Evaluation of Grain Yield, Yield Components and Genetic Parameters of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) Varieties in Dutse, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluated ten sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) varieties for yield and yield-related traits under field conditions during the 2025 rainy season in Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The experiment was conducted to assess the extent of genetic variability among the varieties and identify superior genotypes adapted to the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone. Data were collected on emergence, growth, phenological traits, yield components, pest and disease incidence, and grain yield. The results revealed significant variability among the sorghum varieties for traits like days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, 1000 grain weight and grain yield, indicating strong genetic difference and variability. Early maturing varieties such as SAMSORG 52 exhibited shorter growth cycles, making them suitable for drought escape, while late maturing varieties such as SAMSORG 47 showed longer grain-filling periods and higher yield potential. SAMSORG 47, SAMSORG 48, and Fara-Fara consistently recorded superior yield performance. Heritability estimates indicated strong genetic control for phenological and morphological traits, while yield and some agronomic traits were influenced by environmental factors. The study confirms the presence of substantial genetic variability among sorghum genotypes and highlights the importance of selecting for stable and high-performing traits in breeding programmes. However, since the evaluation was conducted at a single location during one cropping season, environmental effects and genotype × environment interactions could not be adequately partitioned from genetic effects. Consequently, the estimates of genetic variability, heritability, and varietal performance should be interpreted with caution and validated through multi-location and multi-season trials before broad recommendations are made. Within the conditions of this study, SAMSORG 47, SAMSORG 48, and Fara-Fara emerged as the most promising varieties for further evaluation and potential cultivation in the Sudan savanna agro-ecological zone.