Hydrocyanic Acid And Sugar Content Dynamics under Nitrogen and Sulphur Application to Forage Sorghum Cultivars

Authors : Ahmad SHER, Muhammad ANSAR, Abdul MANAF, Abdul QAYYUM, Muhammad Farhan Saeed And Muhammad IRFAN

Pages : 46-52

Doi:10.17557/tjfc.82278

View : 24 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2014-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Sorghum crop provides excellent forage in dry land areas. It has ability to tolerate high temperature and grow under minimal soil moisture. Sugar content in Sorghum is of prime importance regarding, animal feed value as well as biofuel production. However, high level of HCN toxin production is a serious problem associated with this crop which could be lethal to animals if ingested in greater quantities. In this study hydrocyanic acid and sugar content dynamics were determined on two forage sorghum cultivars i.e. JS-2002 and Chakwal sorghum at different developmental stages insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(bootinga and 50% headingb);. Fertilizer treatments of nitrogen insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0, 60 and 120 kg ha-1); and sulphur levels insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0, 20 and 40 kg ha-1); were applied in replicates. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design. The results clearly depicted that increase in nitrogen levels gradually increased the HCN and sugar contents irrespective to sulphur and delayed harvesting times. Increase in HCN insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(21a & 22b%); and brix value insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(56a & 59b%); was found more at 120 kg N ha-1 when compared with 0 kg N ha-1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(control); treatment. Similarly increase in sulphur application caused increase in brix value however; inverse relationship with HCN content was recorded. Results also indicated that sorghum cultivar JS-2002 produced 27a & 40b% decline in HCN content while 8a & 18b% more sugar content when compared with Chakwal sorghum. Seasonal variations resulted maximum sugar production of 14.9, 25.6% and HCN content of 21.9 & 13.1 mg/100g during different year time insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2010 and 2009 when compared with 2008, respectively); probably due to variation in seasonal rainfall. Three years field study indicate that JS-2002 produced less HCN with low dose of N application insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(0 kg ha-1); and higher application of sulphur insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(40 kg ha-1); while more brix value at 40 kg S and 120 kg N ha-1 under sub-tropical rainfed conditions
Keywords : Brix value, HCN, nitrogen, sorghum cultivars, sub tropical condition, sulphur