Two field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Experimental and
Research Station Cairo University. Giza. Egypt. during 2002 and 2003 seasons. to
study the eNect of sowing dates ,(April 10.May 1, May 21, June 10 and June 30) on the
yield and quality of three sweet sorghum cultivars (Willy. Williams and Ramada),
Results of the study revealed that years had no significant effect on all studied
traits except Brix and purity percentages,
Early planting date on May 1" produced the tallest, thickest plants. having
higher and number of internodes as well as syrup yield, stalk yield and total juice
sugar yield / fed, thereafter growth traits were graduaUy decreased as sowing was
delayed up to the end of June, Delay in sowing date up to June 30. intensified Ihe
reduced Juice extraction. Brix, sucrose and purity percentages, white reducing sugar
increased,
Ramada cultivar had significantly the tallest plants as well as the highest
number of internodes/plant followed by Williams and Willy in a descending order,
while Williams had the thickest stalks and Willy had the longest internodes, Williams
cultivar surpassed the others in juice extraction%. Brix, sucrose% and purity% and
had the lowest percentage of reducing sugars which is preferable for syrup
production, It Significantly surpassed the other ones in syrup yield either per ton of
stalks or per feddan as well as total juice sugar yield/fed .. followed by Ramada and
Willy in a descending order. while Ramada out yielded the other cullivars in stalk yield
/ fed.
The interaction between sowing dates and cultivars had marked eNects on
number of internodes/plant, length of internode. juice extraction %. sucrose %. and
Brix purity% reducin~ sugars, The highest stalk yield ( 37,76 tonslfed ) resulted from
Ramada with May l' planting meanwhile the highest syrup yield/ton of stalks (19.05
galion), syrup yield/fed (677,3 galion/fed,) and total juice sugar yield (3,17 tonlfed)
was obtained from Williams and May 1" planting,
In general. it can be concluded that the highest syrup yield gallon Ifed could
be obtained from Williams variety with May 1" planting