Variability for Quality and Agronomic Traits in Forage Sorghum Hybrids

The variation among 49 F, forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] hybrids from a 7 x 7 cross-classified design was explored in 1979 and 1980 for the following traits: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Differences were found among hybrids for all traits. Parental means for males generally had a wider range of variation than for females. The means of hybrids involving the male parent, \u27White Collier\u27, were highest in IVDMD, and lowest in NDF, ADF, and ADL. IVDMD was the only trait that showed significant differences among hybrids averaged over both males and females. General combining ability (GCA) effects were more important than specific combining ability effects. Our results suggest that the most rapid way to improve forage sorghum quality would be by improving IVDMD. Significant differences among hybrids averaged over both male and female parents were shown for this trait; it was affected relatively little by year effects and exhibited high GCA effects