Content of sugars in varieties of sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L.) for ethanol in the center of Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to evaluate varieties of sweet sorghum for their sugar content and stability in different environments.

Design/methodology/approximation: The experiments were established in the localities of Ocozocoautla and Suchiapa of the Center of Chiapas during the years 2015, 2016 and 2017. The varieties RB-Cañaveral, RB-Tehua, RB-Cañero, RB-Norteño, RB-Paloma and Fortuna were evaluated, under the experimental design of randomized complet blocks with four repetitions. The sugar conten (°Brix) in the phenological stages of flowering and physiological maturity of the grain was quantified. A combined analysis of variance was modeled using the site regression method (SREG).

Results: The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P<0.01) between environments, varieties and for genotype x environment interaction. In the flowering stage, the varieties RB Cañaveral and Fortuna stood out with 15.92 and 14.28 °Brix; while in physiological maturity of the grain the varieties RB-Cañaveral, Fortuna, RB-Paloma and RB-Tehua stood out with values of 17.9, 15.86, 14.82 and 14.69 °Brix, respectively.

Limitatons of the study/implications: It is desirable to promote these varieties in environments with drought problems in the Center of Chiapas.
Finding/Conclusions: The varieties RB-Cañaveral and Fortuna were the ones that produced the highest sugar content on average of the five environments. The RB-Cañaveral variety showed stability through the environments for the production of sugar.