Effect of foliar application of zinc nanoparticles on growth and yield of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L Moench) under drought conditions

A field experiment was carried out with sorghum (CO 26) in an Alfiso! having hard pan at shallow depth to study the interaction effect of tillage practices, organics and nitrogen on grain yield and root volume of sorghum. Remarkable influence of chiseling on the root length and root volume of the sorghum crop was evidenced from the better proliferation of roots in to the deeper layers. Root length increased with increasing levels of N, while organics had no effect on root length. Chiseling significantly increased the grain yield of sorghum. Among the organics, the composted coir pith registered the highest grain yield of sorghum. The grain yield of sorghum due to chiseling and 75 per cent of the recommended N was on par with the mould board or country ploughing with 100 per cent recommended N indicating the scope of saving 25 per cent fertiliser N.

Land configuration and soil nutrient management options for sustainable crop production on Alfisols and Vertisols of southern peninsular India

Gaucho1 (imidacloprid; l-[(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazolidinimine) is a seed treatment insecticide widely used on sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to control a number of pests, including greenbugs [Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)], chinch bugs [Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say)], and wireworms (Limonius sp.). A series of tests was conducted at five locations in Kansas during 1996 and 1997 and three locations during 1998 to determine whether a yield response results even in the absence of pests when Gaucho is used as a seed treatment on grain sorghum. Results varied. Gaucho improved yields at Hesston, especially in the June plantings but some hybrids benefited more than others. These differences may have been due to chinch bugs that were observed in the plots and were known to be troublesome in the area. Because their numbers were low, other factors may have played a role. At the other locations and in the absence of chinch bugs, Gaucho had less of an influence on yields. At Garden City, where some greenbugs developed, Gaucho provided early-season control, but infestations were too light to influence yields. At Hays, Gaucho treatments appeared to have some influence on the numbers of corn earworms [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)] in sorghum heads in one planting, although yield differences were not significant. Overall, this study found no consistent yield increases in fields treated with Gaucho in the absence of observable pest activity. Research Question Gaucho is the trade name for imidacloprid, a systemic insecticide commonly used as a seed treatment on sorghum for control of chinch bugs, greenbugs, and other insects. Its ability to control these insects and protect sorghum yield potential is well documented. However, the effects of Gaucho on sorghum growth, development, and yield in the absence of noticeable insect populations are less well understood. Growers and others using this product have suggested that a yield increase can occur in the absence of insect attack. We were interested in determining whether this is true and under what conditions it would occur. Literature Summary The insect controlling effects of imidacloprid are well documented. The insecticide is registered for control of such pests as greenbug, chinch bug, and wireworms. Other systemic insecticides such as disulfoton and carbofuran have been shown to have direct effects on plant growth and crop yields. For example, yields of peanut, tobacco, and sorghum were increased in soil treated with disulfoton and yields of tobacco, corn silage, corn grain, rice, and grain sorghum were increased with carbofuran soil treatments. However, other studies have shown no yield response to carbofuran by corn or to disulfoton or phorate by soybeans. Study Description Tests were conducted at five locations representing various soil types and agronomic practices in Kansas in 1996 and 1997 and three locations in 1998. Treated and untreated seed of five sorghum hybrids were obtained. Each treated lot was treated with Gaucho at a rate of 4oz. ai/cwt. Additional hybrids were evaluated at one location in 1996 and 1997. Plant stands were recorded at the 2-leaf stage of development. Head counts were made approximately 3 wk after the bloom stage. Plots were harvested with a modified two-row Gleaner combine, and yields and test weights were determined. Plots were examined at various intervals for the presence of insects. When infestations occurred, the numbers per plant were determined by examining several plants in each plot. Applied Questions Were insect populations present in these tests? Small numbers of chinch bugs were detected at Hesston and greenbugs were detected at Garden City but in general insect activity was not detected. When insects were present, did the insecticide treatments have any effect? Imidacloprid gave good control of greenbugs early in the season and caused about a 50% reduction in greenbug numbers late in the season at Garden City. At Hesston, chinch bugs were present but numbers were too low to quantify. Did the insecticide treated plots have a higher yield in the absence of insect attack? In general, no consistent yield increase occurred in Gaucho treated sorghum at five locations in Kansas. The exception was at Hesston, where significant increases were noted with some hybrids in both 1996 and 1997. Recommendation Our study suggests that yield improvement following use of Gaucho in fields with no noticeable pest activity is overrated. A consistent yield response was only observed at one location, which frequently experiences problems with chinch bugs. Low insect numbers were observed in the plots at this location. Some hybrids respond to the Gaucho treatment more than others.

The need to increase cowpea production to solve the menace of malnutrition is a global challenge and land limitations have also made intercropping indispensable. Field trials were carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Kwara State University, Malete, and National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) Idofian to evaluate the growth and yield of cowpea cultivars and sorghum with their competitive behavior in cowpea-sorghum intercropping. Five cultivars of cowpea (IITA-256, IITA-277, VITAL-5, IT98K-491-4, and IITA-288) were intercropped with sorghum. Sole crops were included in the treatments as a check. The treatments were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Among the sole, vital-5 cultivar had the highest number of branches and pods per plant and more seeds per pod compared to other cultivars. The cultivar also recorded the highest grain yield 591.30 kg/ha and 530.00 kg/ha respectively, for Malete and NCAM at the sole. At the intercrop, IITA-288 significantly had the least number of branches per plant and took longer days to attain flowering compared to other cultivars. The lowest grain yield at the intercrop was also obtained with this cultivar. Sorghum intercropped with cowpea cultivar IITA-288 was at par with the sole sorghum in all the parameters. The least grain yield of sorghum at the intercrop was obtained in sorghum intercropping with IITA-256 cowpea cultivar. The maximum Land Equivalent Ratio (LER), and Land Equivalent Coefficient (LEC), was obtained with the Vital-5 cultivar. Regardless of location, the competitive ratio (CR) values for IITA-256, IITA-277, and Vital-5 cowpea cultivars were higher than sorghum. The aggressivisity, (A) for these cultivars were also positive for cowpea and negative for sorghum. Although, all the cowpea cultivars demonstrated intercropping advantages in efficient utilization of natural resources intercropping with the Vital-5 cowpea cultivar was superior and could be adopted by the farmer.

Effect of plant bioregulators on growth, yield and water production functions of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

SummaryEffects of plant density ranging from 44444 to 133333 plants/ha and tillage practices (planting in flat beds (control), in the furrows of open ridges, on the top of open ridges, in the furrows of tie-ridges and on the top of tie-ridges) on growth and grain yield of sorghum were investigated at Kobo, a typical semi-arid area in Ethiopia, during 1980, 1981 and 1982 cropping seasons. Plant growth was limited in the flat beds because they were likely to be deficient in soil moisture and sometimes in the tie-ridging treatments, due to waterlogging. However, planting on the top of tie-ridges produced 1·6, 0·4 and 1·8 t/ha more yield than in the flat beds, the method commonly practised by the Kobo farmers, during 1980, 1981 and 1982 respectively. In all seasons, the effect of plant density did not show marked differences. The plants rather adjusted their reproductive growth and development to the seasonal rainfall and presumably to the available soil moisture at the grain-filling periods. It was concluded that the highest plant density did not reach the optimum for the area. Planting sorghum on the top of tie-ridges is recommended.

Field experiment was carried out in Lanlate in rainforest zone of Southwest, Nigeria to study relative effects of combined use of Sawdust ash (SDA) and Urea (U) on soil chemical properties, nutrient status, growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). The soil in the experimental site was low in nitrogen and phosphorus. The treatments were replicated three times on sorghum plant, there were six treatments; the control (no SDA, no urea), 240kg/haU, 4.5t/haSDA + 60kg/haU, 3.0t/haSDA +120kg/haU, 1.5t/haSDA+180kg/haU and 6.0t/haSDA. Combined use of SDA and urea fertilizer increased the N,P,K,Ca and Mg content of the soil. However, urea fertilizer reduced soil pH relative to control. Therefore, urea fertilizer increased soil acidity. The combined use of reduced levels of ash and urea fertilizer increased growth and yield of sorghum. The sawdust ash (SDA) and co-application of reduced levels of ash and urea increased leaf N, K, Ca and Mg status while urea alone gave highest leaf P. Urea alone at 240kg/ha (or 82kgN/ha) and 180kg/haU (111kgN/ha) + 1.5t/ha increased grain yield by 59 and 101% respectively. This work found out that SDA could be combined with urea to maximize grain yield of sorghum at 1.5t/haSDA+180kg/ha urea. This approach reduces need for urea and attendant reduction in soil pH due to the use of fertilizer. It was also found that SDA alone or combined with urea increased significantly growth of sorghum as indicated by plant height, number of leaves and stem girth. The SDA

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the central or southern Great Plains is grown in a 2‐yr wheat‐fallow (WF) cropping system or with grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in a 3‐yr wheat‐sorghum‐fallow (WSF) system. Tillage during fallow causes loss of crop residue and soil water. Long‐term studies were conducted at Garden City and Tribune, KS, to determine the effects of cropping system and reduced tillage on available soil water and yield of dryland winter wheat and grain sorghum. Conventional (CT), reduced (RT), minimum (MT), and no‐tillage (NT) systems were compared in WF and WSF. These treatments also were compared with CT in sorghum‐fallow (SF), continuous sorghum (SS), and continuous wheat (WW). Reductions in tillage resulted in increased available soil water and yield. Reduced tillage resulted in increased WF yields at both locations, while WSF wheat yields were increased at Tribune. Sorghum yields were more consistently increased by reduced tillage at Tribune. Sorghum‐fallow yields were higher than WSF sorghum yields at Tribune. Wheat‐fallow yields usually did not differ from WSF wheat yields at either location. Sorghum yields in WSF exceeded SS yields 67% of the time at Garden City. At Tribune, WSF‐RT yields exceeded SS yields 73% of the time, while WSF‐CT yields were no better or less than SS yields 60% of the time. Continuous wheat yields were less than other wheat yields 98% of the time. In terms of soil water storage and yield, the WSF system is appropriate for both locations, and is more effective when combined with reduced tillage, particularly at Tribune.

Climate change is one of the current issues that severely influence all climate sensitive sectors like agriculture. Crop management options are needed to minimize the impact and sustain regional food production.The objectives of this study were (1) to calibrate and evaluate the CERES-Sorghum Model of DSSAT (V4.7) for simulating phenology, growth and yield of sorghum (2) to assess projected climate changes (2030s and 2050s) in the study area (3) to simulate impact of projected climate change on phenology, above ground biomass and grain yield of sorghum (4) to explore the possibility of employing supplemental irrigation and sorghum cultivars as management options. The CERES-sorghum model in DSSAT (V4.7) was first calibrated and evaluatedfor sorghum cultivarGirana-1 using experimental data. Daily weather variables (1980–2009) that include rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature and solar radiation) were obtained from the nearest weather station at Sirinka, Ethiopia. The 17 CMIP5 GCM out-puts run under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for 2030 s and 2050 s time slice were downloaded for the target sites from CIAT’s climate change portal (http://ccafs-climate.org/) and downscaled to the target sites using Markism GCM. The model calibration result indicated that cultivar specific parameters within the model were reasonably adjusted. The model evaluation result also showed that the model simulated phenology, grain yield and above ground biomass yield with high accuracy with minimum RMSE of 1.83 for anthesis, 3.3 for physiological maturity, 685.6 for grain yield, 477.8 for above ground biomass yield. The analysis of future climate showed thatmean maximum temperature is projected to increase by 1.40C and 1.90C by 2030s and 2050s time periods, respectively under RCP 4.5 and by 1.50C and 2.50C by 2030s and 2050s time slice respectively under RCP 8.5. Rainfall, it is predicted to increase by 1.5% and 4.5% in 2030s and 2050s, respectively under RCP 4.5 and by 3.7 and 3.2 % increase in 2030s and 2050s, respectively under RCP 8.5. Phenology of sorghum is predicted to significantly (P < 0.05) decrease in 2030s and 2050s. However, grain yield of sorghum is predicted to significantly (P < 0.05) increase in 2030s and 2050s. The simulation result also showed that grain yield of sorghum will be substantially increased using supplemental irrigation and long maturing cultivars in future climate condition.

Sorghum grain yields have remained low despite the emergence of higher yield varieties, due to inadequate soil fertility, unsuitable cropping patterns, and restricted nitrogen fertilizer application (N). Cowpea integration and N utilization in sorghum-based cropping systems are likely to boost yield. However, knowledge of the impacts of sorghum-cowpea intercropping, nitrogen usage, and their interactions on companion crop performance is lacking. The effect of sorghum-cowpea intercropping and three N rates on the growth and yield of two sorghum varieties (ETS 2752 and ETS 4946) and two cowpea varieties (Keti and Bole) was investigated in RCBD with a split-plot arrangement, replicated three times. Sorghum grain yield was positively correlated with harvest index, fertile tiller m-2, leaf area index, panicle weight, and CGR. Sorghum/cowpea intercropping was more productive than sole (LER&gt;1). ETS 2752 was superior to ETS 4946 in terms of growth and yield, hence it is recommended to farmers for commercial production. Therefore, the sole cropping system and N addition were effective in enhancing growth and grain yield of sorghum and cowpea, hence recommended for commercial production of ETS 2752. Intercropping is only recommended for sorghum production to improve household food security since it improves land productivity (LER&gt;1).

Producers who grow soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in 3 to and 4‐yr rotations with grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] or other grain crops lack information about the duration of grain yield and soil mineral N benefits of soybean in crop rotations. To determine the 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐yr effects of soybean in crop rotations, an experiment with 8 yr of continuous soybean and grain sorghum, and soybean‐grain sorghum and grain sorghum‐soybean rotations combined with fertility treatments of control, N (45 kg ha−1 on soybean and 90 kg ha−1 on grain sorghum) and manure (16 Mg ha−1 dry‐matter containing 160 to 250 kg available N ha−1) was terminated in 1987. In 1988 and 1989 grain sorghum was grown on all plots without fertilizer to determine the residual effects of previous cropping system and fertilizer regime on soil mineral N, sorghum grain, and stover yield. The experiment was conducted near Mead, NE on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam soil (fine montomorillinitic, mesic, Typic Arqiudoll). Early in the 1988 season plots with soybean as the previous crop had 44 to 50 kg ha−1 more NO3 ‐N in the 150‐cm soil profile than did plots with continous grain sorghum. Early in the 1989 season, plots where soybean had been grown 2 yr previously had 17 to 23 kg ha−1 more soil NO3‐N than did continous grain sorghum plots, while plots 3 yr after soybean had only 3 to 8 kg ha−1 more soil NO3‐N. The yield of grain sorghum in the first, second, and third year following soybean was 2 to 3, 0.4 to 1.4, and 0.1 Mg ha−1, respectively, greater than the yield of continous grain sorghum. This study indicated that soybean in a crop rotation can contribute to soil NO3‐N and consequently increase sorghum grain yield for 2 yrs if fertilizer N is limiting.

A no‐till system may cause stratification of soil organic C and lack effective control of herbicide‐resistant weeds. An occasional tillage is proposed to alleviate these, but only limited information is available on the effect of a single or occasional tillage on crop yield in a no‐till wheat grain−sorghum−fallow (WSF) rotation. The objective of this research was to determine the effect of a single tillage to a 10‐cm depth of a long‐term (&gt;6 yr) continuous no‐till WSF system on grain yield, soil water, and water use of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for up to 3 yr after the single tillage operation. This research was conducted at Garden City and Tribune, KS. The three tillage treatments were a single tillage in May or June during fallow (June tillage), a single tillage after wheat harvest (July tillage), and a complete NT system. Grain yield of sorghum varied from average of 3.40 Mg ha−1 at Garden City in 2014 to 8.04 Mg ha−1 at Tribune in 2016. Grain yield of winter wheat varied from average of 0.47 Mg ha−1 at Garden City in 2014 to 5.21 Mg ha−1 at Tribune in 2016. There was no significant effect from a single tillage (June tillage or July tillage) on crop yield, yield components, biomass, available soil water (ASW), and water use compared with continuous no‐till. Therefore, we have concluded that a single tillage of a long‐term no‐till dryland WSF system can be done without affecting crop performance.

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of tempcrature and soil water content during grain filling stage on grain yields in terms of dry matter production, sink capacity of grains and distribution of materials produced of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). Early hybrid variety, NK129, was seeded in pots in June 3, 1974 and was grown outdoors until the end of flowering. Then the plants were subjected to 35°C/25°C, 30°C/20°C and 25°C/15°C of day/night temperature in the phytotron under natural light conditions during the ripening period. Soil water contents were maintained in moderate water and drought conditions in each temperature. The plants were harvested when seed coat hardened. Results obtained are as follows. 1. Grain yields in the moderate soil water conditions were little affected by temperatures. However, grain yields in drought conditions were reduced at high temperature and the highest yield in drought conditions was obtained at 25°C/15°C. 2. Crop growth rates in moderate water conditions were higher at 35°C/25°C and 30°C/20°C than at 25°C/15°C, but total dry matter accumulation during grain filling pericd did not differ among temperatures because maturing times were prolonged at lower temperature. On the other hand, crop growth rates at 25°C/15°C and 30°C/20°C in drought conditions were higher than at 35°C/25°C, and total dry matter accumulations at harvesting time were the highest at 25°C/15°C and the lowest at 35°C/25°C. 3. Net assimilation rates in moderate water conditions showed the trend of higher values at higher temperatures, but net assimilation rates under drought conditions were higher at 25°C/15°C than at 35°C/25°C. Crop growth rate was positively correlated with net assimilation rate. 4. Sink capacity of grains estimated from weight per 1000-grain at harvesting time was limited by the interaction of high temperature and drought conditions, and it was not affected by low temperature of 25°C/15°C. Early hardening of seed coat is possibly one of the cause of limitation. The greater part of grain yields at 35°C/25°C and 30°C/20°C under drought conditions resulted from materials translocated from vegetative organs to grains. 5. Grain yields were mainly affected by dry matter accumulation during grain filling period, but the contribution of materials translocated from vegetative organs could not be neglected for grain yield under drought conditions. Favorable temperature for grain production will be different with soil water contents. Favorable temperature in this experiment was over a range of 35°C/25°C to 25°C/15°C under moderate soil water conditions, but it was in a little lower range of near 25°C/15°C under drought conditions

Note on effects of soil surface crust on the grain yield of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor) in the Sahel

Grain yields of dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are affected by cropping system and tillage. A study was conducted at Garden City, KS, in 1989 and 1990 to determine the effect of cropping system and tillage on soil water, yield components, and grain yield of these crops. Cropping systems compared were wheat‐fallow (WF), sorghum‐fallow (SF), wheat‐sorghum‐fallow (WSF), continuous sorghum (SS), and continuous wheat (WW). Conventional (CT) and no‐tillage (NT) were compared in all but the SF and SS systems, which were CT. Wheat‐fallow and WSF yielded more than WW in both years and WF yielded more than WSF in 1989. No‐tillage increased the yield of WF and WSF in 1989, but cold temperatures reduced the number of spikes per square foot and yield of WSF‐NT in 1990. Tillage did not affect WW yields. Sorghum‐fallow and WSF yielded more than SS in both years. Sorghum‐fallow yielded less than WSF in 1989 because of lack of maturity before frost. Tillage did not affect WSF yield. Yield increases of both crops were often accompanied by improved water‐use‐efficiencies. Yield components most responsible for variations in yield were the number of spikes per square foot and kernels per spike for wheat, and the number of kernels per panicle and kernel weight for grain sorghum. Soil water at wheat planting affected spikes per square foot in both years and kernels per spike and yield in 1989. Soil water at sorghum planting affected kernels per panicle, kernel weight, and yield in 1990. Thus, water‐conserving practices, such as fallow and no‐tillage, improve water storage and use, resulting in increases in yield components and grain yield of grain sorghum and wheat.