Determining the optimal planting date for irrigated Sorghum bicolor Moench in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico

Resumen

Objective: To identify the optimal sowing date for sorghum to achieve high grain yields under irrigated conditions in northern Tamaulipas, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Five sorghum genotypes were evaluated across nine sowing dates, spaced 15 days apart from December 1 to April 1. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Río Bravo, Tamaulipas, over two consecutive seasons (fall-winter 2022/2023 and 2023/2024). A randomized complete block design was used with three replications per treatment in a split-plot arrangement. Results: During the optimal sowing period, the highest-yielding genotypes were ADV-G3247 (6.386 t ha⁻¹), DKS-821 (6.294 t ha⁻¹), P83G19 (5.857 t ha⁻¹), and RB-Williams (5.651 t ha⁻¹). Study Limitations/Implications: The promotion of appropriate sowing dates in the state of Tamaulipas is highly recommended. Findings/Conclusions: The sowing dates associated with the highest grain yields were between January 1 and February 16.