Productive performance of 29 genotypes of forage sorghum was evaluated by data of fresh matter, dry matter, plant height, initial flowering and plant survival. Heritability was also estimated for each trait, as well as the genotypic and phenotypic correlations among them. Such parameters are useful in genetic breeding programs by using direct and indirect selection. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used, in univariate analysis of variance. Genetic variability for all traits was observed and the genotype means were significantly different. Heritability presented high values, mainly for plant height. Genotypic and phenotypic correlations between fresh matter and dry matter (0.83 and 0.76, respectively) and dry matter with plant height (0.87 and 0.72) produced high values. Correlations were moderate among fresh matter and plant height (0.61 and 0.52) and among fresh matter with survival (0.71 and 0.61). Initial flowering was the trait less strongly correlated with the others. Because plant height was recorded before cutting and for showing high heritability and moderate genotypic correlation with fresh matter and a high one with dry matter, both of them observed after cutting, it appears to be feasible as to achieve genetic breeding for those traits through indirect selection.
animal food; forage; plant genetic breeding; selection
