Sustainable Weed Control in Grain Sorghum

Abstract

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is one of the most versatile crops in the world. This species is capable of growing well in a variety of climates, soil types and environmental conditions. Due to this, weed control in sorghum can be difficult. Generally, grass weeds have the greatest impact on sorghum production because grasses are difficult to control after crop emergence. These weed species contribute to competition for nutrients, space, and light, and have been known to cause significant yield loss ranging on average from 30 to 50% , but has been seen as high as 97% with dense weed competition. Furthermore, many weeds can interfere with grain sorghum establishment and harvest, but if weeds are controlled within the first four weeks after crop emergence, yield loss from later emerging weeds is typically minimal. Grain sorghum is a crop with diverse uses and is economically important. However, weed control is challenging and must be combated as an integrated approach.