Potential of some sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) varieties for syrup and ethanol production in Egypt

The aim of the present study was to select the suitable sowing date and the proper varieties which perform high yielding ability, juice quality and processing parameters under agro-climatic conditions of El-Giza governorate. Two field trials were carried out at Giza Experimental Station, Agricultural Research Center. Fourteen sweet sorghum varieties were evaluated for their yielding ability, juice quality and processing parameters under two sowing dates i. e. May 5th and 25th. Analysis of variance showed: most yielding traits, juice quality and processing parameters acted better in the early planting date (May 5) than in the late ones (May 25). Great variation in most studied traits has been detected among the fourteen sweet sorghum varieties under investigation. Not all sweet sorghum varieties perform good for stalk, syrup and alcohol production, quality and processing parameters in the first planting date, but some of them were suitable for the second planting date. Varieties viz., Mn3306, Planter, Rex, Rio, SS405 and Tracy were distinguished with high potential ability for producing syrup and ethanol. Therefore, these varieties are recommended for dual purpose. © Society for Sugar Research & Promotion 2009.