Forage Sorghum Hybrids Research Articles

Effect of Water Deficit on Secondary Metabolites and Nutrient Content on Forage Sorghum

Agronomic properties are more likely to be impacted by water deficits that affect the nutrient uptake and production of secondary metabolites based on their timing and intensity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the water deficit on the nutritional quality of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) hybrids. For that purpose, a factorial, completely randomized experiment was conducted by considering three forage sorghum hybrids (AGRI 002-E, BREVANT SS318, and BRS 658) and two levels of evapotranspiration water replacement (50% and 100% of ETc). Parameters relating to water consumption, secondary metabolites (isoflavones daidzein, daidzin, genistein, and genistin), leaf nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, and Zn), and bromatological attributes (dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral material) were evaluated at the end of the crop cycle. Isoflavone levels differed between the hybrids and were highest in water-deficient sorghum. There was a significant interaction between the factors only for the daidzin. The leaf content of the other compounds was influenced either by hybrids (genistein) or by the replacement of evapotranspired water levels (daidzein). The leaf content of P and S was influenced by the interaction between the factors, while the levels of K, Ca, and Mg were influenced by the effect of a single factor. The leaf contents of Mn and Zn were not influenced by the treatments. There was a difference between the hybrids for dry mass and crude protein contents, and hybrids x water deficit was only significant for dry mass. The hybrids Brevant SS318 and BRS 658 had the highest crude protein. The presented results are novel and demonstrate that water deficits can significantly affect the levels of secondary metabolites and the nutritional quality of forage sorghum, depending on the hybrid. The mentioned indices are important parameters for evaluating the nutritional quality and development of agricultural crops, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions such as water stress.

Estimating reliability for evaluating nitrate accumulation in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) inbred A‐lines

AbstractSorghum is an important forage crop in many cropping systems. Nitrate can accumulate in the vegetative plant tissue to levels high enough that result in fatality when fed to ruminant livestock when grown under high nitrate conditions. If variation among inbred lines can be documented for nitrate concentration, it may be possible to reduce nitrate accumulation within forage sorghum hybrids by selecting inbred lines having lower nitrate accumulation. The goal of this study was to evaluate a diverse set of male‐sterile sorghum inbred lines grown under high nitrate conditions, to observe if genotypic variation exists among lines used to produce forage sorghum hybrids. Forty replicates of 20 sorghum A‐lines were grown in a greenhouse and received either 272 kg ha−1 or 408 kg ha−1 of actual nitrogen per plant through applications of ammonium nitrate. Variance components were extracted from linear regression models and reliability was estimated on an entry‐mean basis. Leaf and stem reliability estimates were 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. These reliability estimates indicate the genetic variance comprised most of the phenotypic variance, and that our measurements were consistent. Significant differences were also observed between genotypes for both leaf and stem tissue. Therefore, sufficient genetic variance exists for developing male sterile sorghum inbred lines having leaf nitrate concentrations below the potentially lethal toxicity threshold of 10,000 μg g−1.

Influence of N fertilizing on Single-cut Sorgum × Sudangrass Hybrids’ Forage Yield and Nutritive Profile

The study aimed to observe the effects of two forage sorghum hybrids and different nitrogenous (N) fertilizer rates. The current study was set up in randomized complete block (RCB) as a split-plot design with triplicate at the Field Crops Department experimental area, University of Ankara in the 2022 summer season. This experiment included two treatments which had forage sorghum hybrids (Hay day and Super-graze) and nitrogen fertilization rates in the form of 18% ammonium sulfate [control group with no nitrogen (N0), 120 kg ha-1 N (N1), 180 kg ha-1 N (N2)]. N fertilizing rates positively influenced in agronomic profiles, yield components and nutritive profiles. The plant height (197.24-221.72 cm), green herbage yield (GHY) (60.42-70.89 ton ha-1), dry matter (DM) yield (17.77-23.98 ton ha-1), crude protein (CP) yield (0.97-1.90 ton ha-1), metabolic energy (ME) yield (33070.17-51840.85 Mcal ha-1), net energy production (NEp) yield (21164.91-33178.15 Mcal ha-1) increased with applied N rates. The maximum of DM (33.83%), CP (7.90%), TDN (58.63%), ME (2.16 Mcal kg-1 DM), NEp (1.80 Mcal kg-1 DM), and the minimum of ADF (33.09%), NDF (53.17%), ADL (5.14%) were obtained in N2 rates. In light of the results; “Hay-day” had more GHY. “Sugar-graze” had more DM yield and it was determined more digestible forage. It was inferred that the best yield components and nutritive profiles were obtained in N2 rate.

Effect of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri on corn and sorghum silage quality and sheep energy partition under tropical conditions

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the silage quality, ingestive behaviour, and sheep energy partition fed corn and sorghum silages, with or without inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri. Whole plants of one dent corn hybrid (DCS), one flint corn hybrid (FCS), and one forage sorghum hybrid (SS) were ensiled with or without an inoculant containing L. plantarum and L. buchneri (4 × 105 CFU g−1), totalling six treatments (3 × 2 factorial scheme). The treatments were ensiled in metal drums with 200 L capacity. The lactic acid concentrations in the inoculated FCS and DCS were higher by 13.4% and 12.8%, respectively, than those in the non‐inoculated plants. In contrast, the lactic acid concentration in the inoculated SS was 23.1% lower than that in the non‐inoculated SS. Furthermore, there were differences in pH and acetic acid concentrations only in SS, which were 2.3% and 45.2% higher, respectively, in inoculated silage than in non‐inoculated silage. In inoculated DCS and SS, propionic acid concentrations were 1.7 times higher (for both silages), and 1‐propanol was 3.7 and 1.8 times higher compared than those in non‐inoculated silages. There was a main effect of the inoculant on 1,2‐propanediol concentrations, which were 37.5% higher in inoculated silages than in non‐inoculated silages. However, ingestive behaviour, heat and methane production, and silage net energy concentrations were not affected by inoculant use. Fermentative modifications caused by inoculation with L. plantarum and L. buchneri in whole plant corn or sorghum silage did not modify sheep energy partition.

Effect of Planting Methods and Seeding Rates on Yield and Yield Components of New Forage Sorghum Hybrid (Sakha 20)

Effect of Planting Methods and Seeding Rates on Yield and Yield Components of New Forage Sorghum Hybrid (Sakha 20)

Forage sorghum production under rainfed farming in sites with and without climate restriction for maize cultivation

Forage sorghum is a crop that can be planted in semiarid regions, due to its greater adaptability to dry climate environments, and can replace maize in these regions, which are often unsuitable for its production. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the structural, morphological and nutritional characteristics of 23 sorghum hybrids forage cultivated in rainfed conditions, planted in different climate conditions, comparing the hybrids, in order to determine what produces the best in the climatic conditions of the explored region, and also to indicate whether this crop can be planted as a replacement for maize in environments not suitable for planting it. The research was conducted in climate BSh in the Municipality of Alvorada do Gurgueia, and climate Aw in the Municipality of Bom Jesus, both in the state of Piauí from 2014 to 2015. Each trial consisted of 20 experimental forage sorghum hybrids [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and three commercial hybrids. A randomized block design was used, with three replications in a factorial scheme (2 × 23). The growth characteristics determined were hybrid × climate interaction for the variables plant height, lodging and leaf/stem ratio. For the variable number of tillers, there was a significant difference only between hybrids. There was no difference between hybrids only for the lodging variable of climate Aw. The other variables showed a difference in all hybrids evaluated. There was an interaction for production of dead matter and total dry forage mass between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. For leaf production, there was an effect only for the different environments. For the chemical characteristics, there was an interaction for all variables analyzed between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. The semi-arid region of the State of Piauí, climate BSh which presents a high climatic risk for maize cultivation, proved to be favorable for forage sorghum production. The forage sorghum also presented agronomic characteristics similar to those found in semi humid climate Aw, a favorable region for maize cultivation. In addition, the tested hybrids showed good chemical characteristics, so the BSh climate has great exploratory potential for the cultivation of forage sorghum.

Effects of row spacing and planting density of forage sorghum on dry matter yield, morphologic parameters, nutritive value, and predicted milk yield of dairy cows

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of different row spacings and planting populations on dry matter yield, nutritive value, and predicted milk yield of BRS 658 forage sorghum hybrid growing in Brazilian conditions. A late relative maturity forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench; 110 d-115d to soft dough stage; BRS 658 – Embrapa] was planted at 3 row spacing (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m) and at 3 planting population (50 x 103, 100 x 103, and 150 x 103 plants.ha-1). Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, using 4 replicate plots per row spacing x plant population combination. At harvest, weights of whole-plant sorghum forage were obtained to calculate DM yields. Chemical composition was assessed by performing wet chemistry analysis. Plant height, stem diameter, and harvest were performed 110 days after sowing (DAS). Estimated milk yield per unit of forage and per hectare were calculated using Milk2006. Summative equations were used to predict TDN and NEL. Yield of wet and DM forage sorghum exhibited a negative quadratic response as row spacing increased, reaching the maximum yield response at row spacing of 1.23m and 1.22m, respectively. In addition, negative linear effect was detected for both wet and DM sorghum forage yield as planting density increased. Regarding agronomic measurements, sorghum height exhibited a negative linear pattern as plant density increased. Otherwise, stem diameter increased as planting density increased. Whole-plant sorghum forage DM content decreased linearly with increasing planting density. Conversely, ashes increased linearly as planting density increased. Neutral detergent insoluble protein exhibited a positive quadratic effect with increasing planting density, reaching the minimum value when planting density was 104.2 x 103 plants.ha-1. Finally, a negative quadratic effect for predicted milk yield per hectare was also observed with increasing row spacing, whereas the maximum milk yield per hectare value was detected when row spacing was 1.20m. In conclusion, taking into account a subtropical climate, the ideal row spacing and planting density recommendation for a high yield and nutritional quality sorghum forage are 1.2 m and 104 x 103 plants.ha-1, respectively.

Impact of mid‐season sugarcane aphid infestation from blooming to harvest on forage sorghum yield and silage nutritive value

AbstractForage sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.) grown for silage production is frequently infested by the sugarcane aphid (SCA;Melanaphis sacchari[Zehntner] [Hemiptera: Aphididae]). The objective of this study was to establish first‐time action thresholds for SCA infestation, leaf feeding, honeydew, and/or dead leaves. In this 2‐yr Texas High Plains study, we quantified the impact of varying densities of SCA and subsequent damage beginning at boot stage to yields and silage nutritive value of a susceptible forage sorghum hybrid (Pioneer 841F) by using untreated controls and different insecticide treatments (lambda cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos, malathion, and flupyradifurone). Aphid damage occurred from boot to flowering growth stages. Damaging infestations continued until harvest in 2017, but SCA densities declined sharply after peaking at the beginning milk growth stage (BMS) in 2019. Damage levels were significantly correlated to increases in aphid densities at BMS (R2 = .91) in 2017 and at 50% bloom (R2 = .83) and BMS (R2 = .86) in 2019. Yield losses increased with increasing damage at the BMS in 2017 (R2 = .82) and 2019 (R2 = .42). Reductions in nutritive value were correlated to yield reductions. Results indicate that SCA infestations should be controlled when ≥20% of the leaf area is infested and damaged at BMS to prevent yield and nutritive value losses in the fresh and ensiled forage. Based on this work, an action threshold for forage sorghums to minimize losses to yield, nutritive value, and economic returns is presented.

Integrating crop growth models with remote sensing for predicting biomass yield of sorghum

Abstract Plant phenotypes are often descriptive, rather than predictive of crop performance. As a result, extensive testing is required in plant breeding programmes to develop varieties aimed at performance in the target environments. Crop models can improve this testing regime by providing a predictive framework to (i) augment field phenotyping data and derive hard-to-measure phenotypes and (ii) estimate performance across geographical regions using historical weather data. The goal of this study was to parameterize the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) crop growth models with remote-sensing and ground-reference data to predict variation in phenology and yield-related traits in 18 commercial grain and biomass sorghum hybrids. Genotype parameters for each hybrid were estimated using remote-sensing measurements combined with manual phenotyping in West Lafayette, IN, in 2018. The models were validated in hybrid performance trials in two additional seasons at that site and against yield trials conducted in Bushland, TX, between 2001 and 2018. These trials demonstrated that (i) maximum plant height, final dry biomass and radiation use efficiency (RUE) of photoperiod-sensitive and -insensitive forage sorghum hybrids tended to be higher than observed in grain sorghum, (ii) photoperiod-sensitive sorghum hybrids exhibited greater biomass production in longer growing environments and (iii) the parameterized and validated models perform well in above-ground biomass simulations across years and locations. Crop growth models that integrate remote-sensing data offer an efficient approach to parameterize larger plant breeding populations.

Assessment of quality biomass production potential of forage sorghum hybrids in semi-arid conditions of Haryana

Sorghum being a C4 crop has diverse uses as food, feed, fodder and fuel. But among kharif forages sorghum has great potential to provide quality forage and fodder for animal use. It is best suited in semi-arid regions due to its drought tolerance nature as compared to fodder maize. By keeping these points in consideration, we have planned an experiment to evaluate eleven CMS based forage sorghum hybrids for green and dry biomass potential along with their fodder quality along with two checks. The most productive hybrids among them were SHH 1836 (GFY: 673.5 and DFY: 161.2 q/ha); SHH 1911 (GFY: 645.0 and DFY: 159.0 q/ha); SHH 1903 (GFY: 642.0 and DFY: 159.3 q/ha); SHH 1812 (GFY: 631.5 and DFY: 154.6 q/ha); SHH 1513 (GFY: 627.3 and DFY: 153.3 q/ha) and SHH 1916 (GFY: 624.3 and DFY: 148.3 q/ha) having 18.2, 13.0, 12.7, 10.8, 10.1 and 9.6 % increase for green biomass yield and 15.1, 14.0, 14.1, 10.7, 9.8 and 6.2 % increase for dry matter yield, respectively. As far as quality of these hybrids are concerned SHH 1836 was best among all hybrids having crude protein content 11.37% and 61.2% IVDMD clubbed with highest green biomass yield and tolerance to foliar disease and insect pest attack.

Short Communication: Effects of planting density on nutritive value, dry matter yield, and predicted milk yield of dairy cows from 2 brown midrib forage sorghum hybrids

ABSTRACT Objective Our objective was to evaluate the effects of 5 planting densities (148,000, 198,000, 247,000, 297,000, and 346,000 seeds/ha) on the nutritive value, DM yield, and predicted milk yield from 2 brachytic dwarf (shortening of plants by reducing length between internodes) brown midrib-6 forage sorghum hybrids (Advanta Seeds, AF7401; Advanta Seeds, ADV F7232; Irving, TX). Materials and Methods Replicated plots were planted and harvested on the same day. At harvest, weights of whole-plant sorghum forage were obtained to calculate DM yields. A commercial laboratory (Dairyland Laboratories Inc., Arcadia, WI) analyzed nutrients and predicted ruminal NDF digestibility at 30 h using near-infrared spectroscopy. Estimated milk yield per unit of forage and per hectare were calculated using Milk2006. Summative equations were used to predict TDN and NEl. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with a 5 (planting density) × 2 (hybrid) factorial arrangement of treatments. Results and Discussion Differences were detected between hybrids for DM, starch and NDF concentrations, NDF digestibility at 30 h, DM yield (Mg/ha), kilograms of predicted milk per megagram of DM, and kilograms of predicted milk per hectare, highlighting the importance of hybrid selection. Because of increased tillering at lower planting densities, reductions in NDF concentration and uNDF240om were observed as well as a lack of effects on DM yield and predicted milk yields, emphasizing the tolerance of brachytic dwarf brown midrib-6 forage sorghum to decreases in planting density. Implications and Applications Because of greater DM yield and predicted milk yield, Advanta Seeds ADV F7232 outperformed Advanta Seeds AF7401. Furthermore, increasing planting density above 247,000 seeds∙ha−1 may not be feasible during a summer planting in Florida as biomass yield was not increased. Due to tillering, increasing planting density above 247,000 seeds∙ha−1 may be unnecessary and production costs may be reduced with the use of these reduced densities when similar hybrids are planted during the summer in the southeastern United States and grown under irrigation.

Seeding and nitrogen fertilization effects on the yield and quality of brachytic dwarf brown midrib forage sorghum hybrids

AbstractBrown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] silage is an alternative to corn (Zea mays L.) silage for areas with limited soil moisture. Traditional forage varieties are tall and prone to lodging, with low forage quality. Brachtyic dwarf BMR lines are shorter and lodging‐resistant and have higher forage quality. Newer earlier‐maturing hybrids have expanded the potential adaptation of forage sorghums to northern latitudes. A 2‐yr study was conducted during the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons with brachytic dwarf BMR forage hybrids to determine the effects of different seeding and N fertilization rates on forage dry matter yield and quality. The experimental design was a split‐split‐plot with four replications. The main plots were two hybrids (‘AF7202’ and ‘AF7401’), the subplots were two seeding rates (80,000 and 120,000 seeds acre−1), and the sub‐subplots were two N rates (110 and 150 lb acre−1). Significant differences were observed between hybrids for all parameters except neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) in 2015. The early hybrid, AF7202, had higher yields and higher starch content and net energy for lactation levels than dwarf hybrid AF7401 and was more responsive to higher N. AF7401 had higher crude protein content and NDFD. Crude protein increased as N level increased for both hybrids but other forage quality traits were unaffected. Neither variety responded to an increased seeding rate. The earlier brachytic dwarf forage sorghums, such as AF7202, managed with recommended seeding rates and possibly higher N rates, have potential for high forage yield and quality in central Pennsylvania.

RESPONSE OF FORAGE SORGHUM TO WATER AVAILABILITY IN A TYPIC QUARTZIPSAMMENT

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to determine the factors of soil water availability (FSWA) that result in the highest agronomic performance of irrigated forage sorghum, with no changes in the plants' chemical-bromatological composition. The experiment was conducted at the Montes Claros State University, Janaúba campus, MG, Brazil, in a Typic Quartzipsamment (Neossolo Flúvico Psamítico - Embrapa) with 59 mm of soil water storage capacity in the 0.0-0.3 m layer, under drip irrigation. A randomized block design with four replications and a split-plot arrangement was used, consisting of five FSWA (f0.2 = 0.20; f0.35 = 0.35; f0.5 = 0.50; f0.65 = 0.65, and f0.8 = 0.80) in the plots and two simple forage sorghum hybrids (Volumax® and BRS-655) in the split-plots. The evaluations were based on fortnightly measurements of plant height, plant transversal diameter, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, relative chlorophyll content, stem diameter, panicle length, dry matter yield, water use efficiency, crude protein, mineral matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and lignin. The FSWA of 0.20 and 0.35 increased dry matter yield and plant height of the two evaluated sorghum hybrids. The Volumax hybrid presented more crude protein content and acid detergent fiber. The evaluated FSWA did not change the chemical-bromatological composition of the sorghum hybrids.

Stability analysis for fodder yield and its contributing traits in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] hybrids

The present study was undertaken with a view to know the G x E interactions and stability parameters in hybrids of forage sorghum for fodder yield and yield attributing traits. Sixty hybrids, 19 parents and 3 checks were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications with two dates of sowing under four environments during summer and kharif 2013. Analysis of variance in individual environment as well as on pooled basis revealed highly significant differences among genotypes, parents and hybrids for all the traits. Stability analysis indicated important role of linear and non-linear components in the contribution of total G x E interaction. The linear portion was considerably high for days to flowering, plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter; green and dry fodder yield per plant. It revealed the prediction of performance of genotypes over environments based on regression analysis could be reliable. The hybrid 27A x SRF 323 was more suitable specifically under good farming conditions for green and dry fodder yield per plant, which had significant bi above unity, non significant S2di and high mean value. While, hybrids 27A x SPV 2113 and 27A x SRF 327 were more suitable specifically under poor farming situation for green and dry fodder yield per plant. These stable hybrids also recorded stability for one or more of its contributing traits. For earliness, parents 104A and 27A and hybrid 104A x SRF 328 was found suitable for poor environments, where as hybrid 9A x SPV 2113 was found stable in all the environments. The hybrids 14A x SRF 330 and 104A x SRF 317 was found stable for stem diameter, leaf length and leaf width. For number of leaves per plant, hybrids 14A x SRF 323, 14A x SRF 328, 14A x SRF 331, 27A x SPV 1616 and 104A x SRF 317 were found stable. Thereby, these hybrids can be exploited commercially after testing in wide range of environments.

Growth Response and Productivity of Sorghum for Bioenergy Production in South Texas

Abstract. Biomass sorghum ( (L.) Moench) is widely recognized for its high biomass yield potential, high efficiency in converting solar energy into biomass, and high efficiency in water use for biofuel production. Therefore, it could be a sustainable alternative to traditional food/feed crops in south Texas. The objectives of this investigation were to: (1) quantify the growth response and dry biomass productivity of a forage sorghum hybrid (Pioneer 877F) and two high-biomass sorghum hybrids (Blade ES 5140 and Blade ES 5200) in south Texas, (2) determine the radiation use efficiency (RUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) of the sorghum hybrids over two years, and (3) identify variations in WUE and water used among the hybrids. The experiments were conducted at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Weslaco, Texas, during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. There were significant differences among hybrids during the two years in dry biomass, RUE, and WUE. The highest productivities and efficiencies were observed in the biomass hybrids. Blade ES 5200 produced an average dry biomass of 32.8 Mg ha-1 with a leaf area index (LAI) of 6.0 m2 m-2, RUE of 4.92 g MJ-1, and WUE of 6.98 kg m-3. In contrast to the biomass hybrids, the forage hybrid produced the lowest yields. The average dry biomass observed was 20.9 Mg ha-1 with an LAI of 2.6 m2 m-2, RUE of 3.52 g MJ-1, and WUE of 4.28 kg m-3. Our results show that biomass sorghum hybrids can produce up to 66% more biomass than forage hybrids, and they have potential for producing as much as 33 Mg ha-1 with 530 mm of water using drip irrigation in south Texas. Keywords: Biomass sorghum, Crop growth rate, Radiation use efficiency, Water use efficiency.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ СЕЛЕКЦИОННЫХ ЛИНИЙ САХАРНОГО СОРГО ПО КОМПЛЕКСУ ПРИЗНАКОВ В УСЛОВИЯХ НИЖНЕГО ПОВОЛЖЬЯ

Расширение площадей под посев сахарного сорго в Нижнем Поволжье сдерживается отсутствием сортов и гибридов, хорошо адаптированных к условиям региона. С целью изучения исходного материала для создания высокопродуктивных конкурентоспособных сортов в течение трёх лет проводили комплексную оценку 85 селекционных линий сахарного сорго. В качестве стандарта использовали районированный сорт Волжское 51.В результате проведенных исследований установили, что селекционные линии сахарного сорго Л-16, Л-25 и Л-42 можно выделить как скороспелые. Линии Л-84 и Л-115 имели высоту растения в среднем на 12,5% выше, чем сорт Волжское 51. По содержанию жира в зеленой массе селекционные линии достоверно не отличались от сорта-стандарта, за исключением линии Л-8 и Л-115, которые уступили сорту Волжское 51. Линии Л-3, Л-5, Л-8, Л-84 достоверно превысили сорт-стандарт Волжское 51 по процентному содержанию сахара в соке в фазу выметывания.По урожайности зеленой массы линии сахарного сорго Л-3, Л-13, Л-26, Л-60, Л-84, Л-109, Л-115, Л-1106 превысили сорт-стандарт на 16,5-36,4%. По урожайности сухого вещества только линии Л-23 и Л-109 значимо превысили сорт Волжское 51 в среднем на 26,6%. Селекционная линия Л-1898/2 имела значение признака «масса 1000 зерен» на 13,4% выше, чем сорт-стандарт. Все изучаемые линии по урожайности зерна превысили сорт-стандарт в среднем на 50,7%, за исключением линии Л-25, которая не отличалась от стандарта.Таким образом, по результатам научных исследований выявили перспективные линии, которые существенно превысили сорт-стандарт Волжское 51 по комплексу хозяйственно-ценных признаков и свойств. Селекционные линии сахарного сорго: Л-109, Л-1106, Л-1327, Л-1898/2 и Л-84 рекомендованы для дальнейшего испытания. Лучшие селекционные линии целесообразно включить в скрещивания для получения гибридов зернового и кормового сорго.

Study of combining ability effects in forage sorghum hybrids for yield and quality traits

Sorghum is a multipurpose crop being used as food, feed, fodder and fuel. The objective of the study was to investigate breeding values of new F1 forage sorghum hybrids using line x tester crossing of six A1 cytoplasm type male sterile lines with five fertile local inbred lines and varieties, and 30 F1 hybrids were produced. Both parental lines and their F1 hybrids were field-evaluated for yield and quality traits for two successive years. On the basis of two year hybrids evaluation programme, the lines, 637 A and 753 A were good general combiners for fodder yield and related traits and the lines 467A was found good general combiner for total soluble solids TSS. The testers HJ 541 and IS 2389 were found good general combiners for various yield traits and TSS. On the basis of specific combining ability, the crosses 467A X 2389, 725A X 308, 2219A X G46 and 2219A X HJ 541 were found to be promising for yield related traits. The crosses 467A X 2389, 637AX HJ 541, 637A X HC 308 exhibited good standard heterosis for fodder yield and related traits and the crosses 9A X 2389, 725A X 2389 and 753A X 2389 for TSS. On the basis of above study 467A X 2389 hybrid was found to be promising for fodder yield and related traits.

Resistance to Melanaphis sacchari (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Forage and Grain Sorghums.

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), has established itself as a perennial pest of grain and forage sorghums in the United States since the summer of 2013. We conducted traditional plant resistance studies that determine tolerance, antibiosis, and antixenosis in 32 sorghum genotypes when challenged with sugarcane aphids. The genotypes included one exotic plant introduction and 31 seed and pollinator parental lines that are used to produce grain, sudangrass, and forage sorghum hybrids. One seed parent (B11055) and one grain pollinator parent (R13219) expressed significant degrees of tolerance, antibiosis, and antixenosis and were top performers in all three resistance type experiments. An additional group of seed parents (B13045 and B1057) and grain pollinator parents (R11159, R13422, and RTx2908) and the plant introduction (PI 550610) resulted in an intermediate range of phenotypic resistance (i.e., 4.0 < 6.0) indicative of antibiosis from reduced fecundity, increased intrinsic rate of increase, and increased generation times. The forms of resistance expressed in these lines, especially B11055 and R13219, have great potential in breeding programs that can be integrated into useable forms of resistant sorghums.

СЕЛЕКЦИЯ ЗЕРНОКОРМОВЫХ КУЛЬТУР В УСЛОВИЯХ ПОВОЛЖЬЯ

With the aim of creating varieties forage-grain directions for a ten years, conducted a comprehensive assessment of 80 lines of grain sorghum, 55 lines of sweet sorghum, 70 lines of Sudan grass and 15 varieties and lines of foxtail millet. The result of testing new lines of grain sorghum on the complex biological and economic-valuable signs of breeding lines L-211, L-226 and L-355, which on average over the five years exceeded the grade standard at the studied signs. These lines will be submitted for State variety testing. By results of studying breeding material of sweet sorghum 4 identified promising lines which significantly standard cultivar Volzhskoe 51 in the complex of signs and properties. Breeding lines of sweet sorghum: L-109, L-1106 L-1327, L-1898/2 and L-84 were recommended for further evaluation in the competitive variety trial . Long-term study of initial material for breeding Sudan grass allowed identifying promising lines of L-67, L-730 and L-14, which for five years had a high breeding performance. Thus, on the basis of years of scientific research created a unique working collection for breeding crops. All prospective line will be used in the final stages of the selection process, and included in the crossing for obtaining hybrids of grain and forage sorghum. According to the results of selection obtained the copyright certificate and the patent for the cultivar Anastasia foxtail millet and copyright certificate for the grade of the grain sorghum Garant. For State trials in 2015, passed a variety of Sudan grass Eugene.

Moisture and Salt Tolerance of a Forage and Grain Sorghum Hybrid during Germination and Establishment

ABSTRACTSorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is being explored in California as a multi-utility, water-use efficient crop, but water and salt stresses are common in the state’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Experiments were conducted to study the effect of water and salt stress on seed germination and the effect of salt stress on the early growth of a forage (SS405) and a grain (NK5418) sorghum hybrid. Solutions ranging from 0 to −5.56 MPa and 0 to 25 ds m−1 were prepared using polyethylene glycol and sodium chloride, respectively, and germination was evaluated in these solutions. Salinity tolerance at early growth stage was tested on plants irrigated with solutions ranging from 0 to 20 ds m−1. Plants were harvested 6 weeks after planting and their aboveground biomass was recorded. Chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance were also measured. Germination was reduced by 50% in SS405 and NK5418 at −2.5 MPa and −1.5 MPa, respectively, and by 50% in SS405 at 19.3 dS m−1, but NK5418 had 70% germination even at 25 dS m−1. Biomass of both hybrids was reduced by 50% at 16.8 dS m−1. Chlorophyll content and stomatal conductance of both hybrids was reduced by 50% at 10 dS m−1. Such studies may help in varietal selection of sorghum for cultivation in the SJV.