This study examined the performance of local and improved Sorghum bicolor varieties using a semi-Latin square design to identify high-yielding and climate-resilient genotypes suited for the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Nine sorghum varieties were evaluated for key agronomic and yield-related traits, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s HSD test, and correlation analysis. The results revealed significant varietal differences (p < 0.05) for most traits, indicating strong genetic variability among the genotypes. Improved varieties recorded superior performance for yield and its components, while local accessions exhibited moderate adaptability. Descriptive statistics showed low to moderate coefficients of variation, confirming the reliability of the experimental layout. Correlation analysis identified grain weight per plant and panicle weight as major contributors to plot yield, suggesting their importance in selection programs. The study concludes that improved sorghum lines possess a clear genetic advantage and exhibit desirable agronomic traits that support climate resilience. It recommends that breeding programs integrate panicle weight, grain weight per plant, and yield into selection indices and employ the semi-Latin square design for efficient evaluation. These findings provide a strong foundation for enhancing sorghum productivity and sustainability in West African agro-ecological systems.

Keywords: Sorghum bicolor; semi-Latin square design; varietal performance; yield traits; climate resilience