YS-16: A high yielding dual purpose sorghum variety

Sorghum is an important dual purpose (grain and fodder) crop in Punjab, Pakistan. It is a good substitute for maize and is important as poultry feed because it is a good source of carbohydrates and proteins. A previous variety, YSS-98, became susceptible to foliar diseases and subsequently failed to provide satisfactory grain and fodder yields. A new genotype, YS-16, was developed with high grain and fodder yields and tolerance to foliar diseases. This genotype was sent to the expert subcommittee and approved with the name YS-16. The variety was selected through continuous selection from a germplasm received from ICRISAT India during Kharif-1987 and planted at the Maize & Millet Research Institute, Yusafwala, Sahiwal. This sorghum variety has the potential to produce a grain yield of 6,220 kg/ha, which is not only higher than the check variety but also higher than commercial hybrids. YS-16 was better in varietal yield trials, adaptability yield trials, at different farms, and in national uniform yield trials during 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. YS-16 also proved superior in stalk yield to check variety YSS-98 in varietal trials. The maturation period of YS-16 is 125 to 135 days. Due to its high sugar contents (Brix 18%), its stover is more palatable to milch animals. It is suitable for medium soil. YS-16 is the best variety recommended by the Punjab Seed Council due to height, sweetness, remaining green at maturity, higher grain yield and better lodging resistance due to strong root anchoring.