Abstract
The yield and quality of the leaf and stalk fractions of the straw and grain yield from various sorghum cultivars developed at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria were examined over 2 years. Yield [tonnes dry matter (DM) ha
−1] ranged from 0.4 to 2.9 for grain, 1.0 to 2.0 for leaf and 2.7 to 8.9 for stalk. Leaf crude protein (CP), soluble carbohydrate, total phenolics and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were generally higher than those for stalks.
Most of the differences in yield were not statistically significant. No significant correlations could be established between grain yield and leaf or stalk yield of the residual straw. The selection of cultivars with a tendency for high grain yield, like the SSH series, will not adversely affect the residue leaf or stalk yield and quality. Early harvesting of residues is, however, to be encouraged.