International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR) ISSN 2307-4531 (Print & Online) http://gssrr.org/index.php?journal=JournalOfBasicAndApplied --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Effects of Cutting Time and Varieties on Fodder Grain Yields and Yield Components of Sorghum under Semi Arid Environments of Makueni County in Kenya Thuranira J.K. a* , Kibe, A.M b , Ouma, J.P. c , Kamau, C.K. d a Kenya National Youth Service, P.O. Box 30397 - 00100 Nairobi, , Kenya b Department of Crops, Horticultural and Soil Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536- 20115, Njoro, Kenya c Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Katumani, P.O. Box 340-90100, Machakos, Kenya a Email: jkthuranira@yahoo.com b Email:kibeanto@gmail.com c Email:jpam4_2001@yahoo.com d Email:kamaukarari@yahoo.com Abstract Field trials were conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kiboko, Kenya during season 1 (October –December 2013) and season 2 (March - May, 2014). The objectives of the experiment were to determine the fodder and grain yield in sorghum varieties cut at different times and the effect of cutting time on sorghum yield components. The experimental was laid out in a 4 x 4 factorial split plot design, replicated thrice. The main plots were allocated the four cutting times, viz., No cut (C 0 ), Cutting 40 days after sowing (C 40 ), Cutting 75 days after sowing (C 75 ) and Cutting at 40 and then 75 days after sowing (C 40-75 ), respectively. The sub-plot treatments were four varieties, namely Gadam El Hamam (Vg), Mexico R Line 5 (Vm), KAT 369 X F6 YQ 212 (VK3) and KAT 487 (VK4), respectively. The results indicated that cutting time and varieties significantly affected sorghum plant height, number of tillers per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain and fodder yields. The effects of cutting time and varieties did not significantly affect seedling emergence and vigor. Variety Mexico R Line 5 produced the highest mean fodder yield of over 16 t/ha under C 75 in season 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * Corresponding author. 309