An experiment was conducted in Shambat (2012-2013) during the summer and winter seasons to study the stalk-juice quality parameters of 29 exotic and local sweet sorghum varieties as affected by season. The objectives were to provide basic data attributing to syrup and sugar (jaggery) production in the Sudan. The materials were arranged in RCB design. Data were collected on brix, pol (sucrose %), reducing sugars, total sugars, purity and pH. The single and combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among varieties for all traits studied. The variety x season interaction was significant for all traits other than total sugars %, implying the need for considering the variety choice in each season. The results of juice quality parameters were mostly within the range reported in the literature. The exotic materials excelled the local ones in brix, pol%, total sugars% and purity. The exotic varieties: N100, Red-X, Hastings and N110 as well as the local Ankolib selections: AnkNyala and Ank36 were identified as having juice quality traits suitable for syrup production. The exotic varieties: BlueRibbon, KansasCollies and Brawley were identified for sugar (jaggery) production. It was concluded that interaction of variety x season and yield parameters for juice, grain and stover should be considered when determining the choice of the variety. Future research should focus on developing multi-purpose varieties capable for concurrent production of syrup/sugar, grain and stover.
