Sorghum Cultivars Research Articles

Morphological diversity of local sorghum cultivars (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) from Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract Sorghum is potential to develop on marginal lands in Indonesia, including Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, despite very limited information on sorghum diversity in this area. This study aimed to describe morphological variation and assess the value of genetic diversity based on morphological characteristics of local sorghum cultivars in Gunungkidul compared with new superior varieties. Exploration and sampling were conducted in Wareng Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. Observations of morphological characters were made based on sorghum descriptors. Similarity of morphological characters was analyzed using Simple Matching (SM) coefficient, and dendrograms were made using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average (UPGMA) method. Results showed three local sorghum accessions in Gunungkidul with variations in 44 morphological characters. Genotypes S1 (Bioguma) with S4 (Samurai) and S3 (Plonco) with S4 (Samurai) had highest SMC coefficient (0.82), indicating that both genotypes were similar in 82% of their attributes. Whereas, genotypes S6 and V3 had lowest SMC coefficient (0.36), indicating that both genotypes were similar in 36% of their attributes, while dendrogram results showed two major groupings based on vegetative and generative characters observed. This study provides the first complete information on sorghum diversity in Gunungkidul, useful to be basic information for future sorghum development in this area.

Evaluating salt tolerance in fodder crops: A field experiment in the dry land

Abstract Freshwater scarcity and a shortage of agricultural land constitute the primary limiting factors affecting crop production in numerous arid and semi-arid regions across the globe. This study involves the introduction of three sorghum cultivars (Kaoliang, Sudan grass, and Sweet grass) from China into the dry land of Pakistan, with irrigation using different water qualities (fresh water and saline water) during the rainy season. Parameters including plant height, stem diameter, leaves per plant, number of tillers per plant, specific leaf area, aboveground biomass, below ground biomass, and yield per acre were measured. All plant species exhibited a reduction of 30–40% in their physiological functions, growth parameters, and yield under saline water irrigation compared to freshwater irrigation. Sweet grass and Sudan grass demonstrated higher yields under saline water irrigation compared to Kaoliang, although the overall yields of all three cultivars remained within an acceptable range, while using saline water irrigation. It was concluded that these three introduced sorghum cultivars are well-suited for cultivation in the arid region during the rainy season, particularly when irrigated with saline water. This study offers an eco-friendly approach to utilizing dry land resources for agricultural production, thereby assisting local communities in sustaining their livelihoods.

EVALUATION OF SILAGE OF SORGHUM AND SUDAN GRASS HYBRID PULP FOR BIOENERGY PURPOSES

This research was carried out to determine the potential for using the pulp of 10 different sorghum x sudan grass hybrid varieties (Aneto, Greengo, Jumbo, Master BMR, Nutri Honey, Nutrima, Sugar Graze II, Supergraze 1000, Süper Su 22, Tonka) used to obtain ethanol in Bingöl, Eastern Anatolian ecological conditions as silage. Field trials were carried out in 3 replications in 2020 according to the randomized block design. The plants were harvested during the pulping period of the grains. The stems from which the sap was extracted were silaged and left for fermentation at room temperature for 45 days. Feed quality characteristics and organic acid contents were determined in silage materials. Depending on the varieties; silages have a physical score of 7-19, dry matter rate 37.58-50.94%, pH value 3.36-4.30, ADF rate 39.33-50.76%, NDF rate 53.40-66.86%, ADL rate 10.90-13.96%, CP rate 2.76-4.46%, DDM ratio 49.33-50.26%, DMI ratio 1.80-2.36%, RFV ratio 68.66-107.00, net energy value 1.176-1.337, AA ratio 0.11-0.66%, BA ratio 0.76-1.16%, LA ratio 0.07-1.05% and PA ratio was found to vary between 0.0013-0.0026%. As a result, it was concluded that silages made with pulp in cultivars of sorghum x sudan grass hybrid plant can be used more appropriately in cellulosic ethanol production than forage.

Water availability and growing season temperature on the performance of sorghum cultivars

Water availability and growing season temperature on the performance of sorghum cultivars

Sorghum bicolor L. Stalk Stiffness Is Marginally Affected by Time of Day under Field Conditions

This study sought to better understand how time of day (ToD) or turgor pressure might affect the flexural stiffness of sweet sorghum stalks and potentially regulate stalk lodging resistance. Stalk flexural stiffness measured across a 48 h period in 2019 showed a significant diurnal association with leaf water potential and stalk flexural stiffness. While the correlation between stalk flexural stiffness and this proxy for internal turgor status was statistically significant, it only accounted for roughly 2% of the overall variance in stiffness. Given that turgor status is a dynamic rather than fixed physiological variable like the cellular structure, these data suggest that internal turgor plays a small yet significant role in influencing the flexural stiffness of fully mature stalks prior to a stalk lodging event. The association was assessed at earlier developmental stages across three distinct cultivars and found not to be significant. Panicle weight and stalk basal weight, but not stalk Brix or water content, were found to be better predictors of stalk flexural stiffness than either ToD or turgor status. Observation across three cultivars and four distinct developmental stages ranging from the vegetative to the hard-dough stages suggests that stalk flexural stiffness changes significantly as a function of time. However, neither ToD nor turgor status appear to meaningfully contribute to observed variations in stalk flexural stiffness in either individual stalks or across larger populations. As turgor status was not found to meaningfully influence stalk strength or flexural stiffness at any developmental time point examined in any of the three sweet sorghum cultivars under study, turgor pressure likely offers only inconsequential contributions to the biomechanics underlying sweet sorghum stalk lodging resistance.

Planting date and tillage effects on yield and nutrient uptake of two sorghum cultivars grown in sub-humid and semi-arid regions in South Africa

IntroductionSorghum is emerging as a viable crop option to increase food production under changing climate due to its resilience to drought and marginal soils. Appropriate planting date, crop cultivars, type of tillage and rotations, under contrasting climatic conditions, could make significant contribution on the effective management of sorghum under changing climatic conditions. A short-term study was carried out to investigate the effects of planting date, crop cultivar, tillage type and rotations on the growth and primary nutrient uptake of sorghum in contrasting climatic regions.MethodsThe study was conducted in Free State - (FS) and KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Provinces of South Africa over two seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22). The two cultivars (Pan8816 and Macia) were sown in December (PD1) and in January (PD2) under conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) and with two rotations (Sorghum-Cowpea-Sorghum and Sorghum-Sorghum-Sorghum) resulting in 2×2×2×2 factorial experiment.Results and discussionIn KZN, in both the first (2020/21) and second (2021/22) seasons, the effects of all the factors, except cultivar in the second season, were not significant on yield, and uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). In the second season, Pan8816 (4.40 t/ha) produced 3.3 times higher yield than Macia (1.32 t/ha), and took up higher N, K and P. In FS, the early planted sorghum (1.15 t/ha for season one; 3.39 t/ha for season two) had significantly higher yield than late planted sorghum (0.434 and 0.91 t/ha for seasons one and two, respectively). Furthermore, the early-planted crops took up higher N, K and P than when planted late, while Pan8816 took up 1.74 times more P than Macia. Plants grown under CT (2.61 t/ha) produced significantly higher yield than under NT (1.70 t/ha), with plants under CT taking up significantly more K than those grown on NT. These findings suggest that in the drier FS, early planting under conventional tillage, while in the wetter KZN, selecting the appropriate cultivar (PAN8816), are essential for sorghum grain yield, at least in the short-term.

Identification and analysis of novel recessive alleles for Tan1 and Tan2 in sorghum.

The identification and analysis of allelic variation are important bases for crop diversity research, trait domestication and molecular marker development. Grain tannin content is a very important quality trait in sorghum. Higher tannin levels in sorghum grains are usually required when breeding varieties resistant to bird damage or those used for brewing liquor. Non-tannin-producing or low-tannin-producing sorghum accessions are commonly used for food and forage. Tan1 and Tan2, two important cloned genes, regulate tannin biosynthesis in sorghum, and mutations in one or two genes will result in low or no tannin content in sorghum grains. Even if sorghum accessions contain dominant Tan1 and Tan2, the tannin contents are distributed from low to high, and there must be other new alleles of the known regulatory genes or new unknown genes contributing to tannin production. The two parents 8R306 and 8R191 did not have any known recessive alleles for Tan1 and Tan2, and it was speculated that they probably both had dominant Tan1 and Tan2 genotypes. However, the phenotypes of two parents were different; 8R306 had tannins and 8R191 had non-tannins in the grains, so these two parents were constructed as a RIL population. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was used to determine other new alleles of Tan1 and Tan2 or new Tannin locus. Tan1 and Tan2 full-length sequences and tannin contents were detected in wild sorghum resources, landraces and cultivars. We identified two novel recessive tan1-d and tan1-e alleles and four recessive Tan2 alleles, named as tan2-d, tan2-e, tan2-f, and tan2-g. These recessive alleles led to loss of function of Tan1 and Tan2, and low or no tannin content in sorghum grains. The loss-of-function alleles of tan1-e and tan2-e were only found in Chinese landraces, and other alleles were found in landraces and cultivars grown all around the world. tan1-a and tan1-b were detected in foreign landraces, Chinese cultivars and foreign cultivars, but not in Chinese landraces. These results implied that Tan1 and Tan2 recessive alleles had different geographically distribution in the worldwide, but not all recessive alleles had been used in breeding. The discovery of these new alleles provided new germplasm resources for breeding sorghum cultivars for food and feed, and for developing molecular markers for low-tannin or non-tannin cultivar-assisted breeding in sorghum.

Optimizing Bioethanol (C2H5OH) Yield of Sweet Sorghum Varieties in a Semi-Arid Environment: The Impact of Deheading and Deficit Irrigation

Bioethanol production offers promise in mitigating environmental impacts from ethanol consumption despite water scarcity. This study endeavors to evaluate the nuanced influence of different deheading times (45 days before harvest, 21 days before harvest, and no deheading) along with varying water regimes on select sweet sorghum cultivars (Honey, Willy, MN1500, and Atlas), focusing on yield traits, theoretical ethanol production, and water productivity. Findings underscore the substantial impact of cultivation practices on bioethanol yield. A water deficit ranging from 30% to 70% resulted in a discernible reduction in stalk yields of 17.86% to 18.54% and in sugar yields of 0.2 to 0.31 Mg ha−1, accompanied by a corresponding decline in theoretical ethanol yield of 120.9 to 180.9 L ha−1. Additionally, notable enhancements in Brix and sugar content of 16.32% to 18.42% and 16.81% to 19.03%, respectively, were observed across both seasons. Of particular significance, the Honey variety, subjected to a 30% water deficit and deheading at 21 days before harvest, demonstrated exceptional growth and yield characteristics. These empirical insights furnish valuable guidance for optimizing sweet sorghum cultivation practices, thereby augmenting sustainable bioethanol production and propelling forward the frontier of renewable energy technologies towards a more environmentally sustainable future.

Effects of harvest height and time on hay yield and quality of some sweet sorghum and sorghum Sudangrass hybrid varieties.

This experiment was conducted in the Research and Application Field of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, during the 2020 and 2021 summer period. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of different harvesting heights on forage yields and crude ash, fat, protein, and carbon and nitrogen content of leaves and stalks of sweet sorghum (SS) and sorghum sudangrass hybrid (SSH) cultivars. Nutri Honey and Nutrima varieties of SSH and the M81-E and Topper-76 varieties of SS were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using the randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots each included two early and late varieties of SS and SSH cultivars, while the subplots were used to test different harvesting heights (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm) and physiological parameters of each crop. The results of this study showed that dry forage yields increased with plant growth, with the amount of forage produced at the end of the growth cycle increasing 172.2% compared to the early growth stages. Carbon (C) content of leaves decreased by 6.5%, nitrogen (N) by 46%, crude protein (CP) by 54%, crude fat (CF) by 34%, while crude ash (CA) content increased by 6% due to the increase in plant height harvest. At the same time, in parallel with the increase in plant height at harvest, the nitrogen content of the stems of the plants decreased by 87%, crude protein by 65%, crude ash by 33% and crude fat by 41%, while the carbon content increased by 4%. As plant height at harvest increased, hay yield increased but nutrient contents of the hay decreased. However, the Nutrima, Nutri Honey and M81-E sorghum cultivars, harvested three times at heights of 90 to 120 cm, are recommended for the highest yield.

Feed Quality of Sweet Sorghum Grains

Sweet sorghum crop produces grains at its ear-head which can be utilised as food and feed, produces stalks for the production of syrup, bio-ethanol, bio-diesel, bagasse and green foliage for use as organic fertiliser and excellent animal fodder. Approximately 4000 sweet sorghum cultivars are spread over the globe, providing a broad and varied genetic foundation for the development of highly productive, region-specific cultivars. A study was conducted to assess the grains of selected 10 different sweet sorghum varieties for the feed quality characters. For this aim, ADF, NDF, ADL, DMD, DMI, TDN, RFV, DE and ME values of sweet sorghum grains were determined. As a result of the study, crude ash, CP, ADF, NDF, ADL, DMD, DMI, RFV, TDN, DE and ME values were determined as 0.19-3.74%; 9.03-11.05%; 10.0-24.6%; 24.3-38.0%; 1.07-9.13%; 69.69-81.09%; 3.16-4.94%; 170.5-309.5%; 63.85-74.84%; 3.25-3.74 MJ/kg and 9.85-11.78 Mcal/kg, respectively. Variety "Smith" stands out with its ADF, NDF and ADL characteristics. Gülşeker, USDA-Taiwan and Erdurmuş varieties were significant in terms of CP. Ulusoy variety stands out with DMI, TDN, RFV, DE and ME.

The performance and physiological responses of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to different sorghum cultivars

Utilizing pest-resistant cultivars is a highly effective and environmentally-friendly approach for managing crop infestations by pests. In the present study, the differences in the resistance of eight cultivars of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Kimia, Payam, Pegah, Sepideh, Spidfid, KGS23, KFS2, and KFS18) against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), a polyphagous pest of stored products, were evaluated based on demographic parameters, nutritional indices, and digestive enzymatic activities within the pest. The results revealed that the development time of R. dominica was the shortest when reared on Kimia, Spidfid, and KFS2, while the longest was recorded in those fed on Payam and Pegah. The fecundity of R. dominica was the lowest on Pegah. Furthermore, Kimia and Sepideh showed the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ), whereas the lowest values for these parameters were observed on Pegah and KGS23. The highest relative growth rate (RGR) of R. dominica was achieved on Sepideh, whereas the lowest RGR was observed on KGS23. The highest level of digestive proteolytic activity in R. dominica was observed on Sepideh, whereas the lowest level was found on KGS23. The amylolytic activity in R. dominica was the highest on Sepideh, and the lowest on Pegah and KGS23. The findings showed significant negative correlations between fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase, and amylolytic activity of the pest with the total phenolic content of the studied sorghum cultivars. Furthermore, the results obtained from cluster analysis revealed that Sepideh, Kimia, and KFS2 were the susceptible cultivars for population growth of R. dominica, while Payam, Pegah, and KGS23 were the partially resistant hosts for this pest. The pest-resistant sorghum cultivars identified in this study can potentially be utilized in combination with other pest control strategies for sustainable management of R. dominica, which may help reduce the excessive use of chemical insecticides.

Response of Sorghum bicolor genotypes for yield and yield components and organic carbon storage in the shoot and root systems

Sorghum is a vital food and feed crop in the world’s dry regions. Developing sorghum cultivars with high biomass production and carbon sequestration can contribute to soil health and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to assess agronomic performance, biomass production and carbon accumulation in selected sorghum genotypes for production and breeding. Fifty sorghum genotypes were evaluated at three locations (Silverton, Ukulinga, and Bethlehem) in South Africa during 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Significant genotype × location (p < 0.05) interactions were detected for days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), total plant biomass (PB), shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), and grain yield (GY). The highest GY was recorded for genotypes AS115 (25.08 g plant−1), AS251 (21.83 g plant−1), and AS134 (21.42 g plant−1). Genotypes AS122 and AS27 ranked first and second, respectively, for all the carbon stock parameters except for root carbon stock (RCs), whereas genotype AS108 had the highest RCs of 8.87 g plant−1. The principal component analysis identified GY, DTH, PH, PB, SB, RB, RCs, RCs/SCs, total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), and grain carbon stock (GCs) as the most discriminated traits among the test genotypes. The cluster analysis using agronomic and carbon-related parameters delineated the test genotypes into three genetic groups, indicating marked genetic diversity for cultivar development and enhanced C storage and sustainable sorghum production. The selected sorghum genotypes are recommended for further breeding and variety release adapted to various agroecologies in South Africa.

Aphid-Induced Volatiles and Subsequent Attraction of Natural Enemies Varies among Sorghum Cultivars.

The production of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) is a type of indirect defense used by plants to attract natural enemies and reduce herbivory by insect pests. In many crops little is known about genotypic variation in HIPV production or how this may affect natural enemy attraction. In this study, we identified and quantified HIPVs produced by 10 sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars infested with a prominent aphid pest, the sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi Theobald). Volatiles were collected using dynamic headspace sampling techniques and identified and quantified using GC-MS. The total amounts of volatiles induced by the aphids did not differ among the 10 cultivars, but overall blends of volatiles differed significantly in composition. Most notably, aphid herbivory induced higher levels of methyl salicylate (MeSA) emission in two cultivars, whereas in four cultivars, the volatile emissions did not change in response to aphid infestation. Dual-choice olfactometer assays were used to determine preference of the aphid parasitoid, Aphelinus nigritus, and predator, Chrysoperla rufilabris, between plants of the same cultivar that were un-infested or infested with aphids. Two aphid-infested cultivars were preferred by natural enemies, while four other cultivars were more attractive to natural enemies when they were free of aphids. The remaining four cultivars elicited no response from parasitoids. Our work suggests that genetic variation in HIPV emissions greatly affects parasitoid and predator attraction to aphid-infested sorghum and that screening crop cultivars for specific predator and parasitoid attractants has the potential to improve the efficacy of biological control.

Unlocking the potential of sorghum: a comparative study exploring the physical, chemical, technological, and digestibility properties of new cultivars from Mozambique

SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, technological, and digestibility of three sorghum cultivars (Mucuvea, Otela, and Tocole) and compared them to a Local variety (criola) grown in Mozambique. Thousand‐grain weight, hectolitre weight, and colour were determined in the grains. Proximal composition, antinutritional factors, starch and protein digestibility, and antioxidant activity were analysed in flours; starch was isolated and characterised by its physical, chemical, morphological, and digestibility properties. The grain characterisation varied among the cultivars compared to the Local variety, but not between the cultivars. The cultivars showed lower amounts of protein, lipids, free phenolics, tannin, soluble protein, digestibility of starch flour and proteins, and higher flavonoids and antioxidant activity. A high content of amylose (~37%), glycaemic index (~82), Tp (64.83 °C), and resistant starch (57.73%) were verified in all cultivars. The peak viscosity of Local variety was higher (343.25 RVU) than the other cultivars, while the breakdown (less than 106.54 RVU) of the cultivars was significantly lower than Local (182.25 RVU). Such data suggest great potential use of Local variety in bakery products and the cultivars in products that require greater viscosity. These results will reinforce the research, production, and manufacture of new products in Africa, especially in sorghum‐producing countries.

A telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Hongyingzi, a sorghum cultivar used for Chinese Baijiu production

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a world cereal crop used in China for producing Baijiu, a distilled spirit. We report a telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the Baijiu cultivar Hongyingzi, HYZ-T2T, using ultralong reads. The 10 chromosome pairs contained 33,462 genes, of which 93% were functionally annotated. The 20 telomeres and 10 centromeric regions on the HYZ-T2T chromosomes were predicted and two consecutive large inversions on chromosome 2 were characterized. A 65-gene reconstruction of the metabolic pathway of tannins, the flavor substances in Baijiu, was performed and may advance the breeding of sorghum cultivars for Baijiu production.

Scented Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench): A Novel Avenue to Boost the Millet’s Popularity

The current unpredictability of the climate is, directly and indirectly, affecting global food and nutritional security. In this instance, nutritional enrichment major attribute that is eventually necessary to help conventional crops become more resilient to future calamities. Sorghum is a crop widely acknowledged to be sustainable for the future due to its ability to withstand environmental variations and its crucial role in guaranteeing food and nutritional security. However, the primary obstacle to its broad appeal is the difficulty of garnering public approval. Perhaps the possible solution might lie in the scented sorghum which has enhanced flavors and distinct sensory qualities. The global population has responded most affectionately to fragrant cereals, and apparently, the same opportunity can be utilized by scented sorghum cultivars. It unveils an expanded potential for offering enhanced nutrients per portion compared to conventional alternatives, and it is quite probable that customers would choose them as a fragrant substitute based on previously observed choices. This paper briefly discusses the historical background and current advancements in scented sorghum research. Additionally, it examines the genetic makeup and molecular approaches applied to the diverse fragrant crops, potentially paving the way for sorghum to become a future defender of food and nutritional security. It further emphasizes that combining a nutrient-rich cereal like sorghum with enhanced fragrance and flavors has the potential to enhance its appeal and make it more accessible on the consumer's plate.

Application of Thermal Imaging for Assessing Desiccation Stress Memory in Sugarcane and Sorghum Cultivars

Application of Thermal Imaging for Assessing Desiccation Stress Memory in Sugarcane and Sorghum Cultivars

Effect of drought stress on morpho-physiological characteristics, nutritive value, and water-use efficiency of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties under various irrigation systems.

Addressing water scarcity and the need for high-quality forage in arid regions necessitates the development of efficient irrigation techniques. This study assesses the impact of various irrigation methods on the performance and irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE) of sorghum cultivars under water-deficit conditions in a semi-arid region of Iran during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Three irrigation methods-variable alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), fixed alternate furrow irrigation (FFI), and conventional furrow irrigation (CFI)-were evaluated alongside three levels of drought stress (severe stress: I50, moderate stress: I75, and full irrigation: I100) and two sorghum cultivars. The results indicated that increasing drought stress, as well as the transition from CFI to AFI and FFI, led to reductions in metabolizable energy yield (MEY), plant height, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Conversely, there were increases in leaf-to-stem ratio, digestible organic matter, metabolizable energy content, crude protein content, and IWUE for metabolizable energy production (IWUEME). The highest MEY (211.68 GJ ha-1) was recorded under CFI×I100, albeit at the expense of maximum water consumption (7261 m3 ha-1). Meanwhile, the AFI×I50 and FFI×I50 treatments exhibited the highest IWUEME (44.46 MJ m-3) and metabolizable energy content (8.736 MJ kg-1), respectively, while conserving over 60% of water. Hybrid Speedfeed outperformed in forage yield and IWUEME, while cultivar Pegah excelled in forage quality. Transitioning from CFI to AFI or FFI resulted in decreased forage yield but improved forage quality and IWUEME. Principal component analysis revealed that leaf-to-stem ratio and plant height serve as effective indicators for assessing the nutritive value and forage yield of sorghum, respectively. Considering the overall results, cultivating the hybrid Speedfeed under AFI×I75 conditions is recommended for optimal water utilization, achieving satisfactory forage yield and quality, and enhancing IWUE.

Dual-RNA-sequencing to elucidate the interactions between sorghum and Colletotrichum sublineola.

In warm and humid regions, the productivity of sorghum is significantly limited by the fungal hemibiotrophic pathogen Colletotrichum sublineola, the causal agent of anthracnose, a problematic disease of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) that can result in grain and biomass yield losses of up to 50%. Despite available genomic resources of both the host and fungal pathogen, the molecular basis of sorghum-C. sublineola interactions are poorly understood. By employing a dual-RNA sequencing approach, the molecular crosstalk between sorghum and C. sublineola can be elucidated. In this study, we examined the transcriptomes of four resistant sorghum accessions from the sorghum association panel (SAP) at varying time points post-infection with C. sublineola. Approximately 0.3% and 93% of the reads mapped to the genomes of C. sublineola and Sorghum bicolor, respectively. Expression profiling of in vitro versus in planta C. sublineola at 1-, 3-, and 5-days post-infection (dpi) indicated that genes encoding secreted candidate effectors, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), and membrane transporters increased in expression during the transition from the biotrophic to the necrotrophic phase (3 dpi). The hallmark of the pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity in sorghum includes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phytoalexins. The majority of effector candidates secreted by C. sublineola were predicted to be localized in the host apoplast, where they could interfere with the PAMP-triggered immunity response, specifically in the host ROS signaling pathway. The genes encoding critical molecular factors influencing pathogenicity identified in this study are a useful resource for subsequent genetic experiments aimed at validating their contributions to pathogen virulence. This comprehensive study not only provides a better understanding of the biology of C. sublineola but also supports the long-term goal of developing resistant sorghum cultivars.

Evaluation of Bioethanol Yield Potential of Different Sweet Sorghum Cultivars Grown as a Second Crop Under Eastern Mediterranean Conditions

Sweet sorghum has a high potential for bioethanol production due to its high fermentable sugar content and biomass yield. This research was carried out to evaluate bioethanol yield potential of six sweet sorghum cultivars (ICSV 93046, ICSV 700, Black Amber, White African, Gülşeker, and Red’s Red) during summer growing season of 2022 under eastern Mediterranean conditions. Cultivars were significantly differed for brix degree, green herbage yield, juice yield, and juice ethanol yields in the study. ICSV 93046 produced the significantly highest fresh stem yield (58811 kg/ha), juice yield (16105 kg/ha), and juice ethanol yield (1194 L/ha) and followed by ICSV 700. On the other hand, the significantly lowest brix degree (10.5 ◦ Bx) and juice ethanol yield (322 L/ha) were achieved by Gülşeker. These results suggested that ICSV 93046 was the most suitable cultivar to be grown as a second crop for bioethanol production under eastern Mediterranean conditions.