Response of midland sorghum varieties to different intra-row spacing at kaffa zone south western Ethiopia
Abstract
The experiment was conducted to determine optimum plant spacing and suitable variety and as well as to identify interaction effect of varieties and Intra-row spacing. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, and it included a factorial arrangement of three varieties (Geremew, Lalo, and farmer's local variety) and three intra-row levels (10 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm). The current findings show that all the parameters (days to maturity, plant height, panicle length, thousand seed weight, and total grain yield) were significantly (p 0.05) affected by variety, with the exception of stand count. The maximum days to maturity and total grain yield (205.2 days and 5628.1 kg ha-1 respectively) was obtained from Lalo. The highest weight of a thousand seed was recorded from Geremew (23.1 g), and matured early. Panicle length and stand count were also significantly (p 0.05) affected by intra-row spacing. The longest panicle length measured was 28.15 cm in plants spaced 15cm. Additionally, plants planted at 15 cm and 20 cm apart had the highest stand counts (78.6% and 83.6%), respectively. Overall, the results of this study showed that, although though the yield was statistically insignificant to intra-raw spacing, the grain yield was at its highest at 15 cm and 20 cm, respectively (4178.5 kg ha-1 and 4190.9 kg ha-1). Therefore, Lalo might be encouraged in research areas and similar agro-ecologies among the varieties and among the intra-row spacing 20cm intra-row spacing for its reduced planting materials (seed) and easy management.