.32-1 S.79 sg.s.32-1

74 SHM0084 S.93 x ATLAS S.93** ATLAS Few seed
75 SHM0085 S.93 x HASTINGS S.93 HASTINGSS Few seed
76 SHM0086 S.93 x S.G. S. 50 S.93 S. 50
77 SHM0087 S.93 x S.G. S. 51 S.93 S. 51
78 SHM0088 S.93 x S.G S.(32-2)a S.93 S.(32-2)a
79 SHM0089 S.93 x S.G. S.10-1 S.93 S.10-1
80 SHM0090 S.93 x S.G. S.18 S.93 S.18
81 SHM0091 S.93 x S.G. S.27 S.93 S.27
82 SHM0092 S.93 x S.G. S.34 S.93 S.34 Few seed
83 SHM0093 S.93 x S.40, ANK S.93 ank s.40
84 SHM0094 S.93 x S.18. ANK S.93 ank. s.18
85 SHM0095 S.93 x S.42. ANK S.93 ank. s.42
86 SHM0097 S.93 x S.43. ANK S.93 ank. s43
87 SHM0098 S.93 x sg.s.32-1 S.93 sg.s.32-1

Females Source: Males Source :

* : Abu Sab'in Aliab @ : Local Sudan Grass
** : Abu Sab'in Rubatab : Local Ankolib
# : USA (sweet sorghum)

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1.0 Introduction
This season witnessed testing of some advanced materials in the farmers'
fields. The line S.19 which was isolated from the traditional cultivar 'Abu
Sab'in' (Aliab type) will be submitted for release. Work on male-
sterilizing the local forage sorghums genetic stocks in A3 cytoplasm has
been finalized for some of the materials. Twelve A3 sorghum genetic
stocks (Abu Sab'in females) will also be submitted for release.

2.1 Mass selection in maize

2.2 Verification yield trials
2.2.1 Abu Sab'in verification yield trial
2.2.2 Sudan Grass verification yield trial
2.2.3 Ankolib verification yield trial
2.2.4 Introduced sweet sorghum verification yield trial

2.3 Development of forage sorghum hybrids
2.3.1 Testing of F1 hybrids
2.3.2 Male-sterilizing of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm

2.1 Mass selection in maize
The bulked seed from early and late tasselers collected in the winter
season of 2002\2003 were seriously infected by store pests (the seed of
the late-tasselers was completely lost). Seeds from the early group were
grown at Kuku site. Selection was practiced in the field for tall vigorous
growing plants. Ears with yellow seeds were identified, threshed and
bulked. The collected seeds will be grown for another cycle of selection.

2

2.2.1 Abu Sab'in verification yield trial
This is the 4
th
season for this experiment. The experiment was conducted
in the farmers fields at two locations in Khartoum State, viz, Kuku
Scheme and Islang. The materials were arranged in RCB design with 5
and 2 replicates at Kuku and Islang, respectively. Sowing dates were on
27 Dec. and 22 Jan. at Islang and Kuku, respectively. The plot size at
Islang was 8 ridges 12 m long spaced at 0.75 m (72 m
2
) while that at
Kuku was 7 ridges 7.5 m long spaced at 0.75 m (42 m
2
). Green matter
yield (GMY) was estimated by harvesting the 3 and the 4 middle ridges at
Kuku and Islang sites, respectively. Dry matter yield (DMY) was
recorded only at Islang site. Apart from that, other materials and methods
were similar to those of the previous season (summer, 2003). T.S.S. (total
sugars) was determined in the field, at dough stage. Three plants were
randomly chosen from each plot. The fourth internode (from the base of
the plant) was squeezed and the T.S.S. was determined using hand
refractometer
Results
Results are presented in Table 1. Significant (P < 0.01) differences
between entries for forage yield were detected only at Islang site.
However, in both sites, S. 19 was leading in green and dry matter yields.
It's GMY at Kuku was 21 t/ha, whereas S. 3 and the check cultivar
avereaged 16 and 15.7 t/ha, respectively. The gain in GMY obtained by
S. 19 over the check amounted to 33.8 % and 21.4 % at Kuku and Islang
sites respectively.
Differences between entries with regard to yield related traits were
significant for all characters studied. S. 19 showed the highest value for
plant height and was significantly better in TSS (total sugars) than the
check cultivar. The check cultivar was significantly earlier than S. 19 at
Kuku, however, at Islang site, the two entries differed insignificantly for
days to flower. S. 3 was the latest to flower in both sites.
This is the fourth season for S. 19 to maintain the best yield among the
materials tested. It was, therefore, will be submitted for release as the first
improved version of the traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in.

3

2.2.2 Sudan Grass verification yield trial
This is the 3
rd
season for this experiment. Of the 10 Sudan Grass
selections tested in the previous season, seven were grown (Table 2) at
three locations in Khartoum State viz. Shambat (the Experimental Farm),
Islang and Kuku Scheme. Sowing dates were on 27 Dec., 31 Dec and 23
Jan at Shambat, Islang and Kuku, respectively. Sowing method at
Shambat was like that used in the previous season. 4 meter row were
harvested to estimate the yield. Sowing at Kuku and Islang was done by
dribbling the seed in a furrow opened on both sides of the ridge. The plot
size at Kuku was 7 ridges 8 m long spaced at 0.75 m. The 3 middle ridges
were harvested to estimate the yield. The plot size at Islang was 8 ridges
12 m long spaced at 0.75 m. The 4 middle ridges were harvested to
estimate the yield.
Combined analysis of variance was carried for the data collected from the
three locations. The test for homogeneity of variance was performed
before doing the combined analysis. Heterogeneity for error mean squares
was indicated for TSS (total sugars) and was, therefore, reported
separately.
Results
Table 2 shows the results obtained for forage yield, days to flower and
plant height combined over the 3 locations. Table 3 shows the results of
TSS percentages obtained at Kuku and Shambat. The results presented in
Table 2 showed that significant differences between entries were detected
for all characters studied. The interaction between entries and locations
was insignificant for all characters other than days to flower. The results
presented for TSS (Table 3) showed that differences between entries were
significant only at Shambat site.
S. (32-2)A showed the best performance in forage yield. It ranked first in
GMY averaging 36.5 t/ha. Its GMY was significantly higher than most of
the other entries. S. 10-1 ranked second in GMY (33 t/ha). For DMY,
S.51 ranked first (5.26 t/ha) followed by S. (32-2)A (4.73 t/ha). However,
the difference in yield between the two entries was insignificant. S.18 SG

4

showed the lowest forage yield averaging 23.7 and 3.33 t/ha for GMY
and DMY respectively.
S. 32-1 was the earliest to flower (67.4 days). S. 10-1 was the latest (81.6
days). S. (32-2) A was medium in days to flower (73.3 days). For plant
height, S. (32-2)A scored the highest value (178 cm). In spite of the
considerable yield shown by S. 10-1, it however, showed the lowest value
for plant height (150 cm). Its high forage yield could be attributed to the
improved tillering capacity known for this entry. For TSS, S.51
maintained the highest value at both locations averaging 17.3% and 17.8
% at Kuku and Shambat respectively. S.34 showed the lowest value for
TSS (8.8 %) at Shambat site.
Depending on these results, S. 10-1, (32-2) A and S. 51 that represent
high, medium and low tillering groups, respectively, will be advanced for
further testing with other entries.

2.2.3 Ankolib verification yield trial
This is the 3
rd
season for this experiment. The six Ankolib selections
grown in the previous season were evaluated at three locations viz.
Shambat, Islang and Kuku together with two checks namely, Ankolib and
Abu Sab'in (traditional varieties). Sowing dates were on 27 Dec., 31 Dec
and 23 Jan at Shambat, Islang and Kuku, respectively. The plot size at
Kuku was 7 ridges 8 m long spaced at 0.75 m. The 3 middle ridges were
harvested to estimate the yield. At Islang, the plot size was 8 ridges 12 m
long spaced at 0.75m. The 4 middle ridges were harvested to estimate the
yield. Other materials and methods were similar to those used in the
Sudan Grass verification yield trial. Combined analysis of variance was
carried for all characters other than DMY that showed heterogeneity for
error variance.
Results
Table 4 shows the results obtained from data combined over the 3
locations for GMY, days to flower, plant height and TSS. Table 5 shows
the results of DMY obtained at Islang and Shambat sites. The results
presented in Table 4 showed that significant (P < 0.01) differences

5

between entries were detected for all characters studied. The interaction
between entries and locations was significant for days to flower and TSS
whereas it was insignificant for GMY and plant height. The results
presented for DMY (Table 5) showed that significant differences between
entries were encountered only at Islang site.
S.S.S. Expt (selection from sweet sorghum experiment) significantly
outyielded the whole material tested averaging 35.4 t/ha for GMY.
Selections S.42 and S.40 ranked second in GMY averaging 29.3 and 28.5
t/ha respectively. For DMY, S.S.S. Expt averaged the highest value at
Islang. However, it was surpassed by S.42 at Shambat, with respective
DMY amounting to 3.16 and 3.81 t/ha. On the other hand, S.40 ranked
second in DMY at Islang (4.44 t/ha), however, its DMY at Shambat was
comparatively low (2.87 t/ha). Among selections, S.36 was the lowest in
GMY averaging 22.5 t/ha. The check cultivar Ankolib gave the lowest
forage yield in the whole material tested, yielding 12.6 and 2.18 t/ha for
GMY and DMY, respectively. The other check (Abu Sab'in) averaged
27.2 and 4.76 t/ha for GMY and DMY, respectively.
S.S.S. Expt was the latest to flower, (81.4 day). S.40 was significantly
earlier than S.S.S. Expt. On the other hand, S. 42 was the earliest to
flower. (61 day) followed by the check cultivar Abu Sab'in. For plant
height, S.S.S. Expt was the tallest (207 cm). The check cultivars showed
the lowest values for plant height averaging 121 and 151 cm for Ankolib
and Abu Sab'in respectively. With regard to total sugars percentage
(TSS), S. 18 Ank was the best in TSS (16.7 %) followed by S.S.S. Expt
(14.5 %) and S. 40 (14.4 %). The check Ankolib averaged 13.3 %. The
lowest percentages for TSS were obtained by the check Abu Sab'in (8.42
%) and S. 42 (8.95 %).
2.2.4 Introduced sweet sorghum verification yield trial
This the 4
th
season for this study. The trial was conducted at Islang and
Kuku Sites. The respective sowing dates were 31 Dec and 25 Jan. Most
of the entries took longer time to flower and were therefore subjected to
water shortage that occurred at the end of the season. This was especially
true at Islang site. The data collected for yield and yield related traits
were not analyzed.

6

This is the 4
th
season for this experiment. The experiment was conducted
at Shambat. Sowing date was on 31 Dec. The data were recorded for
GMY, DMY, days to flower and plant height. Other materials and
methods were like those of the previous winter season.
Results
The results are presented in Table 6. Significant (p < 0.01) differences
were detected among entries for all characters studied. With few
exceptions, the entries kept their relative performance compared to the
previous winter season. Some hybrids were better in forage yield than the
parental groups, the check variety Abu Sabin and the commercial hybrid
Pannar with some of them significantly out-yielding the checks.
The hybrids involving the female parent Sugar Drip were the best
yielders. The hybrid Sugar Drip x Ankolib gave the highest forage yield
among the whole material tested averaging 56.1 and 6.56 t/ha for GMY
and DMY, respectively. GMY of the commercial hybrid "Pannar" and the
traditional check "Abu Sabin" averaged 32.1 and 19.9 t/ha, respectively.
The Hybrids involving the female parent E-35-1 ranked low in forage
yield, with the hybrid E-35-1 x S. 186 showing the lowest GMY among
hybrids (27.3 t/ha). The female Sugar Drip ranked first among parents,
averaging 38.9 and 4.04 t/ha for GMY and DMY, respectively. The male
parents, S. 186 and S.70 (Abu Sab'in selections) showed poor
performance with respective GMY amounting to 17.6 and 23.5 t/ha. On
the other hand, the males Ankolib and Garawi showed medium yield and
were better than some female parents. The female parent N 109 kept the
lowest rank in GMY and DMY averaging 15.8 and 1.87 t/ha respectively.

Most of the female parents were very late in flowering with Sugar Drip
being the latest in the whole material tested (108.7 days). With few
exceptions, the hybrids involving the female parents Sugar Drip were the
latest to flower. However, a number of hybrids were significantly earlier
than their female parents. Among hybrids, Hastings x S.186 and Blue
Ribbon x S.70 were the earliest to flower. The male parent S.186 was the
earliest to flower in the whole material tested. The female parent Sugar
Drip and its hybrid with Ankolib scored the highest values for plant
height averaging 202 and 198 cm respectively. Among hybrids, the

7

lowest values for plant height were shown by Hastings x S.186 and N109
x S.70 averaging similar values amounting to 153 cm. The female parent
S.109 scored the lowest value for plant height in the whole material
tested, averaging 101 cm.
.
Summary of the previous work on hybrid development
Agronomic performance, combining ability and heterosis studies were
performed based on the data combined over two summer seasons (2002-
2003) and two locations (Shambat and Islang).

Agronomic performance
Table 7 shows mean squares form combined analysis of variance across
years and locations for GMY, DMY, number of days to flower, plant
height and leaf to stem ratio. Tables 8 and 9 show the mean performance
of the material studied for GMY and DMY respectively. Table 10 shows
performance of the entries for days to flower, plant height and leaf to
stem ratio.
The mean squares for entries were large and highly significant for all
characters studied, indicating that considerable portion of the variability
observed was due to entries. A number of hybrids excelled the parental
lines and the commercial hybrid Pannar 888 in many forage attributes,
with some of them showing significant improvement in forage yield and
other desirable forage traits. The multiple range test performed for forage
yield (Tables 8 and 9) showed that four experimental hybrids
significantly out-yielded the commercial hybrid Pannar 888 and the male
parents derived from the traditional cultivar Abu Sabin (S.70 and S.186).
Three of these hybrids involved the female parent E-35-1 with S.70,
S.186, and Garawi. On the other hand, the commercial hybrid Pannar 888
excelled the four hybrids in leaf to stem ratio. One of the four hybrids,
namely, Dale x S.70 was significantly earlier in flowering than Pannar
888. Earliness is a desirable character under forage production system in
the Sudan. When breeding for forage improvement, the choice for
developing late or early flowering variety is largely determined by the
system adopted for forage production. Late flowering types are usually
preferred under grazing system to allow for prolonged utilization of the
pasture before the nutritive value is lowered by flowering. On the other
hand, early flowering types are desirable under green chopping system
particularly when the forage is grown as a cash crop, which is likely the

8

case in the Sudan. In the studied material, the local cultivar Abu Sabin is
represented by two selections viz, the early flowering Rubatab type (S.
186) and the late flowering Alyab type (S. 70). All the hybrids out-
yielding both Abu Sabin selections were later in flowering especially
when compared to S. 186 (Rubatab type). Nevertheless, one of these
hybrids, namely, Dale x S.70 was earlier in flowering than S.70 (Alyab
type). This hybrid seems to depict a good compromise between forage
yield and earliness. The hybrid Hastings x S.70 may be the second choice
in this regard although it was not significantly out-yielding Pannar 888.
Combining all desirable traits in one hybrid is not an easy task due to
unfavorable association encountered sometimes between characters. Early
flowering in many instances was found to be adversely associated with
forage yield. However, in this context, the results presented could be
more valued if we consider that the superiority of hybrids is tested against
improved versions of the traditional cultivar Abu Sabin and the hybrid
Pannar 888, which was one of the earliest commercial hybrids (Annual
Report, 2000/2001).
In conclusion, the data presented for forage yield clearly demonstrate the
possibility of developing local hybrids excelling the introduced hybrids
and the traditional cultivar Abu Sabin. However, improvement in
earliness is not clearly manifested by this study. More research efforts are
therefore needed, if we decided to include earliness as a desirable trait
under the local production system.

Combining Ability study
Table 11 shows general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability
effects from combined analysis of variance for GMY and DMY. Table 12
shows GCA and SCA effects for number of days to flower, plant height,
stem diameter and leaf to stem ratio. The data presented in Table 11
indicate that E-35-1 from lines and S.70 from testers appear to be the best
general combiners for green and dry forage yield and may be expected to
do well in hybrid combinations with other parents. The female parent E-
35-1 was involved in 3 of the 4 top yielding hybrids (Tables 8 and 9).
Unfortunately, it turned to be the poorest combiner for earliness and
might be responsible for transmitting lateness in flowering to its hybrids.
Further-more, E-35-1 and S. 70 were poor general combiners for leaf to
stem ratio, especially the latter. Other promising general combiners for
forage yield include Ankolib from testers and Dale from lines. Although

9

the male parent Ankolib was a poor general combiner for earliness, yet it
was a good combiner for leaf to stem ratio. On the other hand, the female
parent Dale possessed medium GCA effects for earliness and leaf to stem
ratio. In addition, as indicated by Tables 8 and 9, Dale was involved in
one of the four top yielding hybrids. The hybrid Dale x S.70 was the
earliest among the top yielding hybrids and at the same time depicted a
good performance for other desirable traits. Therefore, although it ranked
third in general effects for yield, Dale could be regarded as the best
choice for a line that possesses acceptable GCA effect for yield and other
desirable traits.
The best general combiners for earliness were, Blue Ribbon, N 109 from
lines and S.186, Garawi from testers. Garawi (the traditional Sudan grass
cultivar) was also the best general combiner for leaf to stem ratio.
Unfortunately, it was the poorest general combiner for forage yield
among testers.
Most of the top yielding hybrids showed significant SCA values for
forage yield, indicating the involvement of specific effect in the
expression of yield of these hybrids. However, ranking of hybrids yields
along with their respective SCA effects (Table 11) showed that the
highest mean values for a trait did not necessarily indicate significant
SCA effects or vice versa. The 3 top yielding hybrids involving E-35-1
showed undesirable specific effect for days to flower. E-35-1 showed the
highest general effect for lateness. These results confirm our previous
concerns that this line was responsible from transmitting late flowering to
its progenies.
Heterosis study
Table 13 shows heterosis from combined data for GMY and DMY
estimated as percentage over mid-parent (average heterosis), better parent
(heterobeltiosis) and the commercial hybrid Pannar 888 (standard
heterosis). Significant desirable heterosis estimates were encountered
especially for average heterosis and heterobeltiosis, indicating
considerable gains in forage yield over mid-parent and better parents.
Although the magnitudes of heterosis shown by this study were not
striking (mostly below unity) however, the superiority over the existing
maxima in forage yield has been clearly demonstrated by some hybrids,
namely, the hybrids involving the line E-35-1 with the testers : S. 70, S.
186, and Garawi; in addition to the hybrids : Dale x S.70, Hastings x S.
70 and Sugar Drip x Ankolib. This indicates further the feasibility of

10

utilizing heterosis in developing hybrids better in forage yield than the
top yielding local cultivars and the introduced hybrids.

Sterility checking of BC
4
plants and Comparison with their fertile
counterparts
The BC4 seed of the 15 A3 local genetic stocks developed in the previous
season were grown together with their respective recurrent parents for
comparison and checking of male sterility. Around 40 heads of the female
plants from each backcross were covered by pollination bags prior to
anthesis. Male sterility was maintained by all A3 genetic stocks in BC4.
All of the A3 genetic stocks closely resemble their fertile counterparts
with the exception of Sudan Grass, which is still segregating for some
characters. 12 of the A3 genetic stocks (Abu Sab'in females) will be
submitted to the Variety Release Committee (Table 14). The development
of these females marks the first Sudan male sterilized sorghum genetic
stocks in A3 cytoplasm. They will be used in a breeding program to
develop the first Sudan forage sorghum hybrid.

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12

Table 2. Performance of Sudan Grass selections based on data
combined over locations (Kuku, Islang and Shambat) during the
winter season 2003/2004

Entry
Green matter
yield (t/ha)
Dry matter
yield (t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht (cm)

S. (32-2)A 36.5 4.73 73.3 178
S. 32 -1 31.5 4.60 67.4 160
S. 34 28.2 3.40 70.9 163
S. 10-1 33.0 4.06 81.6 150
S. 50 26.7 3.86 72.4 152
S. 18 SG 23.7 3.33 69.7 154
S. 51 30.1 5.26 76.4 166

Mean 29.8 4.18 72.7 160
Sig. level

entry
location
entry x location
**
ns
ns
**
**
ns
**
**
**
*
*
ns
S.E. 1.82 0.345 0.535 5.41
LSD (0.05) 4.93 1.01 1.45 16.1
CV (%) 13.7 18.4 1.6 7.5

: Shambat site not included.
*, ** : significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.
ns : insignificant at 0.05 probability level


13

Table 3. TSS (total sugars ) of Sudan Grass selections grown at two
locations ( winter season 2003/2004)

Entry
TSS (total sugars percentage)
Location Kuku Shambat

S. (32-2)A 15.3 11.3
S. 32 -1 16.3 13.8
S. 34 16.0 8.80
S. 10-1 15.3 -
S. 50 17.0 14.5
S. 18 SG 16.0 10.5
S. 51 17.3 17.8

Mean 16.2 12.8
Sig. level ns **
S.E. 0.81 0.85
LSD (0.05) - 3.07
CV (%) 8.7 9.4

ns, ** : insignificant and significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.


14

Table 4. Performance of Ankolib selections and two check cultivars
based on data combined over 3 locations (Kuku, Islang and Shambat)
during the winter season 2003/2004

Entry
Green matter
yield (t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht
(cm)
T.S.S. (total sugars
percentage)

S.S.S. expt. 35.4 81.4 207 14.5
S. 40 28.5 72.1 192 14.4
S. 43 23.9 68.6 152 11.3
S. 18 Ank. 24.6 71.0 157 16.7
S. 36 22.5 64.0 - 10.8
S.42 29.3 61.0 - 8.95
Ankolib (check) 12.6 78.5 121 13.3
Abu Sab'in (check) 27.2 61.4 151 8.42
Mean 25.5 69.8 168 12.30
Sig. level

entry
locations
entry x locations
**
**
ns
**
**
**
**
**
ns
**
**
**
S.E. 2.51 1.05 6.67 0.75
LSD (0.05) 5.32 3.111 17.0 2.29
CV (%) 11.6 2.1 5.6 8.2

: Shambat site not included.


15

Table 5. Dry matter yield (DMY) of Ankolib selections and two check
cultivars grown at two locations ( winter season 2003/2004)

Entry
DMY (T/ha)
Location Islang Shambat

S.S.S. expt. 5.15 3.16
S. 40 4.44 2.87
S. 43 3.75 2.26
S. 18 Ank. 3.88 2.64
S. 36 - 3.00
S.42 - 3.81
Ankolib (chk) 2.18 -
Abu Sab'in (chk) 4.76 -

Mean 4.03 2.95
Sig. level ** ns
S.E. 0.27 0.43
LSD (0.05) 0.98 -
CV (%) 9.4 20.7



16

Table 6. Mean values for different characters in forage sorghum at Shambat (2003/2004)
GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha) Days to flower Plant ht (cm)
Entry Hybrids
1 E-35-1 X S.70 34.2 4.15 77.3 165
2 E-35-1 X S.186 27.3 3.39 73.3 147
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 31.8 3.77 73.3 163
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 30.3 3.91 75.3 159
5 Hastings X S.70 34.7 3.90 76.3 163
6 Hastings X S.186 36.4 4.44 68.3 153
7 Hastings X Garawi 43.9 5.40 73.3 182
8 Hastings X Ankolib 30.4 3.25 71.3 170
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 31.4 3.86 68.3 178
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 32.5 3.65 74.0 162
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 35.8 4.60 76.3 179
12 B.Ribbon X Ankolib 44.2 4.88 74.3 194
13 N 109 X S.70 37.9 4.43 75.7 153
14 N 109 X S.186 33.3 4.00 71.3 161
15 N 109 X Garawi 42.1 4.33 82.3 176
16 N 109 X Ankolib 38.8 4.59 80.3 175
17 Dale X S.70 36.4 4.51 78.3 190
18 Dale X S.186 34.2 3.70 70.7 181
19 Dale X Garawi 35.6 4.32 79.3 191
20 Dale X Ankolib 34.1 3.51 71.3 164
21 N 100 X S.70 41.0 4.79 77.3 182
22 N 100 X S.186 34.2 4.22 76.3 180
23 N 100 X Garawi 41.0 4.83 74.7 187
24 N 100 X Ankolib 37.9 4.92 79.3 185
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 47.0 5.12 85.7 192
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 43.9 5.18 79.0 190
27 Sugar Drip X Garawi 46.4 5.96 84.7 193
28 Sugar Drip X Ankolib 56.1 6.56 81.3 198
Parents
29 E-35-1 25.5 3.00 87.3 130
30 Hastings 23.0 2.61 77.0 174
31 Blue Ribbon 22.5 2.85 84.3 166
32 N 109 15.8 1.87 80.7 101
33 Dale 22.6 2.67 92.3 175
34 N 100 32.0 3.81 95.3 181
35 Sugar Drip 38.9 4.04 108.7 202
36 S.70 23.5 2.62 71.0 135
37 S.186 17.6 2.34 66.3 129
38 Garawi 28.9 3.68 73.0 154
39 Ankolib 28.1 2.83 70.7 151
Checks
40 Abu Sabin 19.9 2.55 73.0 129
41 Pannar 888 32.1 3.89 73.7 167

Sig. Level
** ** **

S.E. 3.36 0.44 1.94 2.27

LSD (0.05) 9.44 1.25 5.47 6.38

C.V (%) 17.2 19.3 4.33 2.33

17

Table 7. Mean squares from combined analysis over years (2002-2003) and locations (Shambat,
Islang) for 5 characters in forage sorghum of the hybrids, their parents and the check hybrid

Source of variation d.f.
Mean squares

Green matter
yield (t/ha)
Dry matter
yield (t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)

Locations (Lo) 1 1052.2** 15.7** 220.9** 19053.7** 1646.2**
Years (Yr) 1 459.3** 1.61
NS
2169.2** 1634.7* 204.0**
Blocks in Lo x Yr 8 64.0* 2.17** 65.1** 9680.2** 116.5**
Lo x Yr 1 17.0
NS
0.737
NS
47.9** 4624.0** 21.7
NS

Entry 39 843.9** 15.0** 718.2** 8660.7** 182.7**
Yr x Entry 39 69.8** 1.20** 29.7** 746.0** 19.2*
Lo x Entry 39 3.86
NS
0.053
NS
0.985
NS
60.2
NS
3.09
NS

Yr x Lo x Entry 39 3.59
NS
0.072
NS
1.18
NS
53.4
NS
4.38
NS

Error 312 30.6 0.651 6.35 255.4 12.0

*, **, = Significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.
N.S. = Insignificant at o.o5 probability level.


18

Table 8. Green matter yield (GMY) of forage sorghum hybrids (1-28), their parents, and a
hybrid check (Pannar 888) averaged over years (2002-2003) and locations (Shambat, Islang)

Entry Name GMY (t/ha)#

1 E-35-1 x S.70 50.10 A
2 E-35-1 x S.186 48.80 AB
3 E-35-1 x Garawi 48.30 AB
17 Dale x S.70 45.60 ABC
28 Sugar Drip x Ankolib 45.20 ABCD
5 Hastings x s.70 44.60 BCDE
4 E-35-1 x Ankolib 43.30 CDEF
12 Blue Ribbon x Ankolib 43.30 CDEF
21 N 100 x S.70 41.60 CDEFG
40 Pannar 888 (check) 40.30 DEFGH
16 N 109 x Ankolib 39.60 EFGHI
7 Hastings x Garawi 39.20 FGHIJ
9 Blue Ribbon x S.70 38.80 FGHIJK
36 S.70 (male parent) 38.60 FGHIJKL
18 Dale x S. 186 38.60 FGHIJKL
20 Dale x Ankolib 37.90 GHIJKL
13 N 109 x S.70 37.70 GHIJKL
25 Sugar Drip x S.70 37.60 GHIJKL
37 S.186 (male parent) 37.00 GHIJKL
26 Sugar Drip x S.186 36.00 HIJKLM
24 N 100 x Ankolib 35.80 HIJKLM
8 Hastings x Ankolib 35.60 HIJKLM
10 Blue Ribbon x S.186 35.40 HIJKLM
14 N 109 x S.186 34.60 IJKLMN
6 Hastings x S.186 34.30 IJKLMN
11 Blue Ribbon x Garawi 34.10 JKLMN
19 Dale x Garawi 33.60 KLMN
15 N 109 x Garawi 33.40 KLMN
23 N 100 x Garawi 33.20 LMNO
22 N 100 x S.186 31.00 MNO
29 E-35-1 (female parent) 30.90 MNO
27 Sugar Drip x Garawi 29.80 NO
38 Garawi (male parent) 28.30 O
39 Ankolib (male parent) 23.50 P
30 Hastings (female parent) 22.40 P
34 N 100 (female parent) 22.10 P
31 Blue Ribbon (female parent) 21.70 P
35 Sugar Drip (female parent) 20.50 PQ
33 Dale (female parent) 20.10 PQ
32 N 109 (female parent) 16.50 Q
Mean 35.2
S.E. 1.60
Range: Hybrids 29.8-50.1
Range: Parents 16.5-38.6
LSD(0.05)
LSD(0.01)
CV (%)
4.44
5.79
15.7
#: Means with letter in common are not significantly different at 0.05
Probability level according to Duncans multiple range test

19

Table 9. Dry matter yield (DMY) of forage sorghum hybrids (1-28), their
parents, and a hybrid check (Pannar 888) averaged over years (2002-2003)
and locations (Shambat, Islang)
Entry Name DMY (t/ha) #

1 E-35-1 x S.70 6.680 A
3 E-35-1 x Garawi 6.540 AB
17 Dale x S.70 6.280 AB
2 E-35-1 x S.186 6.170 ABC
4 E-35-1 x Ankolib 5.880 BCD
21 N 100 x S.70 5.570 CDE
5 Hastings x s.70 5.440 DEF
16 N 109 x Ankolib 5.330 DEFG
28 Sugar Drip x Ankolib 5.260 DEFGH
40 Pannar 888 (Check) 5.200 DEFGH
13 N 109 x S.70 5.120 EFGHI
12 Blue Ribbon x Ankolib 5.090 EFGHIJ
18 Dale x S. 186 4.960 EFGHIJK
36 S.70 4.910 EFGHIJKL
9 Blue Ribbon x S.70 4.780 FGHIJKLM
25 Sugar Drip x S.70 4.750 FGHIJKLM
26 Sugar Drip x S.186 4.630 GHIJKLMN
14 N 109 x S.186 4.580 GHIJKLMN
8 Hastings x Ankolib 4.570 GHIJKLMN
20 Dale x Ankolib 4.490 HIJKLMN
37 S.186 4.480 HIJKLMN
24 N 100 x Ankolib 4.390 IJKLMN
19 Dale x Garawi 4.330 JKLMN
29 E-35-1 4.280 KLMNO
7 Hastings x Garawi 4.230 KLMNO
11 Blue Ribbon x Garawi 4.200 KLMNO
10 Blue Ribbon x S.186 4.160 LMNO
23 N 100 x Garawi 4.150 LMNO
15 N 109 x Garawi 4.010 MNO
6 Hastings x S.186 3.990 MNO
22 N 100 x S.186 3.880 NO
27 Sugar Drip x Garawi 3.860 NO
38 Garawi 3.530 OP
34 N 100 3.000 PQ
39 Ankolib 2.880 PQ
33 Dale 2.780 QR
30 Hastings 2.740 QR
35 Sugar Drip 2.610 QR
31 Blue Ribbon 2.490 QR
32 N 109 2.080 R
Mean 4.46
S.E. 0.23
Range: Hybrids 3.86-6.68
Range: Parents 2.08-4.91
LSD(0.05)
LSD(0.01)
CV (%)
0.648
0.844
18.1
# : Means with letter in common are not significantly different at 0.05 probability level according
to Duncans multiple range test


20

Table 10. Performance of hybrids, their parents and a check hybrid for 3 characters in
forage sorghum averaged over years (2002-2003) and locations (Shambat, Islang)

Entry Hybrids Days to flower Plant ht (cm) Leaf/stem ratio (percentage)
1 E-35-1 X S.70 74.3 243 35.7
2 E-35-1 X S.186 70.0 253 36.4
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 70.4 247 38.0
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 77.6 228 41.3
5 Hastings X S.70 59.9 245 35.3
6 Hastings X S.186 55.6 241 36.1
7 Hastings X Garawi 56.3 233 38.5
8 Hastings X Ankolib 79.8 218 38.2
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 56.2 237 36.7
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 53.3 237 35.3
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 55.3 236 39.8
12 B.Ribbon X Ankolib 63.0 239 35.9
13 N 109 X S.70 57.3 238 36.4
14 N 109 X S.186 54.1 227 36.8
15 N 109 X Garawi 54.7 232 41.1
16 N 109 X Ankolib 64.8 231 39.3
17 Dale X S.70 64.1 245 37.8
18 Dale X S.186 56.9 244 34.4
19 Dale X Garawi 58.9 234 42.0
20 Dale X Ankolib 66.2 232 41.0
21 N 100 X S.70 58.4 241 37.0
22 N 100 X S.186 54.7 216 37.3
23 N 100 X Garawi 55.7 232 39.9
24 N 100 X Ankolib 71.4 226 43.8
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 60.0 229 38.4
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 55.3 229 38.3
27 Sugar Drip X Garawi 55.8 226 40.2
28 Sugar Drip X Ankolib 66.5 242 37.5
Parents
29 E-35-1 82.5 171 46.1
30 Hastings 61.1 191 43.4
31 Blue Ribbon 55.2 197 43.5
32 N 109 57.3 116 53.7
33 Dale 71.0 188 40.3
34 N 100 61.7 179 41.0
35 Sugar Drip 65.9 189 44.9
36 S.70 67.2 233 34.4
37 S.186 54.4 227 32.6
38 Garawi 56.2 231 40.1
39 Ankolib 66.4 180 42.4
Check
40 Pannar 888 67.6 217 42.8
Mean 62.3 223 39.3
S.E. 0.73 4.61 1.0
Hybrids: Range 53.3-79.8 216-253 34.4-43.8
Parents: Range 54.4-82.5 116-233 32.6-53.7
LSD (0.05)
LSD (0.01)
2.02
2.64
12.8
16.7
2.78
3.62
C.V (%) 4.0 7.2 8.8

21

*, ** = significantly different from zero at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.

Table 11. Estimates of general (GCA), specific (SCA) combining ability in forage sorghum and yield rank
for green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yield from combined data, averaged over years and locations
Entry Name GMY DMY
Hybrids SCA (t/ha) yield rank SCA (t/ha) yield rank
1 E-35-1 X S.70 - 0.354 50.08 1 - 0.084 6.68 1
2 E-35-1 X S.186 1.009* 48.85 2 0.042 6.17 4
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 1.242* 48.32 3 0.216* 6.54 2
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib - 1.898** 43.27 8 - 0.174 5.88 5
5 Hastings X S.70 1.016* 44.63 6 0.090 5.44 7
6 Hastings X S.186 - 0.660 34.28 24 - 0.095 3.99 29
7 Hastings X Garawi 0.896 39.22 11 0.034 4.23 24
8 Hastings X Ankolib - 1.252* 35.65 21 - 0.028 4.57 18
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 - 0.871 38.79 12 - 0.129 4.78 14
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 - 0.229 35.39 22 - 0.039 4.16 26
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi - 0.253 34.09 25 0.024 4.20 25
12 B.Ribbon X Ankolib 1.352** 43.28 7 0.144 5.09 11
13 N 109 X S.70 - 0.720 37.68 16 - 0.083 5.12 10
14 N 109 X S.186 0.034 34.61 23 0.033 4.58 17
15 N 109 X Garawi 0.036 33.39 27 - 0.106 4.01 28
16 N 109 X Ankolib 0.651 39.61 10 0.156 5.33 8
17 Dale X S.70 1.054* 45.59 4 0.219* 6.28 3
18 Dale X S.186 0.491 38.57 14 0.075 4.96 12
19 Dale X Garawi - 0.761 33.59 26 - 0.085 4.33 22
20 Dale X Ankolib - 0.783 37.90 15 - 0.208* 4.49 19
21 N 100 X S.70 0.892 41.61 9 0.156 5.57 6
22 N 100 X S.186 - 0.866 31.01 29 - 0.113 3.88 30
23 N 100 X Garawi 0.280 33.22 28 0.027 4.15 27
24 N 100 X Ankolib - 0.306 35.84 20 - 0.070 4.39 21
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 - 1.016* 37.62 17 - 0.167 4.75 15
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 0.221 36.01 19 0.096 4.63 16
27 Sugar Drip X Garawi - 1.441** 29.80 31 - 0.109 3.86 31
28 Sugar Drip X Ankolib 2.236** 45.20 5 0.180 5.26 9
S.E.
SCA
0.325 - - 0.061 - -

Lines (Females) GCA
Lines
GCA
Lines

29 E-35-1 2.953** 30.89 30 0.474** 4.28 23
30 Hastings - 0.234 22.41 34 - 0.116 2.74 36
31 Blue Ribbon - 0.294 21.73 36 - 0.115 2.49 38
32 N 109 - 0.816 16.51 39 - 0.048 2.06 39
33 Dale 0.047 20.12 38 0.036 2.78 35
34 N 100 - 1.117* 22.08 35 - 0.136* 3.00 33
35 Sugar Drip - 0.538 20.47 37 - 0.095 2.61 37
S.E.
GCA Lines
0.312 - - 0.039 - -

Testers (Males) GCA
Testers
GCA
Testers

36 S.70 1.172** 38.59 13 0.204** 4.91 13
37 S.186 - 0.603** 37.02 18 - 0.094* 4.48 20
38 Garawi - 1.013** 28.27 32 - 0.143** 3.53 32
39 Ankolib 0.445 23.49 33 0.033 2.88 34
S.E.
GCA Testers
0.104 - - 0.017 - -

22

*, ** = significantly different from zero at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.
Table 12. Estimates of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability in forage
sorghum for yield-related traits, from combined data averaged over years and locations
Entry Name
Days to
flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Stem diam
(cm)
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
SCA (Hybrid)
1 E-35-1 X S.70 0.484 - 3.440 0.034 - 0.259
2 E-35-1 X S.186 0.497 4.059* 0.029 0.119
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 0.244 2.332 - 0.004 - 0.544
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib - 1.225** - 2.952 - 0.059** 0.684*
5 Hastings X S.70 - 0.922* 2.287 - 0.001 - 0.109
6 Hastings X S.186 - 0.922* 2.046 - 0.007 0.296
7 Hastings X Garawi - 1.059** - 0.308 0.002 - 0.110
8 Hastings X Ankolib 2.902** - 4.025* 0.005 - 0.076
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 - 0.183 - 1.383 - 0.013 0.398
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 0.321 - 0.314 - 0.013 0.048
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 0.587 - 0.148 0.003 0.365
12 B.Ribbon X Ankolib - 0.725* 1.845 0.024 - 0.811*
13 N 109 X S.70 - 0.124 0.791 - 0.007 - 0.202
14 N 109 X S.186 0.239 - 1.867 - 0.008 0.056
15 N 109 X Garawi 0.332 0.070 0.011 0.314
16 N 109 X Ankolib - 0.447 1.006 0.004 - 0.168
17 Dale X S.70 0.931* 0.945 - 0.027 0.137
18 Dale X S.186 - 0.019 1.543 0.014 - 0.872*
19 Dale X Garawi 0.268 - 1.460 0.019 0.472
20 Dale X Ankolib - 1.181** - 1.028 - 0.005 0.263
21 N 100 X S.70 - 0.463 2.911 0.031 - 0.362
22 N 100 X S.186 - 0.259 - 4.410* - 0.008 - 0.125
23 N 100 X Garawi - 0.323 1.123 0.006 - 0.455
24 N 100 X Ankolib 1.045** 0.376 - 0.029 0.942**
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 0.276 - 2.112 - 0.017 0.397
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 0.143 - 1.057 - 0.007 0.479
27 Sugar Drip X Garawi - 0.050 - 1.610 - 0.037 - 0.042
28 Sugar Drip X Ankolib - 0.369 4.779* 0.061** - 0.834*
S.E. 0.239 1.284 0.013 0.223

GCA Lines (Females)
29 E-35-1 3.793** 1.943 0.071** - 0.099
30 Hastings 0.392 - 0.173 0.020 - 0.373
31 Blue Ribbon - 1.570** 0.853 - 0.014 - 0.415
32 N 109 - 1.252** - 0.858 - 0.029 0.079
33 Dale - 0.054 1.259 - 0.017 0.212
34 N 100 - 0.547* - 1.941 - 0.036* 0.446
35 Sugar Drip - 0.763** - 1.084 0.005 0.150
S.E. 0.120 0.951 0.009 0.159
GCA Testers (Males)
36 S.70 - 0.075 1.275 0.014 - 0.470**
37 S.186 - 1.521** 0.173 - 0.016 - 0.593**
38 Garawi - 1.138** - 0.161 - 0.035* 0.586*
39 Ankolib 2.734** - 1.286 0.038* 0.478*
S.E. 0.164 0.388 0.006 0.099

23

*, ** = significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.

Table 13. Heterosis over mid (MP), better (BP) parent and percentage deviation over the commercial
hybrid (CH), for green (GMY) and dry (DMY) matter yield, from combined data of forage sorghum
hybrids and their parents, grown for 2 years at 2 locations
Percentage
GMY (t/ha) DMY (t/ha)
Entry Hybrid MP BP CH MP BP CH

1 E-35-1 X S.70 44.2** 29.8** 24.3** 45.4** 36.1** 28.5**
2 E-35-1 X S.186 43.7** 31.9** 21.1** 40.9** 37.7** 18.7**
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 63.2** 56.3** 19.9** 67.5** 52.8** 25.8**
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 59.2** 40.1** 7.44 64.3** 37.4** 13.1
5 Hastings X S.70 46.2** 15.5** 10.7* 42.2** 10.8 4.62
6 Hastings X S.186 15.5* - 7.30 - 14.9** 10.5 - 10.9 - 23.3**
7 Hastings X Garawi 54.6** 38.5** - 2.73 34.9** 19.8* - 18.7**
8 Hastings X Ankolib 55.1** 51.5** - 11.7* 62.6** 58.7** - 12.1
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 28.7** 0.52 - 3.72 29.2** - 2.65 - 8.08
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 20.6** - 4.32 - 12.2* 19.4** - 7.14 - 20.0**
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 36.4** 20.5* - 15.4** 39.5** 19.0* - 19.2**
12 B.Ribbon X Ankolib 91.6** 84.3** 7.44 89.6** 76.7** -2.12
13 N 109 X S.70 36.8** - 2.33 - 6.45 46.5** 4.28 - 1.54
14 N 109 X S.186 29.4** - 6.49 - 14.1* 36.6** 2.23 - 11.9
15 N 109 X Garawi 49.1** 18.0* - 17.1** 43.0** 13.6 - 22.9**
16 N 109 X Ankolib 98.0** 68.5** - 1.74 114.9** 85.1** 2.50
17 Dale X S.70 55.4** 18.1** 13.2* 63.3** 27.9** 20.8**
18 Dale X S.186 35.2** 4.32 - 4.22 36.6** 10.7 - 4.62
19 Dale X Garawi 38.8** 18.7* - 16.6** 37.2** 22.7* - 16.7**
20 Dale X Ankolib 73.9** 61.3** - 5.96 58.7** 55.9** - 13.7*
21 N 100 X S.70 37.1** 7.77 3.23 40.8** 13.4 7.12
22 N 100 X S.186 4.91 - 16.2** - 23.1** 3.74 - 13.4 - 25.4**
23 N 100 X Garawi 31.8** 17.3* - 17.6** 27.1** 17.6 - 20.2**
24 N 100 X Ankolib 57.0** 52.3** - 11.2* 49.3** 46.3** - 15.6*
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 27.2** - 2.59 - 6.70 26.3** - 3.26 - 8.65
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 25.2** - 2.70 - 10.7 30.6** 3.35 - 11.0
27 Sugar Drip X Garawi 22.1* 5.30 -26.1** 25.7** 9.35 - 25.8**
28 Sugar Drip X Ankolib 105.5** 92.3** 12.2* 91.6** 82.6** 1.15

Mean 45.9 24.7 -3.67 45.6 25.2 -5.69

Range 4.91
105.5
- 16.2
92.3
- 23.1
24.3

3.74
114.9
- 13.4
85.1
- 25.8
28.5
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1

Annual Report, Summer Season 2003
By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1.0 Introduction
Research work on improvement of forage sorghums was continued. Due
to lack of research finance, only one breeding nursery was included in
this season. For the same reason, the Alfalfa breeding nursery established
in 2001/2002 was terminated after cloning some of the promising
materials. Unless otherwise indicated, all of the research activities were
conducted in the Experimental Farm of Shambat Research Station.

2.1 Breeding nurseries:
2.1.1 Cloning of some Alfalfa selections
2.1.2 Early flowering Abu Sab'in nursery
2. 2 Yield trials
2.2.1 Abu Sabin advanced trial
2.2.2 Early to medium Abu Sab'in trial
2.2.3 Sudan Grass trial
2.2.4 Ankolib trial
2.2.5 Introduced sweet sorghum trial
2.3.2 Male-Sterilizing of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm

2.1 Breeding nurseries:
2.1.1 Cloning of some Alfalfa selections
More than 50 Alfalfa selections from the Alfalfa breeding nursery
established in 2001/2002 were cloned. Of these, only 15 were successful,
and maintained in plastic bags for further cloning. The Alfalfa breeding
nursery was thus, terminated.


2

2.1.2 Early flowering Abu Sab'in nursery
Twelve genotypes (chosen for their earliness) from the nursery
established in 2001/2002 were grown in the 21
st
of July. The entries were
evaluated over 2 observations for number of days to flower and plant
height. Results are presented in Table 1. Three selections will be
advanced for further testing, viz., S.39, S.62 and S.108.

2. 2 Yield trial
2.2.1 Abu Sabin advanced trial
This is the third season for this trial. Sowing date was on 21July 2003.
The treatments were arranged in RCB design with 3 replicate. The plot
size was 6 ridges 6 m long spaced at o.75 m (6 x 4.5 m). Seeding was
done at a rate of 60 kg/ha (25 kg/fed). The top of the ridge was flattened
to allow for broadcasting and covering the seed. Nitrogen (urea) was
applied at the second irrigation at a rate of 55 kg N/ha. The experiment
received 6 irrigations, hand-weeded twice and sprayed against stem
borers using Sevin 85. Harvesting was practiced two weeks after
completion of 50% flowering for each variety. The 4 middle ridges were
harvested leaving 0.5 m from each side of the ridge to estimate GMY.
Results
Table 2 shows the results of green (GMY), dry (DMY) matter yields and
some yield-related traits of the 2 Abu Sabin selections and the traditional
check Abu Sabin Aliab. Significant differences between entries were
detected for GMY, plant height and average growth rate. S. 19 was
significantly higher in GMY than the traditional check. Its yield, though
higher than S. 3, was not statistically different. This yield was
accompanied by significant higher values for plant height and average
growth rate. The entries differed insignificantly with regard to DMY,
days to flower and stem diameter.
2.2.2 Early to medium Abu Sab'in trial
This is the first season for this trial. The objective was to identify the
highest yielding genotypes in the least possible duration.


3

The plot size was 4 ridges 6 m long spaced at o.75 m. Three seeds were
sown in holes spaced 10 cm along both sides of the ridges. Yield was
estimated by harvesting the two middle ridges plus the inner side of each
of the outer ridges. The average dry mater production per day (kg/day)
was estimated by dividing the dry matter yield by the number of days
from date of sowing to the date of harvest. Other materials and methods
were similar to the above experiment.
Results
Results are presented in Table 3. Significant differences were detected
between entries for green matter yield (GMY), days to flower and plant
height. The entries differed insignificantly with regard to dry matter yield
(DMY), average DMY per day and average growth rate. The entries S.
104 and S. 85 averaged the highest green matter yield (GMY). S. 85 was
significantly earlier than S. 104. The entry S. 169 was the earliest in
flowering but it gave the lowest GMY. The highest value for average
DMY/day was shown by S. 178 whereas the lowest value was shown by
S. 193

2.2.3 Sudan Grass trial
This is the second season for this trial. The 10 Sudan Grass selections
chosen in the previous season were grown using RCB design with 3
replicates. Sowing date was on 21 July 2003. The plot size consisted of 4
ridges 6 m long and 0.75 m apart. Other materials and methods were
similar to the experiment conducted in the previous season.
Results
Table 4 shows forage yield and yield related-traits of the 10 Sudan Grass
selections. Significant differences were detected among entries for all
characters studied. S. (32-2)A averaged the highest GMY and DMY in
the whole material tested. Its yield was accompanied by the highest
values for plant height and average growth rate .It ranked fifth in tillering
capacity and third in regrowth. Being among the high tillering selections,
S. 50 was the best in forage yield, average growth rate and regrowth. The

4

poor tillering selections, viz., S.51 and S.12-1 were comparable in forage
yield with the former being significantly better in average growth rate
than the latter. S. 27 ranked first in regrowth and showed reasonable
values for average growth rate. It was the earliest among the whole
material tested. Its yield was not impressive, however, it was better than
S. 10 and differed insignificantly from many other selections.

2.2.4 Ankolib trial
This is the second season for this trial. The six Ankolib selections
identified in the previous season were grown. Materials and methods
were similar to those of Sudan Grass experiment with the exception that
the tillering capacity was not evaluated.
Results
Table 5 shows forage yield and its related traits for the material studied.
Significant differences were detected between entries for all characters
studied. S.S.S. Expt. (selection from sweet sorghum experiment) and S.
40 gave the highest GMY. The later was better in DMY than the former.
S. 42 showed the lowest forage yield. However, it was the best in average
growth rate. S. 42 will be discarded and the other five selections will be
advanced for further testing in the following season.

2.2.5 Introduced sweet sorghum trial (in collaboration with Ghada
Hashim Abdel Rahman, ARC, Food Research Centre, Shambat)
This is the third season for this trial. Sowing date was on 28 July 2003.
The 8 introduced sweet sorghum cultivars identified in the previous
season were tested together with two local checks, viz., Ankolib and Abu
Sabin. The entries were arranged in a RCB design with 3 replicates. The
plot size consisted of 4 ridges 5 m long and 0.75 m apart. The green
matter yield was estimated from the whole plot leaving half meter from
each side of the ridge. Other materials and methods were similar to those
of the previous season except that the stem diameter was evaluated.


5

Results
Agronomic performance: Table 6 shows forage yield and its related
traits for the material studied. With the exception of plant height,
significant differences were detected between entries for all characters.
Two of the introduced cultivars, namely, Hastings and N 100 gave the
highest GMY in the whole material tested. Their yield was significantly
higher than the two local checks. The line Dale, another introduced
cultivar, ranked first in DMY. However, these cultivars differed
insignificantly in DMY from the local check Abu Sab'in. On the other
hand, Sugar Drip, which was the poorest in average growth rate, ranked
first in leaf to stem ratio followed by Blue Ribbon. The local check Abu
Sab'in was the poorest in leaf to stem ratio and showed the highest value
for stem thickness. However, it has the best average growth rate. Its
performance with regard to this character was not significantly different
from some of the introduced cultivars. Blue Ribbon, N 98, and Brawely
were the earliest in flowering. The latter two, were the poorest in GMY.
The local check Ankolib showed poor performance in forage yield, was
late in flowering, but performed well with regard to leaf to stem ratio.
Laboratory analysis: Table 7 shows the results of the laboratory
analyses for juice characteristics. The introduced sweet sorghum varieties
as well as the local check (Ankolib) were higher in juice volume and total
sugar content than the local check Abu Sabin. Among the introduced
material, Brawley was the highest in juice volume and total sugar content.
N 100 and Sugar Drip recorded the highest values for reducing sugars.


6

Materials and methods:
This is the third season for this experiment. Sowing date was on 21 July
2003. The material was also tested in Islang area (35 kilometer north of
Shambat, in the western bank of the Nile). The physical properties of
Islang soil varies from silty clay to silty loam. In both sites, the materials
and methods used were similar to those of the previous season except that
the local check cultivar (Abu Sab'in) was not included.
Results
Tables 8 and 9 show the results obtained for yield and yield-related traits
of the entries studied at Shambat and Islang sites respectively. Significant
differences were detected among entries for all characters studied. The
yield levels obtained at Shambat were slightly higher than those obtained
at Islang site. With few exceptions, the entries kept the same relative
performance in both sites.
Many hybrids excelled the parental lines in forage yield and some of the
yield-related traits. GMY for hybrids ranged from 30.6 to 52.8 T/ha and
that for parents ranged from 17.9 to 42.6 T/ha. The hybrids involving the
E-35-1 plus Sugar Drip X Ankolib, Dale x S.70 and Hastings x S.70 out-
yielded the commercial hybrid Pannar 888 and the parental lines.
However, all of these hybrids were significantly later in flowering than S.
186 (Abu Sab'in Rubatab). Nonetheless, two of these hybrids, namely,
Dale x S.70 and Hastings x S.70 (especially the latter) were earlier than S.
70 (Abu Sab'in Aliab). The commercial hybrid Pannar 888 excelled the
experimental hybrids in leaf to stem ratio, tillering and regrowth. The
local parents derived from the traditional cultivar Abu Sab'in, viz. S. 70
and S.186 outyielded the exotic parents and some of the hybrids but were
comparatively poor in leaf to stem ratio. On the other hand, most of the
hybrids were significantly higher in forage yield than the male parents
Garawi and Ankolib and the exotic females. With few exceptions,
Garawi, was the best in tillering and regrowth among the whole material
tested. Ankolib, was the best among males (local material) in leaf to stem
ratio. Most of the females (exotic material) significantly excelled their
hybrids in leaf to stem ratio, however, they were comparatively poor in
regrowth.


7

2. 4.2 Male-sterilizing of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm
production of BC4 seed
Table 10 shows the details of the local stock material being sterilized in
A3 cytoplasm. The seed of the 15 A3 local stocks in BC3 developed in
the previous season were grown together with their respective recurrent
parents to produce BC4 seed. The number of heads covered ranged from
20 to more than 40 for each backcross. Some of the local stocks
selections were represented by more than one female, raising the total
number of backcrosses to 22. All of the A3 local stocks in BC3 tested
showed 100 % male sterility. BC4 seed were collected.


8

Table 1. Early Abu Sab'in nursery grown at Shambat, 2003

Selections Days to flower Plant ht (cm) Note

1- S.20 46.0 170
2- S.28 49.0 168
3- S.37 47.0 176
4- S.39 47.5 198
selected
5- S.62 47.5 185
selected
6- S.82 48.5 180
7- S.87 48.0 183
8- S.91 49.0 170
9- S.108 46.5 188
selected
10- S.111 47.0 164
11- S.115 47.5 169
12- S.163 47.0 164

Average 47.5 176


9

Table 2. Green (GMY), dry (DMY) matter yields and yieldrelated
traits of 2 Abu Sabin selections and the traditional check Abu Sabin
(Aliab) grown at Shambat, 2003.

Entry
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
Average growth
rate (cm/day)

S. 19 49.3 A #
7.85 57.3
303 A
1.67
5.28 A
S. 3 44.3 A
6.02 56.3
223 B
1.80
3.97 B
check 38.1 B
6.06 55.0
236 B
1.78
4.29 B

Mean 43.9
6.64 56.2 254 1.75 4.51
Sig. Level *
N.S. N.S. * N.S. *
S.E
1.47
0.54
1.95
13.1 0.04 0.19
CV (%) 5.8
14.2
6.02
8.95 4.33 7.25

*, N.S., : Significant and insignificant at 0.05 probability level respectively.
# : In each column, means with letters in common are not significantly different at
0.05 probability level, according to Duncans multiple range test.


10

traits of 7 Abu Sabin selections (Shambat, 2003).

Entry
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Average
DMY/day
(kg/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Average
growth rate
(cm/day)

S. 126
37.8 AB 5.24 73.2 56.3 A 250 A 4.40
S. 104
39.7 A 4.85 70.7 53.7 B 227 AB 4.24
S. 178
37.2 ABC 5.17 79.1 50.3 C 215 BC 4.27
S. 193
31.4 BC 4.19 67.3 47.3 D 195 C 4.11
S. 144
31.8 BC 4.54 73.0 47.3 D 210 BC 4.44
S. 169
30.3 C 4.23 69.7 45.7 E 212 BC 4.63
S. 85
38.9 AB 4.88 74.9 50.0 C 216 BC 4.32

Mean 35.3 4.73 72.6 50.1 218 4.35
Sig.
Level
* N.S. N.S. * * N.S.
S.E 2.24 0.47 7.24 0.41 8.0 0.17
CV (%) 11 17.4
17.3 1.40
6.4 6.67

*, N.S., : Significant and insignificant at 0.05 probability level respectively.
0.05 probability level, according to Duncans multiple range


11

Table 4. Green matter yield (GMY), dry matter yield (DMY) and
yieldrelated traits of 10 Sudan Grass selections (Shambat, 2003)

Entry
GMY
(t/ha) #
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant
ht (cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
No. of
tillers
per
plant
Av.
growth
rate
(cm/day)
Regrowth
(g/m row)

1-S.51 36.8 BCD 5.33 B 56.7 CD 248 C 1.42 BC 0.77 D 4.37 C 107 C
2-S.27 31.0 CD 3.91 D 43.3 F 206 DE 0.90 E 2.97 C 4.76 B 560 A
3-S.18 33.3 BCD 4.27 CD 61.3 A 193 EF 1.33 CD 3.23 C 3.15 FG 234 BC
4-S.50 29.9 D 4.15 CD 56.7 CD 189 FG 0.91 E 5.97 A 3.33 EF 540 A
5-S.32-1 38.1 BC 5.03 BC 54.0 E 215 D 1.34 CD 1.30 D 3.98 D 337 B
6-S.34 35.2 BCD 3.96 D 55.0 DE 269 B 1.29 D 4.17 B 4.89 AB 347 B
7-S.(32-2)A 47.5 A 6.32 A 56.3 CD 292 A 1.46 B 3.07 C 5.18 A 357 B
8-S.10-1 21.1 E 2.68 E 62.3 A 176 G 0.99 E 5.33 A 2.83 G 247 BC
9-S.12-1 35.2 BCD 5.08 BC 59.3 B 214 D 1.65 A 0.50 D 3.60 E 106 C
10-S.(32-2)B 40.0 B 5.35 B 57.0 C 245 C 1.34 CD 2.87 C 4.30 CD 174 C

Mean 34.8 4.61 56.2 225 1.26 3.02 4.04 301
Sig. Level ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
S.E 2.23 0.31 0.52 5.29 0.04 0.09 0.11 50
CV (%) 11.1 11.5 1.62 4.08 5.22 5.44 4.79 28.5



12

traits of 6 Ankolib selections (Shambat, 2003).

Entry
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht
(cm)
Average
growth rate
(cm/day)
Stem diam
(cm)

S.40 38.5 A 4.82 B 62.0 B 225 A 3.63 A 1.58 A
S.42 30.7 B 3.65 C 49.7 C 218 AB 4.39 A 1.22 B
S.43 33.9 AB 4.48 BC 65.0 A 236 A 3.63 A 1.59 A
S.S.S. Expt 39.3 A 5.84 A 65.3 A 247 A 3.79 A 1.57 A
S.18 36.5 AB 4.80 B 64.3 A 178 B 2.76 B 1.67 A
S.36 32.2 B 4.08 BC 64.7 A 176 B 2.72 B 1.63 A

Mean 35.2 4.61 61.8 213 3.49 1.54
Sig. Level * ** ** * ** **
S.E 1.79 0.31 0.74 14.4 0.25 0.06
CV (%) 8.81 11.7 2.07 11.7 12.5 6.39

*, **., : Significant at 0.05 and 0.01probability level respectively.
0.05 probability level, according to Duncans multiple range


13

Table 6. Green matter yield (GMY), dry matter yield (DMY) and
yieldrelated traits of 10 introduced sweet sorghum varieties grown
at Shambat, 2003.

Entry
GMY
(t/ha) #
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
Av. growth
rate
(cm/day)

1-Sugar Drip 24.4 CD 3.39 CDE 60.5 B 155 1.46 BC 43.8 A 2.56 E
2-Dale 29.6 AB 4.65 A 63.0 A 179 1.51 AB 40.3 ABC 2.84 CDE
3-Atlas 29.0 AB 4.00 ABCD 57.0 C 168 1.45 BC 37.3 CD 2.94 BCDE
4-Blue Ribbon 26.5 BCD 3.32 DE 50.5 E 173 1.32 CD 42.8 AB 3.43 AB
5-Hastings 32.1 A 4.08 ABC 57.0 C 169 1.56 AB 39.7 BCD 2.97 BCDE
6-N 100 32.1 A 4.17 AB 54.5 D 174 1.56 AB 38.5 CD 3.19 BCD
7-N 98 22.5 D 3.19 E 51.0 E 177 1.56 AB 36.7 DE 3.46 AB
8-Brawely 22.9 D 3.65 BCDE 51.0 E 166 1.21 D 39.5 BCD 3.26 ABC
9-Ankolib 25.4 BCD 3.41 CDE 63.5 A 172 1.59 AB 40.1 BCD 2.71 DE
10-Abu Sab'in 27.7 BC 4.05 ABC 56.0 CD 209 1.67 A 33.8 E 3.72 A

Mean 27.2 3.7.9 56.4 174 1.49 39.2 3.11
Sig. Level ** ** ** N.S. ** ** **
S.E 1.24 0.20 0.47 9.2 0.06 1.00 0.150
CV (%) 6.43 7.55 1.18 7.47 5.22 3.62 6.82

**, N.S. : Significant at 0.01 and non-significant at 0.05 probability level respectively.


14

Table 7. Juice characteristics of 8 introduced sweet sorghum varieties
and 2 local checks. (Shambat, summer season, 2003)

Entry
Juice volume
(Ml/kg)
TSS (Brix
o
)
(percentage)
Reducing sugars
(percentage)

1-Abu Sabin 135 10.0 3.4
2-Ankolib 275 13.7 9.6
3-Hastings 220 17.7 8.1
4-N 98 273 15.3 2.1
5-Atlas 183 10.7 4.2
6-Brawley 300 19.5 4.1
7-Sugar drip 325 15.7 10.3
8-N 100 240 16.5 11.1
9-Dale 265 15.8 9.4
10-Blue Ribbon 300 15.8 5.2

Mean 257 15.4 6.67


15


Table 8. Mean values for different characters in forage sorghum at Shambat ( 2003)
Entry
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
No. of
tillers/
plant
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
Regrowth
(g/m row)
Hybrids
1 E-35-1 X S.70 52.8 7.26 71.3 250 1.82 1.33 32.5 304
2 E-35-1 X S.186 50.0 6.36 68.0 253 1.72 1.77 35.1 165
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 49.4 7.32 68.3 253 1.60 1.87 34.8 234
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 45.4 6.16 77.3 232 1.64 1.50 38.2 215
5 Hastings X S.70 45.4 5.82 56.7 267 1.72 1.43 32.3 297
6 Hastings X S.186 31.4 3.90 54.3 242 1.62 1.50 32.3 215
7 Hastings X Garawi 38.6 4.47 54.3 241 1.60 1.90 35.9 326
8 Hastings X Ankolib 33.3 4.46 81.7 222 1.64 1.27 37.5 214
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 38.3 5.13 54.3 239 1.53 1.37 34.5 227
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 36.1 4.65 50.3 241 1.32 1.47 33.0 192
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 38.3 4.85 53.3 250 1.39 1.93 35.8 291
12 B.Ribbon X Ankolib 38.0 4.17 56.7 229 1.58 1.73 33.4 133
13 N 109 X S.70 40.5 5.56 55.0 253 1.42 1.80 33.5 254
14 N 109 X S.186 38.0 4.92 51.3 230 1.44 1.30 35.6 221
15 N 109 X Garawi 32.1 3.90 53.7 239 1.40 1.90 38.2 317
16 N 109 X Ankolib 36.4 5.50 64.0 237 1.60 1.57 33.9 134
17 Dale X S.70 45.1 6.64 61.0 259 1.47 1.87 36.3 275
18 Dale X S.186 39.2 5.50 55.7 248 1.54 1.90 32.0 375
19 Dale X Garawi 35.2 4.81 57.3 249 1.44 2.44 39.0 332
20 Dale X Ankolib 39.5 4.76 63.3 241 1.56 2.13 39.0 331
21 N 100 X S.70 38.6 5.46 55.7 250 1.53 1.47 36.0 371
22 N 100 X S.186 34.5 4.52 52.7 230 1.44 1.77 30.9 241
23 N 100 X Garawi 30.6 4.23 54.7 238 1.29 1.53 37.0 241
24 N 100 X Ankolib 34.3 4.52 69.0 219 1.58 1.70 43.1 109
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 38.3 4.87 58.3 240 1.54 1.63 37.0 246
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 41.0 5.48 53.3 236 1.54 2.10 35.7 392
27 Sugar Drip X Garawi 30.6 4.15 54.3 239 1.47 1.70 35.9 210
28 Sugar Drip X Ankolib 48.4 5.63 65.3 272 1.90 1.23 34.4 182
Parents
29 E-35-1 35.5 5.39 82.7 188 1.76 1.43 41.7 129
30 Hastings 22.2 2.81 59.0 197 1.32 1.03 41.5 107
31 Blue Ribbon 25.3 2.90 54.0 212 1.23 1.00 40.9 66
32 N 109 17.9 2.25 55.3 121 1.25 0.90 52.1 37
33 Dale 21.3 3.05 68.0 193 1.19 1.23 36.0 127
34 N 100 22.8 3.15 59.0 179 1.37 1.57 39.3 91
35 Sugar Drip 18.8 2.53 62.3 181 1.25 0.97 41.6 101
36 S.70 42.6 5.45 64.7 252 1.91 1.57 29.9 172
37 S.186 41.4 5.08 53.3 235 1.63 1.38 30.6 266
38 Garawi 26.2 3.51 55.3 243 1.22 2.17 37.8 463
39 Ankolib 23.1 3.04 68.0 179 1.44 1.63 41.6 317
Check
40 Pannar 888 40.6 5.21 69.0 226 1.21 3.47 39.4 437
Mean 35.9 4.74 60.6 230 1.50 1.64 36.6 234
Sig. level ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
LSD (0.05) 8.52 1.44 2.86 22.4 0.19 0.61 4.65 121.4
S.E. 3.03 0.51 1.02 7.94 0.07 0.21 1.65 43.1
C.V % 14.6 18.6 2.9 5.9 7.9 22.7 7.8 31.9

17

Table 9. Performance of forage sorghum hybrids, their parents and a check hybrid for green (GMY), dry
(DMY) matter yields and yield-related traits (Islang, 2003)
Entry
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
No. of
tillers/
plant
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
Regrowth
(g/m row)
Hybrids
1 E-35-1 X S.70 49.0 6.75 70.7 234 1.72 1.34 35.6 287
2 E-35-1 X S.186 45.9 5.82 68.0 234 1.62 1.77 38.2 157
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 44.0 6.51 66.6 226 1.44 1.85 39.2 239
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 40.5 5.58 78.1 218 1.49 1.50 43.1 204
5 Hastings X S.70 42.5 5.43 56.8 253 1.55 1.44 36.3 282
6 Hastings X S.186 28.2 3.50 53.5 217 1.50 1.50 36.3 202
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 34.2 4.60 53.2 213 1.38 1.37 38.9 219
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 32.3 4.17 50.5 223 1.19 1.47 37.1 181
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 34.2 4.34 51.4 224 1.26 1.93 40.2 278
13 N 109 X S.70 36.2 4.97 53.3 227 1.29 1.80 37.7 239
14 N 109 X S.186 34.0 4.39 50.7 212 1.31 1.31 40.1 278
15 N 109 X Garawi 28.8 3.48 52.6 214 1.27 1.90 43.0 303
16 N 109 X Ankolib 32.6 4.92 63.5 216 1.48 1.57 38.1 158
17 Dale X S.70 42.5 6.33 61.3 247 1.37 1.87 39.2 264
18 Dale X S.186 35.1 4.91 54.7 222 1.43 1.90 36.0 354
19 Dale X Garawi 31.5 4.30 56.1 223 1.29 2.44 44.0 319
20 Dale X Ankolib 35.3 4.26 61.8 216 1.44 2.13 43.9 313
21 N 100 X S.70 34.5 4.88 54.6 231 1.38 1.47 40.5 351
22 N 100 X S.186 30.9 4.06 52.7 206 1.34 1.77 34.8 224
23 N 100 X Garawi 27.4 3.80 53.4 214 1.20 1.54 41.7 236
24 N 100 X Ankolib 30.7 4.06 67.4 195 1.43 1.70 48.5 151
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 34.2 4.36 56.7 215 1.39 1.63 41.7 238
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 36.7 4.90 52.7 211 1.39 1.76 40.2 372
Parents
29 E-35-1 31.8 4.83 81.8 168 1.59 1.42 46.6 122
30 Hastings 20.2 2.55 57.0 178 1.22 1.02 47.0 100
31 Blue Ribbon 22.8 2.62 53.5 194 1.13 0.99 46.1 60
32 N 109 16.3 2.05 53.6 110 1.21 0.89 56.2 36
33 Dale 19.3 2.77 66.5 174 1.14 1.22 40.5 118
34 N 100 21.1 2.92 59.5 166 1.33 1.55 42.9 86
35 Sugar Drip 19.5 2.63 65.0 194 1.27 0.96 43.2 97
36 S.70 38.0 4.86 63.4 226 1.73 1.57 35.6 162
37 S.186 37.0 4.54 51.7 210 1.48 1.38 34.4 227
38 Garawi 23.7 3.18 54.5 219 1.12 2.16 41.5 352
39 Ankolib 16.9 2.21 69.7 179 1.38 1.47 42.2 264
Check
40 Pannar 888 40.0 5.08 66.7 217 1.05 3.13 45.5 329
Mean 32.6 4.30 59.8 211 1.39 1.62 40.8 223
Sig. level ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
S.E. 2.20 0.42 1.12 8.02 0.07 0.21 2.0 31.9

LSD (0.05)
6.19 1.18 3.16 22.6 0.20 0.58 5.64 89.9

C.V %
11.7 16.9 3.2 6.5 8.9 22.2 8.5 24.8

18

Table 10. Local genetic stocks in BC4 male-sterilized in A3 cytoplasm
(Shambat, 2003)

No (A3 genetic stock)
Recurrent parent

No. of
female
parents Selection Local stock

1 Ellis S.148 Abu Sabin 1
4 Ellis Sudan Grass Garawi 2
5 KS5 S.77 Abu Sabin 2
7 Waconia-L S.79 Abu Sabin 1
9 Rox orange S.158 Abu Sabin 2
10 Wary S.148 Abu Sabin 1
11 Atlas S.154 Abu Sabin 1
12 Atlas Ankolib Ankolib 2
13 N109 S.138 Abu Sabin 1
14 IS2729 Sudan Grass Garawi 3
15 Dale S.134 Abu Sabin 2

Total backcrosses 22

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1.0 Introduction
Research work on improvement of forage sorghums was continued. The
materials selected from breeding nurseries of Sudan Grass and Ankolib
were advanced to preliminary yield trials. Due to lack of research finance,
new breeding nurseries were not included in this season. For the same
reason, research on Alfalfa initiated in 2000-2001 is not progressing with
the exception of the breeding nursery established in the previous season.
The following research activities were conducted in the Experimental
Farm of Shambat Research Station in the winter season 2002/2003 :


2.1 Mass selection in local maize population

2. 2 Preliminary yield trials
2. 2.1 Abu Sabin preliminary yield trial
2. 2.2 Sudan Grass preliminary yield trial
2. 2.3 Ankolib preliminary yield trial

2.3 Introductions
2.3.1 Introduced sweet sorghum variety trial.
2.3.2 Introduced maize variety trial

2.4 Development of hybrid forage sorghum

2

2.1 Mass selection in local maize population
The bulked seed from breeding nursery established in the winter season
2001/2002 was grown on the 3
rd
week of Jan. 2003. Selection within both
early and late tasselers was practiced to tall vigorous plants. Ears from
each group were collected, threshed and bulked. Seeds from each group
will be grown for another cycle of selection in the coming season.

2.2 Preliminary yield trials

2. 2.1 Abu Sabin preliminary yield trial
This is the second season for this trial. The sowing date was on the 20
Jan. 2003. The plot consisted of 2 ridges 5 m long and 0.75 m apart. The
green matter yield was estimated from the whole plot leaving half meter
from each side of the ridge. Other materials and methods were similar to
those of the previous season.
Results
Table 1 shows the results of green matter yield (GMY), dry matter yield
(DMY) and some yield-related traits of the 6 Abu Sabin selections and
the traditional variety Abu Sabin. Significant differences (p < 0.01)
between entries were detected for all characters studied. S.19 was the
highest yielding among all material tested. It was significantly higher in
GMY than the traditional variety Abu Sabin. S. 3 ranked second in
GMY. Its yield was higher than that of the traditional variety Abu Sabin,
but was not statistically different from it. S. 19 showed the highest values
for plant height and average growth rate. S.186 was the lowest in forage
yield and the earliest to flower among the whole material tested. S. 70
was the latest to flower.

2. 2.2 Sudan Grass preliminary yield trial
This is the first season for this trial. The 21 Sudan Grass selections
chosen in the previous season were grown in RCB Design with 3
replicates. Sowing date was on 23 Jan. 2003. The plot consisted of 2
ridges 5 m long and 0.75 m apart. 4 to 5 seeds were sown in holes spaced
3

at 20 cm on both sides of the ridge. Irrigation was done every 10 to 15
days. Nitrogen (Urea) was added at the second irrigation at a rate of 55
kg/ha. The experiment received two hand weedings and sprayed twice
against stem borer using Sevin 85. Data collected included : days to 50%
flowering, plant height, stem diameter, number of tillers per plant,
average growth rate, green matter yield (GMY) taken at dough stage by
harvesting the whole plot leaving 0.5 m from each side of the ridge and
dry matter yield (DMY) estimated from 0.5 kg fresh sample taken from
the harvested plot and air dried. Average growth rate (cm per day) was
calculated by dividing plant height over number of days to 50 %
flowering.
Results
Table 2 shows forage yield and yield related-traits of the 21 Sudan Grass
selections. Significant differences were detected among entries for all
characters studied. S. 10-1 gave the highest GMY followed by S. 34 and
S. 51. However, for DMY, these selections did not differ significantly
than many of the other selections. Other high yielding selections
included: S. 32-2, S. 32-1, and S. 12-1. The earliest selections in
flowering were S. 27, S. 12-2 and S. 53-1, whereas the latest were S. 10,
S. 10-1, S. 50-1 and S. 32-1. The best selections in tillering were S.10-1,
S. 34, S. 34-2, S. 50 and S. 32-2, whereas the poorest were S. 53, S. 32-1,
S. 53-1 and S. 12-1. Plant height ranged from156 to 197 cm. Most of the
selections were not significantly different in plant height. However, S.
53-1, S. 12-2 and S. 32-1 gave the lowest score for plant height. S. 27
showed the thinnest stem in the whole material tested whereas S. 12-1
and S. 32-1 were the thickest in stem diameter. S. 27 was also the best in
growth rate per day in the whole material tested.
Based on these results, 10 selections were decided to be advanced for
further testing in the coming season. Two of which viz.: S. 10-1 and S. 50
were chosen for their high tillering capacity and medium to fine stem
diameter. Five selections viz. S. 34, S. (32-2)A, S. (32-2)B, S. 32-1, and
S. 18 represent selections with medium tillering and high to medium
forage yields. (S. 32-2A and S. 32-2B were isolations from S. 32-2). Two
selections viz S. 51 and S. 12-1 represent poor tillering and thick stems
4

selections. These two selections resemble Abu Sabin in general growth
habits as well as seed characteristics. Finally, S. 27 was selected for its
earliness, extremely fine stem and faster growth rate.

2. 2.3 Ankolib preliminary yield trial
The seven Ankolib selections identified in the previous season were
grown each in a 2 ridges 5 m long and 0.75 apart and replicated 3 times in
a RCB design. The green matter yield was estimated from the whole plot
leaving half meter from each side of the ridge. Other materials and
methods were similar to those of the Sudan Grass trial
Results
Table 3 shows forage yield and its related traits for the material studied.
Significant differences were detected between entries for all characters
studied other than average growth rate. S. 40 and S.S.S. Expt (selection
from sweet sorghum experiment) gave the highest GMY. The later was
the latest to flower. S. 37 showed the lowest forage yield and was the
earliest to flower. High forage yield was generally accompanied with
increased plant height and stem diameter. The lowest yielding selection
(S. 37) was discarded and the other 6 will be advanced for further testing
in the following season.

2.3 Introductions

2. 3.1 Introduced sweet sorghum variety trial (in collaboration with
Gada Hashim, ARC, Food Research Centre, Shambat)
This is the second season for this trial. Sowing date was on 23 Jan. 2003.
The 9 introduced sweet sorghum cultivars were tested together with two
local checks viz. Ankolib and Abu Sabin. The entries were arranged in a
RCB Design with 2 replicates. The plot consisted of 2 ridges 5 m long
and 0.75 m apart. The green matter yield (GMY) was estimated from the
whole plot leaving half meter from each side of the ridge. Other materials
and methods for agronomic performance were similar to those of the
previous season.
5

Physiochemical analysis for juice characteristics were carried out in the
Food Research Centre, Shambat. One kilogram of stalks was weighted
after the leaves were stripped off and the three upper internodes were
removed. The sorghum juice was extracted using hand two-roller
sugarcane mill. The juice was filtered through muslin cloth and filter
paper to filter out larger pieces of dirt, debris and any residues. The
volume of juice per one kilogram of stalks was determined using
measuring cylinder and then the physiochemical analyses were carried
out. Total soluble solids (Brix) was determined by hand refractometer.
pH was measured by pH-meter. The reducing sugars were determined by
Lane and Eynon method.
Results
Agronomic performance: Table 4 shows forage yield and its related
traits for the material studied. Significant differences were detected
between entries for all characters studied. Most of the introduced varieties
significantly outyielded the local check Ankolib. Six of the introduced
varieties were higher in forage yield than the local check Abu Sabin;
however, only two of them, namely, Sugar Drip and N 100 were
significantly better in GMY. The local check Ankolib and the introduced
variety EL-ES gave the lowest forage yield. The introduced varieties were
markedly later in flowering than the local checks especially Sugar Drip
and N 100. The local check Abu Sabin was significantly lower in leaf to
stem ratio than most of the introduced varieties. On the other hand, Abu
Sabin was better in average growth rate than most of the introduced
varieties, but it did not differ significantly from N 98, Brawley, Hastings
and Blue Ribbon. The lowest yielding variety (EL-ES) will be discarded
and the other varieties will be advanced for further testing.

Laboratory analysis: Table 5 shows the results of the laboratory
analyses for juice characteristics. The introduced sweet sorghum varieties
as well as the local check (Ankolib) were significantly higher in juice
content than the local check Abu Sabin. However, differences among
sweet sorghums varieties for juice content were not statistically
significant. The entries differed non-significantly with regard to
6

percentage of total sugars (Brix
o
). The local check Abu Sabin was,
however, the lowest in sugar content. Among the introduced material, El-
ES, Blue Ribbon and Brawley were the highest in Brix
o
. Sugar Drip
recorded the highest pH followed by the local check Abu Sabin. The
local check Ankolib, Sugar Drip and Dale were the highest in percentage
of reducing sugars, whereas N 98 was the lowest.

2. 3.2 Introduced maize variety trial
The 9 introduced maize varieties chosen from the breeding nursery
established in the winter season 2000/2001 were tested together with a
local check in a RCB Design with 2 replicates. The plot consisted of 2
ridges 5 m long and 0.75 m apart. Sowing date was on 10 Feb. 2003. Two
seeds were sown in holes on both side of the ridge spaced at 25 cm. The
data collected included: days to 50 % tasseling, plant height, green and
dry matter yields. The stand of the introduced varieties was very poor and
resowing was done at the second irrigation. In spite of that, the stand was
not improved. The whole plot (without omitting the margins) was
therefore harvested to estimate forage yield. Other material and methods
were similar to those of Abu Sabin preliminary yield trial.
Results
Table 6 shows the results obtained. Forage yields of the introduced
varieties were very low due to their poor stand. This might be attributed
to reduction in seed viability. No significant differences were detected
between entries for forage yield, whereas the opposite is true for days to
tasseling and plant height. However, the introduced varieties : Sinema
1407-9422, Dolhi 1023-9331, Across 1001-9222, and Takfa 1409-9424
were higher in forage yield than the local check Abu Sabin. The local
check was significantly earlier in tasseling than the introduced varieties.
On the other hand, the introduced varieties were significantly taller than
the check variety.

7

2.4 Development of Hybrid Forage Sorghum

2. 4.1 Testing of F1 hybrids
This is the second season for this experiment. Sowing date was on 20 Jan.
2003. The traditional cultivar Abu Sabin was included as a check. Apart
from that, the materials and methods used were similar to those of the
previous season.
Results
Table 7 shows forage yield and yield-related traits of the hybrids, their
parents and the check varieties. Significant differences were detected
among entries for all characters studied. Very contrasting performance, as
regard the previous summer season, was observed for some hybrids and
their parents in forage yield and days to flowering. This is specially true
for the hybrids involving E-35-1; the female parents Sugar Drip, N 100;
and the male parents S. 186, S. 70, and Garawi (Sudan Grass).
Many hybrids were better in forage yield than the parental groups, the
check variety Abu Sabin and the commercial hybrid Pannar 888 with
some of them significantly out-yielding the checks. Hybrids involving the
female parent Sugar Drip were the best yielders. The hybrid Sugar Drip x
Ankolib gave the highest GMY in the whole material tested averaging
64.4 t/ha. The respective GMY of the commercial hybrid Pannar 888 and
the traditional check Abu Sabin were 36.4 and 29.3 t/ha. The Hybrids
involving the female parent E-35-1, which were the top yielding in the
previous summer season, ranked low in forage yield, with the hybrid E-
35-1 x S. 186 showing the lowest GMY among hybrids (28.2 t/ha). The
female parent Sugar Drip ranked second in GMY averaging 51.5 t/ha. Its
forage yield was significantly higher than many hybrids. The male
parents S.70 and S.186, unlike the previous summer season, ranked low
in forage yield averaging 28.9 and 21.9 t/ha, respectively. The female
parent N 109 kept the lowest rank in forage yield for the second season.
However, it showed together with Sugar Drip and N 109 the best leaf to
stem ratio.
8

Most of the female parents were very late in flowering with Sugar Drip
being the latest in the whole material tested (125 days). The exception
was the female parent E-35-1. The hybrids involving the female parents
Sugar Drip were the latest to flower among hybrids with most of them
taking 89 days to flower. Most of the hybrids and the female parents were
better in leaf to ratio compared to male parents derived from Abu Sabin.
In regrowth, the male parent Garawi ranked first followed by the hybrid
N 109 x S. 186 and the commercial hybrid Pannar 888. Many hybrids
excelled their parents and the traditional check Abu Sabin in regrowth.

2. 4.2 Male-sterilizing of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm
Production of BC3 seed
Table 8 shows the details of the local stock material being sterilized in A3
cytoplasm. The 15 BC2 seed developed in the previous season were
grown together with their respective recurrent parents to produce BC3
seed. The number of heads covered ranged from 20 to more than 40 for
each backcross. Some of the local stocks selections were represented by
more than one female, raising the total number of backcrosses to 21. All
of the BC2s tested showed 100 % male sterility. BC3 seed were collected
to be grown in the next season to produce the BC4 seed.

9

Table 1. Green matter yield (GMY), dry matter yield (DMY) and yieldrelated
traits of 6 Abu Sabin selections and the traditional cultivar Abu Sabin
(Shambat, 2002/2003)
Entry GMY (t/ha)
#
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flowering
Plant ht
(cm)
Av. growth rate
(cm/day)

S. 19 21.8 A 3.07 A 68.7 B 169 A 2.47 A
S. 3 18.1 B 2.22 BC 70.0 B 143 C 2.05 C
S. 70 16.2 BC 2.06 BC 72.0 A 145 BC 2.02 C
S. 104 14.4 BC 1.75 C 68.3 B 146 BC 2.14 BC
S. 126 15.3 BC 1.88 C 69.3 B 150 BC
2.16 BC
S. 186 13.3 C 1.80 C 64.3 C 145 BC
2.25 B
Abu Sabin
(check)
17.0 B 2.50 AB 68.33 B 155 B 2.27 B

Sig. L. ** ** ** ** **
S.E 1.07 0.19 0.52 3.39 0.06
CV (%) 11.2 14.8 1.3 3.9 4.54
#: In each column, means with letters in common are not significantly different at

10

traits of 21 Sudan Grass selections (Shambat, 2002/2003)
Entry
GMY
(t/ha) #
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
no. of
tillers
per
plant
Average
growth
rate
(cm/day)

1- S. 10 31.3 BCD 3.85 ABCD 88.33 166.0 0.91 6.67 1.91
2- S. 10-1 43.1 A 5.13 A 87.33 181.3 0.92 7.47 2.10
3- S. 50 30.1 BCDE 3.60 BCDE 77.67 170.3 0.90 7.17 2.22
4- S. 50-1 24.7 DEFG 2.99 CDEF 86.67 197.3 0.93 6.07 2.29
5- S. 18 32.3 BCD 3.82 ABCD 82.67 172.7 1.02 6.40 2.11
6- S. 18-1 26.9 CDEF 2.84 CDEF 79.00 180.7 0.93 6.57 2.30
7- S. 34 37.9 AB 4.18 ABC 77.33 193.3 0.80 7.27 2.55
8- S. 34-1 26.8 CDEF 3.50 BCDEF 75.67 176.0 0.87 6.63 2.35
9- S. 34-2 29.9 BCDE 3.33 BCDEF 75.00 168.7 0.85 7.23 2.28
10- S. 11 32.9 BCD 3.81 ABCD 81.00 185.7 0.92 6.40 2.29
11- S. 36 18.6 FG 2.15 F 79.67 186.0 0.77 5.83 2.34
12- S. 27 16.6 G 2.27 EF 59.00 183.3 0.55 6.10 3.17
13- S. 27-1 23.4 DEFG 2.66 DEF 74.33 190.7 0.89 5.53 2.60
14- S. 12-1 33.0 BCD 3.90 ABCD 79.00 183.3 1.56 4.57 2.33
15- S. 12-2 21.0 EFG 2.33 EF 62.33 158.0 1.08 5.50 2.54
16- S. 51 35.6 ABC 4.37 AB 77.67 191.7 1.26 5.33 2.47
17- S. 53 23.9 DEFG 3.09 BCDEF 70.67 176.7 1.19 4.00 2.51
18- S. 53-1 24.9 DEFG 3.25 BCDEF 66.00 156.3 1.13 4.27 2.37
19- S. 42 19.7 FG 2.22 F 81.67 178.0 0.90 4.83 2.18
20- S. 32-1 33.2 BCD 3.96 ABCD 78.33 163.3 1.46 4.27 2.09
21- S. 32-2 33.2 BCD 3.96 ABCD 86.33 191.0 1.03 7.07 2.22

Sig. L. ** ** ** * ** ** **
S.E. 2.1 0.41 1.75 7.91 0.07 0.31 0.13
C V (%) 18.2 20.7 3.91 7.67 11.6 9.02 9.82
*, ** : Significant at 0.05 and 0.01 probability level respectively.

11

traits of 7 Ankolib selections (Shambat, 2002/2003)
Entry
GMY
(t/ha) #
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flowering
Plant ht
(cm)
Stem diam
(cm)
Average
growth
rate
(cm/day)

S.40 31.9 A 3.66 A 67.0 AB 168.0 A 1.25 A 2.51
S.42 27.4 AB 3.49 A 70.0 A 162.0 AB 1.06 BC 2.33
S.43 23.8 B 3.06 A 66.0 AB 156.0 ABC 1.21 AB 2.37
S.37 13.0 C 1.61 B 57.0 C 138.7 C 0.93 C 2.44
S.18 26.5 B 3.20 A 70.0 A 153.0 ABC 1.24 A 2.19
S.36 15.9 C 1.82 B 63.3 B 141.7 BC 1.04 C 2.25
S.S.S. Expt 32.1 A 3.61 A 70.7 A 166.7 A 1.20 AB 2.36

Sig. L. ** ** ** * ** N.S
S.E 1.50 0.25 1.84 6.34 0.05 0.12
CV(%) 10.7 15.1 4.8 7.1 7.6 8.9
N.S : Not significant at 0.05 probability level

12

traits of 9 introduced sweet sorghum varieties and 2 local checks, Shambat 2002
Entry
GMY
(t/ha) #
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Leaf to
stem ratio
(percentage)
Av. growth
rate
(cm/day)

1- Sugar Drip 46.1 A 5.17 A 123.0 158 44.4 A 1.28 E
2- Dale 31.6 BC 3.93 AB 96.5 162 40.0 ABC 1.67 D
3- Atlas 34.4 ABC 4.44 AB 84.0 158 40.8 AB 1.88 BC
4- Blue Ribbon 39.8 AB 5.21 A 90.0 183 38.1 BC 2.00 AB
5- Hastings 39.6 AB 4.32 AB 83.0 170 41.1 AB 2.04 AB
6- N 100 46.1 A 4.89 A 105.0 180 41.9 AB 1.72 CD
7- El-ES 25.3 C 2.67 B 81.5 162 44.1 A 1.98 B
8- N 98 38.9 AB 5.10 A 84.0 173 37.3 BC 2.05 AB
9- Brawely 40.1 AB 5.26 A 90.5 184 42.0 AB 2.04 AB
10-Ankolib (CHK) 25.2 C 2.87 B 70.5 135 38.1 BC 1.91 B
11- Abu Sabin (CHK) 31.6 BC 4.36 AB 70.5 155 35.7 C 2.10 A
Sig. level * * ** ** * **
S.E 3.88 0.52 1.15 4.57 1.38 0.06
CV(%) 15.1 16.9 1.82 3.91 4.83 4.23

13

Table 5. Juice characteristics of 9 introduced sweet sorghum varieties and 2 local
checks.

Entry
Juice#
volume
(Ml/kg)
TSS (Brix
o
)
(percentage)
pH
(percentage)
Reducing
sugars
(percentage)

1-Abu Sabin 148 B 12.6 5.50 AB 5.48 ABC
2-El-ES 306 A 18.2 5.41 ABCD 7.63 AB
3-Ankolib 269 A 16.7 5.37 BCD 10.1 A
4-Hastings 258 A 16.9 5.31 BCD 6.33 ABC
5-N 98 307 A 17.3 5.27 D 1.95 C
6-Atlas 238 A 13.0 5.35 BCD 6.30 ABC
7-Brawley 309 A 17.6 5.26 D 3.46 BC
8-Sugar drip 296 A 15.6 5.58 A 10.1 A
9-N 100 243 A 17.3 5.35 BCD 8.11 AB
10-Dale 255 A 15.7 5.47 ABC 9.51 A
11-Blue Ribbon 285 A 18.0 5.29 CD 3.0 BC

Sig. L * N.S. * *
SE 25.3 1.64 0.059 1.65
C.V. (%) 13.5 14.3 1.5 35.7
N. S. , *, : Not significant and Significant at 0.05 probability level respectively.
0.05 probability level according to Duncans multiple range test.

14

traits of 9 introduced maize varieties and one local check
Entry
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days to 50
% tasseling
Plant ht
(cm)

1 Montr 1402-9331 3.85 0.505 61.7 135.0
2 Sinema 1413-9427 3.06 0.424 76.3 128.3
3 P.Rico 6406-9424 3.05 0.456 75.0 128.3
4 P.Rico 6407-9427 3.73 0.513 71.0 138.3
5 Acros 8328-BnC8 3.28 0.460 71.3 140.0
6 Dolhi 1023-9331 5.23 0.755 63.0 142.3
7 Across 1001-9222 4.97 0.602 74.3 160.7
8 Sinema 1407-9422 5.42 0.658 78.3 166.7
9 Takfa 1409-9424 4.15 0.499 77.7 146.7
10 Local check 45 3.45 0.422 48.0 99.3

Sig. L. N. S N. S ** *
S.E 0.68 0.088 0.93 10.0
CV (%) 29.4 28.7 2.32 12.5
N. S. , *, : Not significant and Significant at 0.05 probability level respectively

15


Table 7. Mean values for different characters in forage sorghum (Shambat, 2002/2003)
Entry
GMY
t/ha
DMY
t/ha
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
No. of
tillers/
plant
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
Regrowth
(g/m row)
Hybrids
1 E-35-1 X S.70 34.7 4.14 67.3 149 1.57 3.57 41.2 362
2 E-35-1 X S.186 28.2 3.48 68.7 146 1.32 3.43 37.7 212
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 35.6 4.16 75.7 166 1.32 3.93 38.9 212
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 32.3 4.13 72.3 165 1.29 4.20 39.8 219
5 Hastings X S.70 37.2 4.17 77.3 173 1.45 3.57 34.4 164
6 Hastings X S.186 39.5 4.80 70.3 165 1.45 3.53 42.7 276
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 33.0 4.02 79.0 178 1.21 3.47 36.6 163
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 36.3 4.06 74.0 179 1.28 3.33 37.6 202
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 38.5 4.89 80.3 184 1.15 3.93 38.4 285
13 N 109 X S.70 41.6 4.83 78.0 167 1.38 3.87 39.2 209
14 N 109 X S.186 35.9 4.25 71.3 173 1.35 3.63 37.2 509
15 N 109 X Garawi 44.4 4.54 81.0 186 1.24 4.90 38.1 392
16 N 109 X Ankolib 40.9 4.80 82.3 186 1.21 4.20 39.5 192
17 Dale X S.70 37.9 4.72 82.0 197 1.34 3.53 34.2 250
18 Dale X S.186 35.2 3.70 73.3 177 1.29 3.60 40.1 135
19 Dale X Garawi 34.2 4.16 78.0 182 1.15 4.23 40.2 280
20 Dale X Ankolib 35.3 3.60 77.0 169 1.18 4.07 38.4 279
21 N 100 X S.70 42.2 4.93 83.7 186 1.49 3.43 37.8 263
22 N 100 X S.186 36.6 4.50 76.7 184 1.34 3.63 33.7 298
23 N 100 X Garawi 42.0 4.90 80.0 184 1.28 4.73 38.6 246
24 N 100 X Ankolib 39.3 5.05 87.0 190 1.27 4.03 39.8 137
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 51.2 5.53 89.7 186 1.25 4.13 38.1 170
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 46.2 5.40 84.7 200 1.23 3.77 34.7 225
Parents
29 E-35-1
31.7 3.82 84.7 130 1.53 3.53 42.9 122
30 Hastings
31.7 3.56 85.3 190 1.19 3.60 37.5 144
31 Blue Ribbon
29.0 3.65 90.0 169 1.10 3.30 41.9 111
32 N 109
19.1 2.25 89.0 88 1.04 4.40 47.4 143
33 Dale
29.5 3.42 99.0 180 1.26 3.23 39.5 178
34 N 100
38.3 4.49 102.0 183 1.36 3.63 41.0 172
35 Sugar Drip
51.5 5.30 125.0 201 1.79 4.50 46.5 237
36 S.70
28.9 3.19 70.7 133 1.39 3.40 36.3 203
37 S.186
21.9 2.89 66.7 127 1.28 3.30 37.8 180
38 Garawi
37.9 4.76 75.0 168 1.18 6.03 40.6 568
39 Ankolib
20.2 2.04 72.3 150 1.09 3.77 40.4 168
Checks
40 Abu Sabin 29.3 3.75 74.0 159 1.41 3.33 36.0 179
41 Pannar 888 888
36.4 4.33 76.0 184 0.97 6.03 42.0 473

Mean 37.13 4.34 80.8 174 1.31 3.99 38.9 243

Sig. Level ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

LSD (0.05) 9.7 1.28 5.22 26.0 0.27 0.70 5.67 141

C.V % 16.1 18.2 3.97 9.23 12.8 10.8 8.98 35.6
16

Table 8. local stocks male-sterilized in A3 cytoplasm (BC3), Shambat, 2002/2003

No
Sterility source
(A3/CMS genetic stock)
Recurrent parent

No. of
female
parents Selection Local stock

4 Ellis Sudan Grass Garawi 2
9 Rox orange S.158 Abu Sabin 2
10 Wary S.148 Abu Sabin 1
11 Atlas S.154 Abu Sabin 1
12 Atlas Ankolib Ankolib 2
13 N109 S.138 Abu Sabin 1
14 IS2729 Sudan Grass Garawi 3
15 Dale S.134 Abu Sabin 1

Total backcrosses 21

17

Annual Report, Summer Season 2002
By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1.0 Introduction
Research work on improvement of forage sorghums was continued. Work
on Alfalfa (Berseem Hejazi) initiated in 2000-2001 is not progressing due
to lack of research finance. Research activities in the summer season of
2002 include the following:

2.0 Summer season 2002
2.1 Breeding nurseries
2.1.1 Sudan Grass breeding nursery
2.1.2 Ankolib breeding nursery
2.2.1 Local forage sorghum (Abu Sab'in selections) preliminary yield trial
2.2.2 Introduced sweet sorghum preliminary yield trial.
2.3.2 Male sterilizing of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm

2.1.1 Sudan Grass breeding nursery
The 56 individual plant selections from the local Sudan Grass population
during 2000/2001 were grown each in a 6m ridge replicated twice using
RCBD. Sowing date was on 27 July 2002. Data was recorded for days to
flowering and plant height. Plant height was divided over days to
flowering to estimate average growth rate. This factor gives a good
indication to growth vigor and will be applied to other trials in this report.
Other characters like tillering capacity, leafiness, stem thickness, and
panicle characteristics were monitored. High variability between lines
and to some degree among lines was detected. Selection was therefore
practiced between and among lines. Results are presented in Table 1.
Twenty one lines were selected. Selection was made to represent a range
of variability from high tillering leafy, fine stems to poor tillering less
leafy, thick stems (Table 1). The lines selected will be grown in the
following season in a preliminary yield trial.

2

Table 1. Flowering (days), plant ht (cm), average growth rate (av. G.R.) in cm/day and
some botanical features of 56 Sudan Grass selections (Shambat, 2002)

Entry Flowering Plant ht, Av. G.R. Tillering Stem thickness Juiciness Selection
1- S.1 58 182 3.13
2- S.24 54 155 2.90
3- S.25 55 217 4.03
4- S.16 60 230 3.92
5- S.35 51 174 3.41
6- S.17 65 244 3.75
7- S.23 64 241 3.82
8- S.46 58 236 4.07
9- S.19 65 234 3.62
10- S.20 57 243 4.29
11- S.31 61 203 3.33
12- S.11 51 235 4.62 high fine Juicy 1
13- S.3 59 269 4.59
14- S.50 64 228 3.59 high fine Juicy 2
15- S.48 69 258 3.73
16- S.40 62 289 4.70
17- S.15 56 273 4.88
18- S.7 53 240 4.58
19- S.34 58 193 3.35 high fine Juicy 3
20- S.18 68 222 3.27 high fine Juicy 2
21- S.26 65 260 4.03
22- S.56 67 208 3.11
23- S.22 60 199 3.31
24- S.33 67 254 3.83
25- S.47 56 190 3.43
26- S.6 63 210 3.34
27- S.14 63 187 2.99
28- S.39 57 215 3.76
29- S.27 54 257 4.80 medium fine Juicy 2
30- S.45 67 165 2.46
31- S.2 64 248 3.87
32- S.28 63 259 4.15
33- S.5 63 258 4.12
34- S.29 59 266 4.54
35- S.30 61 244 4.05
36- S.36 56 266 4.75 medium fine Juicy 1
37- S.55 57 196 3.44
38- S.32 60 280 4.67 poor medium Juicy 2
39- S.13 61 265 4.37
40- S.42 54 260 4.90 poor medium Juicy 1
41- S.10 68 208 3.09 high fine Juicy 2
42- S.51 59 276 4.72 poor thick Juicy 1
43- S.37 59 193 3.30
44- S.38 61 265 4.38
45- S.4 56 232 4.11
46- S.9 56 233 4.15
47- S.52 58 257 4.42
49- S.49 57 270 4.77
50- S.41 58 271 4.71
51- S.8 61 255 4.22
52- S.44 54 271 5.02
53- S.43 60 245 4.11
54- S.21 60 235 3.92
56- S.54 52 247 4.78

Sig. L

**

**

**

S.E. 1.9 18.5 0.36
CV% 4.52 11.1 12.6 Total no of selections 21


3

2.1.2 Ankolib breeding nursery:
Ankolib seed was originally obtained from Blue Nile State (Sennar area)
and grown at Shambat Research Farm during the summer season of 2001.
Wide range of variability was observed for different agronomic
characters and 44 plants were selected. The selected plants were grown
on 31July 2002 each in a 6 m ridge replicated twice in RCBD. Data were
recorded for days to flowering and plant height. Six plants were selected.
The results are presented in Table 2. A vigorous growing plant from
Ankolib plot of the neighboring Sweet Sorghum Experiment (from the
same seed lot) was also selected. The 7 selections will be grown in the
following season in a preliminary yield trial.

2.2.1 Local forage sorghum(Abu Sab'in selections) preliminary yield
trials (in collaboration with : Gamal Al-khair, Hudieba, Research Station)
The six Abu Sab'in selections chosen in 2001/2002 season were grown
together with the traditional cv Abu Sab'in in a preliminary yield trial.
The experiment was conducted at Shambat and Hudieba Research
Stations. Sowing date was on the 3
rd
week of July. The treatments were
arranged in RCB design with 3 replicates. The plot size was 3 ridges 5 m
long spaced 0.75m apart. 3 seeds were sown in holes spaced at 25cm
along both sides of the ridge. Nitrogen (Urea) was added at the 2
nd

irrigation at a rate of 2N/fed. Data collected included: emergence ; days
to 50% flowering ; plant height ; green matter yield (GMY) taken at
dough stage by harvesting the middle ridge ; dry matter yield (DMY)
estimated from 0.5kg fresh sample taken from the harvested plot and air
dried ; and average growth rate.
Results
Tables 3 and 4 show the results obtained at Shambat and Hudieba
Research Stations, respectively. Significant differences between entries
were detected at both sites for most of the characters studied. Selection 19
scored the highest yield at both sites. Its GMY was significantly (p< 0.05)
higher than the traditional cv Abu Sab'in at Shambat averaging 35.5t/ha.
The selections 104 at Hudieba and 186, 126 at Shambat gave the lowest
GMY. However, selections 104 and 186 showed high growth vigor
especially at Shambat site as indicated by their high values for average
growth rate. On the other hand selection 70 showed the lowest growth
vigor at both sites.

4

Table 2. Performance of 44 Ankolib selections (Shambat, 2002)

genotype Days to flowering Plant height Average growth rate Selection
(cm) (cm/day)
S.1 65 166 2.60
S.2 64 181 2.84
S.3 68 143 2.09
S.4 66 154 2.32
S.5 68 145 2.15
S.6 61 167 2.74
S.7 64 160 2.54
S.8 65 146 2.24
S.9 63 157 2.48
S.10 58 158 2.72
S.11 68 134 1.97
S.12 69 146 2.11
S.13 67 159 2.39
S.14 65 139 2.15
S.15 61 154 2.55
S.16 64 164 2.58
S.17 63 138 2.22
S.18 60 185 3.08 Selected
S.19 59 138 2.35
S.20 63 132 2.11
S.21 65 132 2.03
S.22 62 136 2.19
S.23 61 156 2.59
S.24 61 155 2.57
S.25 62 165 2.67
S.26 62 163 2.68
S.27 65 143 2.24
S.28 61 138 2.27
S.29 63 154 2.48
S.30 63 180 2.88
S.31 62 147 2.37
S.32 65 160 2.47
S.33 64 168 2.67
S.34 62 184 2.97
S.35 60 164 2.75
S.36 60 181 3.08 Selected
S.37 52 163 3.14 Selected
S.38 67 150 2.27
S.39 62 188 3.06
S.40 65 233 3.58 Selected
S.41 68 171 2.51
S.42 69 219 3.2 Selected
S.43 70 201 2.87 Selected
S.44 64 184 2.87

Sig. level ** ** **
S.E 1.93 10.3 0.2
CV (%) 4.32 9.03 10.9

5

Table 3. Green (GMY), dry (DMY) matter yields and yield related traits of 6
Abu Sab'in Selections and the check cultivar (Shambat 2002)

GMY (t/ha )# DMY
(t/ha)
Days to
flower
Plant ht.
(cm)
Average. Growth
rate (cm/day)
S. 19 35.5 A 5.15 68 196 2.90 B
S. 3 32.7 AB 4.60 60 175 2.92 B
S. 70 29.2 ABC 4.09 80 175 2.20 C
S. 104 32.5 AB 4.44 55 194 3.52 A
S. 126 23.0 C 3.48 64 155 2.42 C
S. 186 23.3 C 3.18 55 189 3.45 A
S. Abu Sab'in (chk) 27.2 BC 3.74 62 179 2.87 B

Sig. level * NS ** ** **
S.E 2.4 0.47 0.99 3.5 0.08
CV (%) 14.3 19.9 2.7 3.3 4.5

Table 4. Green matter yield (GMY) and yield related traits of 6 Abu Sab'in
Selections and the check cultivar (Hudieba 2002)

GMY (t/ha) # Days to
flowering
Plant height
(cm)
Average growth
rate (cm/day)

1- S. 186

30.5 CD

73

134

1.84 AB
2- S. 104 27.0 D 69 129 1.87 AB
3- Abu Sab'in (chk) 41.8 AB 75 132 1.76 B
4- S. 19 44.6 A 79 160 2.03 A
5- S. 70 35.6 BC 95 125 1.33 D
6- S. 3 39.7 AB 75 136 1.81 B
7- S. 126 31.0 CD 87 132 1.55 C

Sig. level ** ** ** **
S.E 2.22 3.2 5.4 0.066
CV (%) 11.04 6.72 7.03 6.92

#: Means with letters in common are not significantly different at 0.05 probability level according to
Duncans multiple range test.


6

2.2.2 Sweet sorghum preliminary yield trial (in collaboration with Gamal
Al-khair, Hudieba Research Station and Gada Hashim, Food Research Center
Shambat)
The nine sweet sorghum cultivars chosen in the previous season were
tested together with two local checks (Ankolib and Abu Sab'in) in a
preliminary yield trial. Sowing date was on 27 July 2002. Apart from leaf
to stem ratio and laboratory analysis, the methods and materials used
were similar to those of the above experiment. Laboratory analysis were
carried in the Food Research Center, Shambat to determine juiciness and
TSS (brix). Samples from each plot in each replicate were taken at mid-
dough stage and bulked.

Results
Agronomic performance
Table 5 shows the results obtained. Significant differences between
entries were detected for all characters studied. Abu Sab'in was the
highest yielding averaging 35.3 and 4.67 t/ha for GMY and DMY
respectively. Of the introduced material Atlas gave the highest yield
averaging 30.9 and 3.82 t/ha for GMY and DMY respectively.
Differences in yields between Atlas and Abu Sab'in were not significant
(p < 0.05). El-Es gave the lowest yield. The respective GMY and DMY
for the local check Ankolib were 29.3 and 3.7 t/ha .All the introduced
varieties were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in leaf to stem ratio than
Abu Sab'in. However, Abu Sab'in was significantly (p<0.01) higher in
average growth rate than the introduced materials.
Laboratory analysis
Table 6 shows the analysis of juice content and TSS (Brix). The
introduced varieties and Ankolib were higher in juice content and TSS
(Brix) than Abu Sab'in. Sugar Drip and El-Es were the highest in juice
content whereas Brawley gave the highest TSS (Brix). Of the introduced
material, Atlas was the lowest in juice content and TSS.


7

Table 5. Green (GMY), dry (DMY) matter yields and yield related traits of 9
Introduced sweet sorghums and two local checks (Shambat, 2002)

GMY
(t/ha) #
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht.
(cm)
Leaf to stem
ratio
(percentage)
Average
growth rate
(cm/day)

Sugar Drip

28.0 ABC

3.33

72

165

42.8 AB

2.29
Dale 26.4 ABCD 3.21 75 194 42.7 AB 2.59
Atlas 30.9 AB 3.82 62 184 38.5 ABC 2.99
Blue Ribbon 23.4 BCD 2.40 56 201 40.2 ABC 3.58
Hastings 21.1 CD 2.56 70 166 43.4 A 2.39
N 100 27.2 ABCD 3.47 64 176 39.8 ABC 2.77
El-Es 18.0 D 2.08 50 180 37.1 C 3.60
N 98 20.9 CD 2.52 58 167 37.4 BC 2.91
Brawley 22.5 BCD 2.78 58 193 40.4 ABC 3.32
Ankolib (chk) 29.3 ABC 3.70 64 204 37.1 C 3.18
Abu Sab'in (chjk 35.3 A 4.67 60 264 31.2 D 4.40

Sig. level * * ** ** * **
S.E 2.9 0.35 1.26 7.02 1.65 0.14
CV(%) 16.01 15.8 2.86 5.22 5.96 6.58

#: Means with letters in common are not significantly different at 0.05 probability level according to
Duncans multiple range test.

Table 6. Juice content and TSS (Brix) of 9 introduced sweet sorghum genotypes
and two local checks, Shambat, 2002
Variety Juice (ml/kg) Tss (Brix)
1- Sugar Drip 325 15.7
2- Dale 265 15.8
3- Atlas 190 11.0
4- Blue Ribbon 300 15.8
5- Hastings 220 17.7
6- N 100 240 16.5
7- El-Es 310 18.5
8- N 98 280 16.0
9- Brawley 300 19.5
10-Ankolib (chk) 300 13.7
11- Abu Sab'in (chk) 135 10.0
Mean 260 15.5
S.E. 18.3 0.82


8


Material and methods
The 28 hybrids produced in the previous season were evaluated together
with their 11 parents and the hybrid check Pannar 888 at two sites in
Khartoum States viz. Shambat and Islang. Sowing dates were on the 12
th

and 25
th
of July, respectively. The males and females used to produce
these hybrids were presented in the previous report. The entries were
arranged in a RCB design with three replicates. The plot size was one
ridge 7m long. Three seeds were sown in holes spaced at 0.75 m between
ridges and 10 cm between holes along the ridge. Nitrogen (Urea) was
applied 2 weeks from sowing at a rate of 55 kg N/ha. Two sprays against
stem borer were applied at the 2
nd
and the 4
th
week from sowing using
Sevin 85 at a rate of 1.9 kg/ha. The experiment was weeded twice and
watered every 7 to 10 days. Harvesting took place 15 days after each
treatment completed 50 % flowering. 6 m were cut leaving 0.5m from
each side of the ridge. Cutting was done 7 to 10 cm above ground level.
The data recorded included: plant height, days to 50% flowering, stem
diameter, tillers/plant, leaf to stem ratio, GMY, DMY, average growth
rate, and regrowth. DMY was estimated from 0.5kg fresh sample taken
from the harvested plot of each treatment and air dried. Regrowth was
evaluated 15 days from the date of cutting.

Results
Results pertaining to combining ability study will not be highlighted in
this report. Tables 7 and 8 show the performance of the entries studied at
Shambat and Islang site, respectively. Significant differences (p<0.01)
were detected between entries for different characters at both locations.
At Shambat, GMY ranged from 30.7 to 51.9 t/ha for hybrids and 17.2 to
38.2 t/ha for parents. The hybrids E-35-1 x S.186, E-35-1 x Garawi and
B. Ribbon x Ankolib gave the highest yield with respective GMY
amounting to 51.0, 51.7 and 51.8 t/ha. They showed comparable DMY of
about 6.4 t/ha. They significantly outyielded their parental lines and the
commercial hybrid Pannar 888. The latter averaged 39.8 and 5.37 t/ha for
GMY and DMY, respectively. However, Pannar 888 excelled most of the
experimental hybrids in stem thickness (fineness) tillering, regrowth and
leaf to stem ratio. On the other hand, the high yield obtained by these
hybrids was accompanied by lateness in flowering compared to their

9

parents. Nevertheless, earlier hybrids, but with lower yield levels could
be noticed.
With few exceptions, a relative performance in yield and yield-related
traits was generally kept by most entries at Islang site. However, yield
levels were lower than those obtained at Shambat. The hybrids involving
the female parents E-35-1 plus the hybrid B.Ribbon x Ankolib were the
best yielders.
In both sites, hybrid vigor was generally reflected in tall thick stem
plants with better tillering and regrowth.

2.3.2 Male sterilizing of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm
Production of BC2 seed
Sixteen out of eighteen BC1 seed developed in the previous season were
grown together with their respective recurrent parents to produce BC2
seed. The restored seed of the BC1 Waconia x 72 that showed partial
fertility in the previous season was also grown. To test the sterility
reaction of the BC1 plants, 35 to 40 heads of each backcross were
covered with pollinating bags prior to anthesis. Three weeks later the
heads were checked for seed setting. Results are presented in Table 9. All
of the BC1s tested showed 100% sterility with the exception of N109 x
B4 that showed partial fertility. The restored seed of the BC1 Waconia x
S.72 also showed partial fertility. BC2 seed from crosses that showed
100% male sterility were collected to be grown in the next season to
produce BC3 seed.


10

Table 7. Performance of forage sorghum hybrids, their parents and a check hybrid for green
(GMY), dry (DMY) matter yields and yield-related traits (Shambat, 2002)
Entry Hybrids
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
No. of
tillers/
plant
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
Regrowth
(g/m row)
1 E-35-1 X S.70 49.5 6.34 78.3 246 2.04 2.73 37.2 252
2 E-35-1 X S.186 51.0 6.40 72.7 265 1.97 1.93 35.3 221
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 51.7 6.39 74.0 257 1.82 3.00 37.7 214
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 44.4 6.05 78.3 232 1.86 2.67 41.3 292
5 Hastings X S.70 46.6 5.39 63.7 233 1.70 1.80 35.3 347
6 Hastings X S.186 42.1 4.64 58.3 257 1.64 2.13 35.4 316
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 42.6 4.69 59.3 251 1.60 1.93 35.5 205
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 37.9 4.05 57.0 246 1.63 2.30 34.2 392
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 32.2 3.84 59.0 240 1.50 2.23 41.2 297
13 N 109 X S.70 38.2 5.19 61.3 240 1.67 2.27 35.8 314
14 N 109 X S.186 34.6 4.67 58.0 237 1.45 2.03 34.7 374
15 N 109 X Garawi 37.6 4.26 57.0 241 1.48 3.37 40.1 523
16 N 109 X Ankolib 47.5 5.61 67.0 241 1.73 3.10 40.7 322
17 Dale X S.70 48.7 6.23 67.7 240 1.53 2.30 36.8 262
18 Dale X S.186 41.3 4.65 59.3 256 1.54 1.53 33.6 307
19 Dale X Garawi 35.1 4.26 62.0 234 1.58 3.23 40.8 596
20 Dale X Ankolib 39.7 4.61 70.7 238 1.68 2.80 39.2 208
21 N 100 X S.70 48.0 6.21 62.3 245 1.73 2.23 34.8 316
22 N 100 X S.186 30.7 3.62 57.7 218 1.39 2.40 40.1 405
23 N 100 X Garawi 40.2 4.60 58.3 241 1.57 2.83 38.6 365
24 N 100 X Ankolib 41.5 4.74 75.7 248 1.51 2.73 39.5 261
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 40.3 5.05 63.3 234 1.70 2.37 36.0 272
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 34.4 4.00 58.3 237 1.57 1.97 37.1 432
Parents
29 E-35-1 29.4 3.62 84.3 167 1.62 1.57 44.8 123
30 Hastings 24.9 2.96 65.7 198 1.35 1.37 40.7 72
31 Blue Ribbon 20.7 2.36 58.0 196 1.29 1.07 41.1 44
32 N 109 17.2 2.17 62.0 121 1.16 1.10 50.5 20
33 Dale 21.2 2.83 76.7 197 1.35 1.30 40.6 61
34 N 100 23.5 3.14 65.7 190 1.36 1.50 39.0 100
35 Sugar Drip 25.1 3.03 69.7 195 1.36 1.83 41.6 67
36 S.70 38.1 4.84 71.3 230 1.77 1.77 35.0 142
37 S.186 34.4 3.99 57.0 234 1.62 1.93 31.6 136
38 Garawi 32.9 3.87 58.3 234 1.36 3.00 38.7 442
39 Ankolib 29.2 3.40 65.0 185 1.58 2.50 39.6 257
Check
40 Pannar 888 39.8 5.37 68.3 214 1.06 3.47 40.7 452
Mean 37.5 4.54 65.4 228 1.59 2.29 38.4 276
Sig. level ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
S.E. 3.74 0.49 1.80 10.4 0.08 0.32 2.1 63.7
LSD (0.05) 10.5 1.37 5.05 29.2 0.22 0.89 5.92 179.4
C.V (%) 17.3 18.5 4.8 7.9 8.5 23.9 9.5 39.9

11

Table 8. Performance of forage sorghum hybrids, their parents and a check hybrid for green (GMY),
dry (DMY) matter yields and yield-related traits (Islang, 2002)
Entry Hybrids
GMY
(t/ha)
DMY
(t/ha)
Days
to
flower
Plant
ht
(cm)
Stem
diam
(cm)
No. of
tillers/
plant
Leaf/stem
ratio
(percentage)
Regrowth
(g/m row)
1 E-35-1 X S.70 49.1 6.37 76.7 243 2.03 2.73 37.4 253
2 E-35-1 X S.186 48.5 6.09 71.3 260 1.88 1.85 37.1 212
3 E-35-1 X Garawi 48.2 5.95 72.5 252 1.70 2.79 40.3 200
4 E-35-1 X Ankolib 42.8 5.72 76.6 230 1.80 2.57 42.8 302
5 Hastings X S.70 44.1 5.10 62.3 228 1.60 1.70 37.4 327
6 Hastings X S.186 35.5 3.91 56.3 248 1.38 1.80 40.6 266
9 B.Ribbon X S.70 40.0 4.70 57.9 245 1.50 1.81 37.9 193
10 B.Ribbon X S.186 35.3 3.77 55.4 238 1.52 2.15 36.8 364
11 B.Ribbon X Garawi 31.7 3.77 57.5 232 1.47 2.19 41.9 292
13 N 109 X S.70 35.7 4.76 59.6 233 1.55 2.12 38.5 292
14 N 109 X S.186 32.0 4.33 56.2 230 1.34 1.87 36.8 347
15 N 109 X Garawi 35.1 4.41 55.4 234 1.39 3.13 43.1 488
16 N 109 X Ankolib 41.9 5.27 64.6 232 1.52 2.72 44.5 290
17 Dale X S.70 46.1 5.91 66.3 235 1.45 2.18 38.9 248
18 Dale X S.186 38.7 4.77 57.9 249 1.44 1.44 35.9 288
19 Dale X Garawi 32.5 3.94 60.2 228 1.47 2.99 44.1 552
20 Dale X Ankolib 37.1 4.31 68.9 232 1.63 2.62 42.0 237
21 N 100 X S.70 45.4 5.75 61.0 240 1.64 2.11 36.7 299
22 N 100 X S.186 28.1 3.32 55.8 211 1.27 2.20 43.5 371
23 N 100 X Garawi 34.7 3.96 56.2 235 1.34 2.43 42.2 313
24 N 100 X Ankolib 36.9 4.22 73.4 242 1.34 2.44 43.9 210
25 Sugar Drip X S.70 37.7 4.73 61.6 227 1.58 2.18 38.9 253
26 Sugar Drip X S.186 31.9 4.13 56.6 230 1.45 1.82 40.1 399
Parents
29 E-35-1 26.9 3.30 81.4 161 1.47 1.42 51.3 113
30 Hastings 22.3 2.65 62.9 190 1.20 1.22 44.4 64
31 Blue Ribbon 18.1 2.07 55.2 187 1.13 0.93 46.1 46
32 N 109 14.6 1.84 58.4 114 0.99 0.93 56.1 20
33 Dale 18.7 2.49 72.8 188 1.18 1.13 44.1 53
34 N 100 20.9 2.80 62.8 182 1.21 1.33 43.0 89
35 Sugar Drip 18.5 2.24 66.5 187 1.01 1.37 53.3 62
36 S.70 35.6 4.51 69.4 224 1.65 1.66 37.2 132
37 S.186 35.4 4.30 55.5 227 1.51 1.79 33.9 127
38 Garawi 30.3 3.57 56.5 227 1.26 2.77 42.3 456
39 Ankolib 24.7 2.86 62.7 179 1.34 2.12 46.1 217
Check
40 Pannar 888 40.6 5.14 66.3 213 1.09 3.00 45.4 472
Mean 34.9 4.26 63.4 221 1.46 2.10 41.6 264
Sig. level ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
S.E. 3.59 0.44 1.72 10.3 0.08 0.28 2.19 52.1
LSD (0.05) 10.1 1.25 4.84 28.9 0.22 0.78 6.16 146.8
C.V (%) 17.8 18.0 4.7 8.0 9.4 22.9 9.1 34.0

12

Table 9. Sterilization of local forage sorghums in A3 cytoplasm (Shambat, 2002)

Cross
N0

Sterility source Recurrent parent Sterility reaction

No of heads
covered

Sterility
(percentage)
A3/CMS
genetic stock
Local stock
Selections
1 Ellis S.148 40 100
2 Ellis S.3 35 100
3 Ellis S.66 40 100
4 Ellis Sudan Grass 40 100
5 KS5 S.77 40 100
6 KS5 S.57 40 100
7 Waconia-L S.79 40 100
8 Waconia-L S.93 40 100
9 Rox orange S.158 40 100
10 Wary S.148 40 100
11 Atlas S.154 40 100
12 Atlas Ankolib 35 100
13 N109 S.138 40 100
14 N109 B-4 35 Partial
15 IS2729 Sudan Grass 40 100
16 Dale S.134 35 100
17 * Waconia-L S.72 30 Partial

Waconia x S. 72 tested for the second time and found to be A3 partial restorer

Annual Report, 2001/2002

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant breeder

1.0 Introduction
Selection within local populations of lablab bean and cow pea was
discontinued due to lack of research finance. Work on Alfalfa (Berseem
Hijazi) was confined to testing of the previous selections due to the same
reason. Apart from this, the selection program initiated in the previous
season was continued. Research activities in 2001/2002 include the
following:

2.0 Summer Season 2001
2.2 Forage sorghum breeding nurseries
2.2.1 Local forage sorghum nursery
2.2.2 Introduced sweet sorghum nursery
2.3.1 The females
2.3.2 Testing sterility reaction of A3 cytoplasmic male sterile
(A3/CMS) sorghum genetic stocks.
2.3.3 Maintenance of male sterile sorghum genetic stocks
2.3.4 Sterilization of local forage sorghum with A3 cytoplasm

3.1.1 Forage sorghum breeding Nursery
3.1.2 Local maize breeding nursery
3.1.3 Introduced maize breeding nursery
3.1.4 Alfalfa breeding nursery
3.2.1 Crossing program (Production of F1 hybrid seed).
3.2.2 Back-crossing program (Sterilization of local forage
sorghum with A3 cytoplasm)


2

2.2 Summer Season 2001
2.2.1 Forage Sorghum breeding Nurseries
Local forage sorghum nursery
Out of the 290 Abu Sab'in lines selected in the winter season, 206 were
chosen in the laboratory depending on seed size. (Bold seed size was
selected). Of these, 100 were Alyab and 106 were Rubatab type. Sowing
date was on the 2. July 2001. Seeds of each selected plant were sown in
one ridge 6 m long at a rate of 3 seeds per hole spaced at 80 cm between
ridges and 25cm between plants along the ridge. Agronomic performance
for each line was evaluated and data was recorded. 42 lines were selected
(21 of each type).
Introduced sweet sorghum nursery
The performance of a 29 sweet sorghum genotypes received from U. of
Nebraska, was tested under Sudan (Khartoum State) conditions. Sowing
date was on 22. July 2001. The introduced material plus the local check
Ankolib was arranged in RCBD with two replicates using a plot size of
one ridge 5m long. 3 seeds were sown in holes spaced at 80 cm between
ridges and 25 cm between holes along the ridge. One N dose was added 3
weeks after sowing. Plant height, days to flowering and stem diameter
were recorded. Leafiness and stem borer infestation were eye estimated
(not included in the analysis). Results are presented in Table 1. Wide
range of variability was observed for most of the characters studied. Nine
genotypes coded: 2, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, and 26 were selected to be
further tested in the next season.

2.2.2 Development of Hybrid Forage Sorghum
Introduction
Previous results obtained at Shambat Research Station indicated the
superiority of hybrids over open pollinated varieties for both yield and
quality aspects. The growing need for forage crops in response ever-
rising demand for animal products and the great potential of Sudan as
forage exporting country call for developing new improved forage types.
Sudan is one of the few countries where hybrids represent less than 1% of
the area under forage sorghums. Scarcity of hybrid seeds, their relatively
high prices and poor extension service are some of the factors behind the
poor adoption of forage hybrid sorghum in the Sudan. Since all of the
seed of forage sorghum hybrids are introduced, development of local
hybrid will greatly encourage the adoption process by making available
cheap seed of better adapted hybrids. Although specialized seed industry
is yet to start in the Sudan, however, some companies are now active in
seed trade and the general trend is showing a growing seed business.

3

Owing to the lack of research work in this area, the above project was
initiated to demonstrate the validity of locally developed forage sorghum
hybrids.
The Females
In pursuing the above objective, 29 A3/CMS sorghum genetic stocks (the
sterile counterparts of the genotypes presented in Table 5) were received
from Dr. Jeff. Pedersen, USDA-ARS, U. of Nebraska. These genetic
stocks have the immediate application as females to produce F1 hybrids.
According to the performance of their fertile counterparts (Table 1), 7
genotypes were chosen to be included in the crossing program. These
were: Blue Ribbon, Hastings, E-35-1, N100, N109, Sugar Drip, and Dale.
The females are characterized by juicy sweet stems, high leaf-stem ratio,
stay green and better performance under winter cultivation.
Testing of the sterility reaction under Sudan conditions
The females were sown on the 22. July 2001 in the Experimental Farm of
Shambat Research Station. 15-20 heads were covered with pollinating
bags prior to anthesis. Three weeks later the heads were checked for seed
setting. All of the material proved to be 100% sterile (no seed setting).
Female maintenance
The females were maintained by back-crossing to their recurrent parents
(fertile counterparts). Out of the 29 A3/cms genetic stocks received, 24
females were maintained.
Sterilization of local forage sorghum with A3 cytoplasm
Unlike A1 and A2 cms types, the A3 has very few restores. It was
therefore thought possible to utilize such ability in transferring cms
factors to the local forage sorghums through back-crossing. The
objectives were to develop more adapted local females and to utilize the
genetic variability existing in the local material. 18 crosses were made
between the local stocks and the introduced A3/CMS genetic stocks.
Details are presented in Table 2.

3.1 Breeding Nurseries
3.1.1 Forage Sorghum Breeding Nursery
The 42 line (21 each Alyab and Rubatab type) selected in the pervious
season were tested for general performance in the winter season
2001/2002. The material was sown on 24. Dec. 2001. Table 3 shows the
performance of the material selected. Plant height and days to flowering
were recorded. Other observations include: juiciness, tillering capacity,
vigor, leafiness and stem thickness. (data not presented). Six lines, 3 each
of Alyab and Rubatab types were selected. These were No: 19, 70, 3, 126,

4

186, and 104. The selected lines will be tested in a replicated trial, at
different location next season.
3.1.2 Local maize breeding nursery
The 159 ears of the plants selected in the previous season were grown for
progeny testing using ear to row method. Seeds from each ear were sown
in a ridge 5 meter long. Two seeds were placed in holes spaced at 40 cm
along the ridge and 70 cm between ridges. The progenies were evaluated
for plant height, days to tasseling, leafiness, vigor and prolificacy. 32
rows were identified as being the best progenies. The remnant seed in
ears of each selected row were threshed and bulked to be grown for the
second cycle of selection in the coming season.
3.1.3 Introduced maize breeding nursery
Maize breeding nursery comprising 40 genotypes were received from the
International Maize Testing Unit of CIMMYT under the courtesy of Dr.
Srinivasan in Dec. 2000. The material and a local check were grown on 2.
Dec. 2001. Two seeds were placed in holes spaced at 40 cm along the
ridge and 70 cm between ridges. The genotypes and the local check were
evaluated for plant height, days to tasseling, leafiness, vigor, stem borer
infestation and prolificacy. Table 4 shows part of the results obtained.
The introduced materials were tall, late and less prolific compared to the
local check. Nine genotypes, coded 3, 7, 9, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29
were chosen for further testing in replicated trials at different locations in
the next season.
3.1.4 Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) breeding nursery
Individual plant selection was carried out in a local alfalfa population
(Berseem Hijazi,) in the previous season. 231 plants were selected. Seeds
of each plant were sown on the top of the ridge at spacing of 50 cm
between plants along the ridge and 70cm between ridges. Sowing date
was on 2. Dec. 2001. The data to be collected included days to first
flowering, growth vigor, regrowth ability, resistance to pests, plant height
and persistence. The general performance of these selections will be
tested for at least two years before judging the final selection.

3.2 Development of Hybrid Forage sorghum
3.2.1 Crossing program (Production of F1 hybrid seed).
Seven introduced genotypes having A3 CMS were identified in the
previous season as female parents, these were: Blue Ribbon, Hastings, E-
35-1, N100, N109, Sugar Drip, and Dale. The male parents comprising 4
types of local forage sorghums namely: Sudan Grass, Ankolib, S.70
(selection from Abu Sab'in Alyab) and S.186 (selection from Abu Sab'in
Rubatab). A crossing block was established in the 24
th
of Dec 2001 at
Shambat Research Farm. The resulting 28 F1 hybrids are presented in

5

Table 5. The hybrids and their parents will be tested in a replicated trial in
the summer season of 2002.
3.2.2 Back-crossing program (Sterilization of local forage
sorghum in A3 cytoplasm)
18 crosses were made in the previous season between selected A3CMS
genetic stocks and different local stocks of forage sorghums as recurrent
parents (Table 2) with the objectives of transferring A3 sterility factors to
the cytoplasm of the local materials. At least 4 backcrosses are needed for
the recovery of the local stocks. The 18 F1s were grown together with
their respective recurrent parents each in one ridge of 6 meter length to
produce the BC1 seed. Sowing date was on 24. Dec. 2001
To test the F1s sterility reaction, 15- 20 heads of each F1 were covered
by pollinating bags prior to anthesis. 3 weeks later the heads were
checked for seed setting. Results are presented in Table 6. All of the F1s
tested showed 100% sterility with the exception of the cross Wacconia X
S.72 that showed partial fertility. BC1 seeds from F1s that showed 100%
sterility were collected to be grown in the next season to produce BC2
seed. The partially fertile seed of Wac.X S.72 will be further tested in the
coming season


6

Table 1. Performance of 29 introduced sweet sorghum genotypes for
some agronomic traits (Shambat, 2001)

Genotype Plant
height
(cm)
Days to
flower
Stem
Diameter
(cm)
Juiciness
mid-rib
color
1-Fremont 158 45 1.15 Green #
2-N98 tall selection 195 54 1.4
3-N99 169 47 0.9
4-Ellis 162 48 1.3
5-Ks5 123 47 1.2
6-Blue Ribbon 214 52 1.25
7-Early hegari-sart 131 56 1.5
8-N108 175 58 1.2
9-Early Sumac 207 53 1.5
10-Sugar Drip 196 61 135
11-N98 Short selection 116 52 1.1
12-Brawley 207 54 1.2
13-EL-ES 195 50 1.05
14-N100 201 58 1.5
15-Red X 183 51 1.4
16-Atlas 224 59 1.35
17-Rox orange 195 51 1.15
18-Hastings 236 58 1.3
19-Waconia-L 158 48 1.25
20-Colman 184 54 1.4
21-B. Span. Broom corn 233 51 1.9 White @
22-IS2729 111 65 1.5
23-N109 127 58 1.35 G
24-Wary 203 54 1.25
25-N110 170 47 1.35
26-Dale 245 68 1.8
27-Kansas collies 181 55 1.1
28-E-35-1 163 85 1.75
29-N111 148 46 1.35
30-Ankolib (local check) 170 67 1.5
Sig. l. ** ** *
SE 9.66 3.0 0.154
CV (%) 7.63 6.64 16.4
# Green = Juicy, @ White = Non-juicy


7

Table 2. F1 crosses made between selected A3CMS sorghum genetic
stocks and 18 recurrent parents of different local stocks of forage
sorghums (Shambat, 2001/02))

Cross
N0

Female
parent
Recurrent
parent
Local stocks characteristics
Days to
flower
Plant
height
(cm)
Mid-rib
color
Type/
origin A3/CMS
genetic stock
Local stock
selection No
1 Ellis S.148 57 280 Green Alyab
2 Ellis S.3 58 286 Green Alyab
3 Ellis S.66 49 185 Green Rubatab
4 Ellis Sudan Grass 49 180 Green Common
5 KS5 S.77 59 295 White/G Alyab
6 KS5 S.57 55 150 White Rubatab
7 Waconia-L S.79 51 180 Green Rubatab
10 Rox orange S.158 52 190 Green Rubatab
11 Wary S.148 57 280 Green Alyab
12 Atlas S.154 59 287 Green Alyab
13 Atlas Ankolib 67 172 Green Common
14 N109 S.138 65 310 white Alyab
15 N109 B-4 61 275 White Alahmedi
16 IS2729 Sudan Grass 49 185 Green Common
17 Dale Sudan Grass 49 190 Green Common
18 Dale S.134 60 279 Green/W Alyab


8

Table 3. Performance of 42 selected lines of local forage sorghum
(Abu Sab'in), grown at Shambat 2001/02.

Abu Sab'in Alyab

Abu Sab'in Rubatab
Plot/sele
-ction
No
Days to
flower
Plant
height
(cm)
Mid-
rib
color
Plot/selection
No
Days to
flower
Plant
height
cm
Mid-
rib
color

1-S.32 64 186 Green 22-S.126 59 160 Green
2-S.105 62 180 23-S.186 58 165
3-S.145 64 190 24-S.52 60 160
4-S.110 61 182 25-S.35 58 157
5-S.131 64 188 26-S.31 60 165
6-S.19 67 220 27-S.124 56 150
7-S.70 69 217 28-S.156 59 155
8-S.129 64 193 29-S.104 60 167
9-S.188 63 178 30-S.36 60 162
10-S.130 63 173 31-S.195 47 142
11-S.84 63 180 32-S.107 58 158
12-S.176 64 180 33-S.95 56 145
13-S.54 61 175 34-S.139 60 158
14-S.121 57 170 35-S.144 59 155
15-S.3 66 207 36-S.85 56 151
16-S.173 59 190 White 37-S.169 55 148
17-S.189 70 230 38-S.193 55 150
18-S.181 68 235 39-S.178 59 155
19-S.146 66 223 40-S.65 58 159 White
20-S.67 70 230 41-S.46 60 158
21-S.50 71 232 42.58 53 162

Mean 65 198

Mean 57 156

SD 3.7 22

SD 3.1 6.8

Abu
Sab'in
55 163 White Abu Sab'in 44 132 White


9

Table 4. Performance of 40 maize varieties introduced from CIMMYT
(Shambat, 2001/2002)

Variety Plant ht. cm Tasseling Days Prolificacy(%) Seed color
1-La posta Sequia C5 280 82 42.9 White
2-Tuxpeno sequia C6 225 76 10 White
3-Across 8328 Bn C8 210 76 35.3 Yellow
4-S.Poza Rica 9021 299 83 19 White
5-Pichilingue sint. 9021 280 83 4.8 White
6-Sintetico 9521 275 83 5.3 White
7-Across 9222 260 83 30 White
8-Suwan 9222 221 80 40 White
9-Sinematiali 9422 312 84 36 White
10-Poza Rica 9422 216 78 29.4 White
11-Poza Rica 9423 226 78 46.1 White
12-Sinematiali 9423 203 78 40 White
13-Across 9223 216 78 16.6 White
14-Poza Rica 9424 239 81 25.6 Yellow
15-Tak-Fa 94254 225 80 41.6 Yellow
16- Sinematiali 9424 215 79 40 Yellow
17-Across 9225 219 74 26.7 White
18- Poza Rica 9425 230 74 15.8 White
19- Sinematiali 9425 199 74 16.6 White
20-Muneng 8926 208 71 5.9 Yellow
21- Poza Rica 9427 240 75 27 Yellow
22-Sinematiali 9427 240 77 29.1 Yellow
23-Across 9328 222 75 42.8 Yellow
24-Ejido 9328 235 79 16.7 Yellow
25-Guanacaste 8729 280 80 25 White
26-Lodana 8729 270 80 16.7 White
27-Across 8929 270 81 20 White
28-Monteria 9331 134 66 45 Yellow
29-Dolhi 9331 147 68 49.3 Yellow
30-Poza Rica cps 9032 205 75 18.9 White
31-Guanacaste sint 9032 186 75 30 White
32-Across sint. 9032 260 81 18.9 White
33-Monteria 9336 214 79 50 Yellow
34-Across 9243 332 81 11.1 White
35-Varanasi 9349 219 75 50 White
36-Across 9349 211 74 50 White
37-Poza Rica 9349 304 78 40 White
38-Liquitos 9328 226 79 23.1 Yellow
39-Jalna 9336 230 79 56.7 Yellow
40-Poza Rica 9443 210 81 41.2 White

Mean 235 77.8 29.7
SD 40.7 4 14.2
Local Check 124 50 49.9 Variable


10

Table 5. 28 F1s forage hybrid sorghum produced at Shambat
Research Farm 2001/2002.

Males
1 2 3 4
S.70 S.186 Sudan
Grass
Ankolib

Females

1 E-35-1
E-35-1 X S.70 E-35-1X S.186 E-35-1 X S.G. E-35-1XAnk
2 Hastings
HastingsXS.70 Hastings X S.186 HastingsXS.G HastingXAnk
3 Blue Ribbon
B.Ribbon X S.70 B.RibbonXS.186 B.RibbonXS.G B.Rib.XAnk
4 N109
N109 X S.70 N109 X S.186 N109 X S.G. N109 X Ank
5 Dale
Dale X S.70 Dale X S.186 Dale X S.G. Dale X Ank
6 N100
N100 X S70 N100 X S.186 N100 X S.G. N100XAnk
7 SugarDrip
SugarDrip X S.70 SugarDripXS.186 Sug.DripXS.G S.DripX.Ank

Table 6. Sterility reaction of the F1s resulting from A3cms
crossing with local sorghum materials. Shambat, 2001/2002

F1
No of
heads
covered
No of
fully
fertile
heads
No of
partially
fertile
heads
No of
fully
sterile
heads

Sterility
%
1 Ellis X S.148 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
2 Ellis X S.3 15 0.0 0.0 15 100
3 Ellis X S.66 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
4 Ellis X Sudan Grass 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
5 KS5 XS.77 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
6 KS5 XS.57 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
7 Waconia-L X S.79 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
8 Waconia-L X S.93 18 0.0 0.0 18 100
9 Waconia-L X S.72 19 0.0 19 0.0 partial
10 Rox orange X S.158 17 0.0 0.0 17 100
11 Wary X S.148 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
12 Atlas X S.154 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
13 Atlas X Ankolib 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
14 N109 X S.138 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
15 N109 X B-4 19 0.0 0.0 19 100
16 IS2729 X Sudan Grass 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
17 Dale X Sudan Grass 20 0.0 0.0 20 100
18 Dale X S.134 20 0.0 0.0 20 100

Annual Report, 2000/2001

By
Maarouf I. Mohammed
Plant Breeder

1.0 Introduction:
Breeding efforts to improve grain crops have been the main focus of research
workers since the beginning of research work in the Sudan. Attempts to
improve forage types are very few or lacking. Such efforts, if available, are
confined to introduction of exotic forage material. A research program was
therefore suggested in March 2000 with the following objectives:

1- Developing of improved versions of the local forage types using
selection within local stocks.
2- Introduction of exotic forage materials.
3- Developing of local forage sorghum hybrids.

2.0 Activities implemented during 2000/2001:
2.1 Winter season 2000/2001
2.1.1 Selection within local forage populations
Forages of grain sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench]
Forages of grass sorghums (Sorghum Sudanense)
Forages of Maize (Zea mays)
Forages of Lubia afin [Lablab purpureus (L) Sweet]
Forages of Lubia hilu Cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp]
Alfalfa berseem hijazi [Medicago sativa (L)]

2.1.2 Hybrid forage sorghum trial
Performance of hybrid forage sorghum in Khartoum State

Mohammed. Maarouf I. Annual Report, 2000/2001. Shambat Research Station. Agricultural Research

2.1.1 Selection within local forage populations
Table 1 presents source of the material, sowing date, size of population, and
number of plants selected for different local forage populations.

Grain sorghum forages [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench]
The seed of two types of the local forage cultivar 'Abu Sab'in' namely Alyab
and Rubatab, were sown on the 8. Oct. 2000. Three seeds were placed in
holes spaced at 80 cm between ridges and 25 cm between holes along both
side of the ridge. Wide range of variability has been observed within both
populations for flowering time, tallness, juiciness (green mid-rib 'GMR') and
panicle characteristics. Alyab type was taller and later in flowering compared
to Rubatab. Selection for most characters started at flowering by covering the
panicles of the selected plants by cloth bags. Both populations are mostly
non-juicy (white mid-rib 'WMR') with good seed-yielding ability. Selection
was applied to vigorous, tall, juicy, healthy and medium to late flowering
plants.

Grass sorghum forages (Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf)
The traditional cultivar 'Garawi' a common type of Sudan grass was grown
using the same method of sowing described above. Wide range of variability
has been observed for most characters, specially: growth vigor, plant height,
flowering time, leafiness juiciness, head characteristics, glume color, tillering
capacity and seed-yielding ability.

Mass selection in local maize (Zea mays ) population
The seed of the traditional maize cultivar 'Baladi' was sown at a rate of two
seed/hole spaced at 40 cm along the ridge and 80cm between the ridges. The
objectives were to increase the rate of superior genes in the population. Early
tasselers were first removed and then selection was practiced towards
vigorous, tall, leafy and medium to late flowering plants. Ears were harvested
and separately kept in paper bags. Progeny of each selected ear will be tested
next season using ear to row-method of selection.

Mass selection in alfalfa 'Berseem Hijazi' (Medicago sativa)
The objective was to increase the ratio of the preferred genes in the
population. The traditional cultivar Berseem Hijazi was sown in an area of
about 1.5 fed. The crop was raised on one meter flat beds by broadcasting and
covering the seed at a rate of 7kg/fed. Individual plant selection was practiced
before flowering to rapid growing vigorous plants and after flowering to tall

branchy plants. At grain filling plants with poor seed setting were discarded.
The selected plants were up-rooted and separated from other plants and left to
dry in the lab. The pods of each plant were threshed and collected in a paper
bag. The material selected will be grown next season to establish a source-
breeding nursery.

Selection in lablab bean (Lablab purpureus L. Sweet)
The seed of the local cultivar Lubia afin was sown on ridges at a rate of one
seed/hole spaced at 80cm between the ridge and 50 cm between plants along
the ridge. Individual plant selection was practiced to healthy, vigorous plants
with different blooming periods covering early, medium to late flowering.

Selection in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
With the exception of between plant spacing (30 cm), sowing method and
selection procedure were similar to those of lablab bean.

2.2.1 Performance of hybrid forage sorghum in Khartoum
State (in collaboration with Dr. Abdulmoniem el-Ahmadi)

Introduction
Open pollinated material of local forage types constitute the bulk of the area
under irrigated forages in The Sudan. Of these, the grain forage sorghum
cultivar Abu Sab'in is the most widely grown. Although it is highly adapted
with some good agronomic characters, Abu Sab'in has poor re-growth,
inferior quality and suffers from yield depression during winter season. The
objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of three introduced
hybrids of forage sorghum in comparison to the local cultivar Abu Sab'in and
one promising sorghum selection.

The study was conducted in the Experimental farm of Shambat Research
Station. Table 2 shows the major weather conditions in the experimental area.
Five varieties comprising 3 introduced hybrids, namely: Pannar 888, Speed
Feed and Safed Moti together with Abu Sab'in and B-4 (promising selection)
were tested. The materials were received from Prof. Abdulmoneim el-
Ahmadi of the Arab-Sudanese Company for Seed Production (ASCO).

Sowing date was on 12. November 2000. The treatments were arranged in a
5x5 Latin square design. Each plot consisted of 4 ridges 80 cm apart and 5 m
long. The top of the ridge was flattened to a 20 cm width to allow for
broadcasting and covering the seed. A basal dose of 2n was applied. Seeding
was done at a rate of 48 kg/ha. The experiment received 6 irrigations, hand-
weeded twice and sprayed against stem borers using Endosulfan Ec 50% at a
rate of 0.6l/ha. Harvesting was practiced two weeks after completion of 50%
flowering for each variety. The two middle ridges were harvested to estimate
green matter yield (GMY). A sample of 500 g taken from the harvested
material was air dried to estimate the dry mater yield (DMY). Average
production of DMY per day was estimated by dividing DMY by number of
days to 50% flowering. At harvest, a sample of 6 plants was randomly
selected from the two middle ridges in each plot to estimate plant height and
stem diameter. Emergence after 5 days from sowing and stem borer
infestation were eye estimated on percent basis.

Results
First cut
Table 3 shows yield and other agronomic characters of the 5 entries. Highly
significant differences were detected between entries for most of the
characters studied.

Green matter yield (GMY)
All of the forage hybrids significantly (p=0.05) out-yielded the local cultivar
Abu Sab'in and B-4. Safed Moti ranked first in GMY (25.5 t/ha) followed by
Speed Feed (24.3 t/ha) and Pannar 888 (23.6 t/ha). The GMY of Abu Sab'in
and B-4 were 18.3 and 15.7 t/ha respectively. However, differences among
hybrids as well as between Abu Sab'in and B-4 were not statistically
significant.
Dry matter yield (DMY)
Safed Moti and Pannar 888 significantly out-yielded Abu Sab'in and B-4
averaging 5.14 and 4.87 t/ha respectively. The DMY of Speed Feed though
higher than that of Abu Sab'in, the difference between yields was not
statistically significant. B-4 gave the lowest yield.
Pannar 888 ranked first in average DMY/day averaging 77.6 kg/ha. A part
from this, the entries kept the same performance as in DMY.
With the exception of stem diameter, significant differences have been
detected among entries for other agronomic characters. Pannar 888 was the

earliest to flower whereas Safed Moti and B-4 were the latest. Plant height
ranged from 147 cm for Abu Sab'in to 179 cm for Safed Moti.
Abu Sab'in was significantly the earliest in emergence and showed the
highest percentage for stem borer infestation.
The introduced hybrids, specially Safed Moti and Speed Feed has juicy stems
(green mid-rib) whereas Abu Sab'in and B-4 have a white mid-rib(dry stems).
Juicy stems are preferred for improved forage quality.

Second cut
Table 4 shows the results obtained from the second cut and the total yield
obtained by both cuts. Highly significant differences between the entries have
been detected for all characters. The second cut gave higher yields for all
entries compared to the first cut.
GMY
All of the hybrids significantly (p=0.05) out-yielded Abu Sab'in and B-4.
Safed Moti ranked first in GMY (48.4 t/ha) followed by Speed Feed (44.1
t/ha) and Pannar 888 (40.1 t/ha). The GMY of B-4 and Abu Sab'in were 30.6
and 29.1 t/ha respectively. Safed Moti significantly (p<0.05) out-yielded
Pannar 888. However, difference in yield between Safed Moti and Speed
Feed was not statistically significant (p<0.05).
DMY
Safed Moti significantly (p<0.05) out-yielded all entries in DMY averaging
about 10.3 t/ha. Pannar 888 and Speed Feed were significantly higher in yield
than the open pollinated cultivars amounting to 8.5 and 8.3 t/ha respectively.
B-4 and Abu Sab'in averaged about 6.9 and 6.7 t/ha respectively. Differences
in yield between Speed Feed and Pannar 888 as well as between Abu Sab'in
and B-4 were not statistically significant (p<0.05).
Yield-related traits
Most of the entries showed higher values for plant height and stem diameter
compared to those obtained in the first cut. Plant height ranged from 156 cm
for Abu Sab'in to 197cm for Safed Moti. The local cultivar Abu Sab'in and
the hybrid Safed Moti scored the height values for stem diameter.

Discussions
The results of this experiment indicated that the hybrids were superior in
yield compared to open pollinated cultivar Abu Sab'in. Safed Moti was
specially better in yield compared to other hybrids. Owing to the superiority
of hybrids in the first cut compared to the local check Abu Sab'in, it could
suggested that hybrids can replace Abu Sab'in in winter cultivation.

Table 1. Source of materials, sowing date, population size and
number of plants selected for different local forage populations
(Shambat, 2000/2001)

Local population

Source

Sowing
date

Population
size (No of
plants)

No of
selections

1-Grain sorghum Abu Sab'in
Alyab Rubatab

8/Oct

7500

290

2-Sudan grass Garawi
White Nile 15/Oct 2500 56

3-Maize Baladi
Khartoum
State
22/Oct 3000 159

4-Alfalfa Hejazi
Khartoum
State
23/Feb 1.5/fed at
S.R 7kg/fed
231

5-Lablab bean Lubia Afin
Sinnar State 17/Oct 2000 50

6-Cowpea Lubia Hilu
Sinnar State 17/Oct 2000 40

Table 2. Normal (Thirty year average) of monthly temperature, rain fall,
and day length at Shambat Meteorological Observatory

Month Temperature C Rain fall Day length
Max. Min. mm hr
Jan. 30.7 14.6 Trace 11.3
Feb. 32.1 14.9 Trace 11.5
Mar. 36.0 18.1 Trace 12.0
Apr. 39.1 20.8 Trace 12.4
May 41.1 24.3 7 12.9
June 41.0 25.9 4 13.0
July 36.7 25.1 50 13.0
Aug. 35.6 24.4 74 12.6
Sep. 37.6 24.4 27 11.7
Oct. 38.5 23.3 3 11.4
Nov. 34.7 19.8 trace 11.4
Dec. 31.4 15.7 0 11.2
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Forage Improvement Program Annual Reports (2001-2010) ARC / Shambat - Sudan

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