Sorghum Almum Research Articles

Evaluation of Reciprocal Benefits of Green Manure on Yield and Nutrient Composition of Sorghum almum Hay and Silage

The increasing cost of inorganic fertilizer and concerns for more ecological stability with sustainable soil fertility have led to a renewed interest in green manuring, which is affordable and more environmental friendly soil management practice. This experiment was undertaken to evaluate the reciprocal benefits of green manure on yield and nutritive value of Sorghum almum. The experiment was conducted in two phases. First experiment evaluated the yield, morphological characteristics and quality of hay while the second phase assessed the fermentation characteristics and quality of silage. The experiment design was 1x5 factorial arrangement in a split plot design and replicated three times. Three legume species: Centrosema poscurum, Lablab purpureum and Glycine max were used as sources of green manure and a positive control (Urea, Single Super Phosphate and Muriate of Potash at rate of 100, 50, 50 kg/ha, respectively) and negative control (0 k/ha). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at P= 0.05. The results showed Significant (P<0.05) increase in values of soil pH, phosphorus, organic carbon, potassium and total nitrogen as influenced by green manure compared to Negative control. Higher significant (P<0.05) Dry matter yield among legumes was recorded when Centrosema pascourum was used to grow Sorghum almum (8.31t/ha). However, positive control recorded the highest values (9.07t/ha). The same trend was observed in terms of plant height (101.90 cm), leaf length (53.47cm) and leaf width (1.93cm). Proximate composition CP (8.75%) DM (98.13%), Ash (8.58%) and NFE (47.90%) of the grass were significantly (P<0.05) higher while fiber fractions NDF (40.42) and ADF (24.72) reduced when Centrosema pascuorum was used compared to other sources of green manure. However, positive control recorded highest proximate values with minimum fiber fractions. Silage fermentation characteristics revealed that quality silage was produced. Silage proximate composition and fiber fractions of Sorghum almum showed similar trend as hay. Conclusively, Centrosema pascourum proves to be the best source of green manure and is therefore recommended for cultivation Sorghum almum in the study area. Le coût croissant des engrais inorganiques et les préoccupations concernant une plus grande stabilité écologique et une fertilité durable des sols ont conduit à un regain d'intérêt pour l'engrais vert, qui constitue une pratique de gestion des sols abordable et plus respectueuse de l'environnement. Cette expérience a été entreprise pour évaluer les bénéfices réciproques de l'engrais vert sur le rendement et la valeur nutritive du Sorghum almum. L'expérience s'est déroulée en deux phases. La première expérience a évalué le rendement, les caractéristiques morphologiques et la qualité du foin tandis que la deuxième phase a évalué les caractéristiques fermentaires et la qualité de l'ensilage. Le plan d'expérience était un arrangement factoriel 1x5 dans un plan en parcelles divisées et répliqué trois fois. Trois espèces de légumineuses : Centrosema poscurum, Lablab purpureum et Glycine max ont été utilisées comme sources d'engrais vert et comme témoin positif (Urée, Super Phosphate Simple et Muriate de Potasse à raison de 100, 50, 50 kg/ha, respectivement) et témoin négatif. (0k/ha). Les données obtenues ont été soumises à une analyse de variance (ANOVA) à P = 0,05. Les résultats ont montré une augmentation significative (P <0,05) des valeurs du pH du sol, du phosphore, du carbone organique, du potassium et de l'azote total sous l'influence de l'engrais vert par rapport au contrôle négatif. Un rendement en matière sèche plus élevé et significatif (P< 0,05) parmi les légumineuses a été enregistré lorsque Centrosema pascourum a été utilisé pour cultiver du Sorghum almum (8,31 t/ha). Cependant, le contrôle positif a enregistré les valeurs les plus élevées (9,07 t/ha). La même tendance a été observée en termes de hauteur des plantes (101,90 cm), de longueur des feuilles (53,47 cm) et de largeur des feuilles (1,93 cm). La composition immédiate CP (8,75 %) DM (98,13 %), cendres (8,58 %) et NFE (47,90 %) de l'herbe était significativement (P < 0,05) plus élevée tandis que les fractions de fibres NDF (40,42) et ADF (24,72) étaient réduites lorsque Centrosema pascuorum a été utilisé par rapport à d'autres sources d'engrais vert. Cependant, le contrôle positif a enregistré les valeurs immédiates les plus élevées avec des fractions de fibres minimales. Les caractéristiques de fermentation de l'ensilage ont révélé qu'un ensilage de qualité était produit. La composition immédiate de l'ensilage et les fractions de fibres du Sorghum almum ont montré une tendance similaire à celle du foin. En conclusion, Centrosema pascourum s'avère être la meilleure source d'engrais vert et est donc recommandé pour la culture du Sorghum almum dans la zone d'étude.

Selection of Drought-Tolerant Pasture Species under Varying Soil and Moisture Conditions in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Livestock production is an agricultural system that serves as humanity’s protein and calorie source. Its production is the main economic stay for some people and a complementary source for others. However, land misappropriation and draught constrain the sustainable production of pasture for feeding livestock. Further aggravated by farmer/herder clashes and wetlands extinction. The need for an experiment for the selection of the best pasture species in the Sudan Savannah region that can thrive well under diverse soil textures and moisture status becomes imperative. This trial was conducted in the screen house of Babcock University, objectively to test the performances of Sorghum almum, Andropogon gayanus, Brachiaria mulato and Centrosema pascuorum under Sand, Sandy Clay Loam, and Sandy Loam textures and four water regimes: 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. Standard agronomic recommendations were practised throughout the experiment. Data collected included plant height, fresh and dry shoot and root weights, number of leaves, and leaf length. Data generated were analyzed using ANOVA. According to the results, Sandy Loam soil (Soil type from Gamawa) was the best for supporting all the pasture species, followed by Sandy Clay Loam (Soil type from Zaki). S. almum outperformed other pasture species significantly irrespective of soil textural type and water stress level treatments, followed by B. mulato. For water levels; 100% and 75% had the most promising biomass outcome. Based on the results, a 75% water regime which represents 25% deficit of the actual crop water requirement is recommended for the production of the tested pastures in the area.

A Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Seeds and Phytomass of New High-Potential Fodder and Energy Crops

The purpose of this research is to capitalise on the potential of non-traditional plant species in the Republic of Moldova from the families Asteraceae (cup plant Silphium perfoliatum; cardoon Cynara cardunculus), Fabaceae (fodder galega Galega orientalis, sand sainfoin Onobrychis arenaria), Hydrophylaceae (phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia), Malvaceae (curly mallow Malva crispa; Virginia mallow Sida hermaphrodita) and Poaceae (perennial sorghum Sorghum almum, pearl millet Pennisetum glaucum). The study presents the research results on the seed properties (dimensional parameters, structure, friability, apparent specific mass, mass of 1000 seeds) and on the phytomass quality of the above-mentioned plants. The obtained results demonstrate that the criterion of dimensional proportionality Kdp, proposed in this paper, effectively reflects the structure of the seeds; the seeds of new crops (except phacelia) have high friability (angle of repose α ≤ 33° and angle of static friction on steel α1 ≤ 27.8°, on wood α1 = 34.7°, on enamelled surface α1 = 30°). The natural fodder from the researched species is characterised by a crude protein content of 9.0–23.4%, dry matter digestibility of 56.0–66.5%, digestible energy load of 11.16–12.95 MJ kg−1, metabolizable energy of 9.16–10.63 MJ kg−1, net energy for lactation of 5.18–6.76 MJ kg−1, and relative feed value RFV = 74–129. The biochemical biomethane potential from studied vegetal substrates is 297–353 l kg−1 VS.

The Mobilization of Energy Crop Resources in Moldova

In the context of the current sharp rise in energy prices and frequent weather anomalies caused by climate change, humankind faces two major problems: food supply and energy security, which compels us to look for alternative ways of solving these problems, including the reduction of the dependence on fossil fuels and the development of new technological processes for renewable energy production. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate some agrobiological peculiarities and the quality of harvested biomass from local cultivars: ‘Solar’ Helianthus tuberosus, ‘Ileana’ Inula helenium, ‘Vital’ Silphium perfoliatum, ‘Energo’ Sida hermaphrodita, ‘Vigor’ Astragalus galegiformis, ‘Titan’ Miscanthus giganteus, ‘Argentina’ Sorghum almum, ‘Gigant’ Polygonum sachalinense and the prospects of using their biomass as feedstock for renewable energy production. It was found that the studied cultivars, in the second and following growing seasons, were characterised by optimal growth rate and moderate regenerative capacity after being mowed, making it possible to cut by 1-3 times per season, obtaining 4.61-14.25 kg/m2 green mass, which may be used for anaerobic digestion in biogas plants, with biochemical methane potential of 297-336 litre/kg organic matter. Besides, digestate and fugate are believed to be good fertilizers, being rich in plant available nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate and potash, and could serve as a replacement for fossil based mineral fertilizers in organic farming. The stems of the studied cultivars quickly dehydrate in the autumn-winter period, and can be chopped, milled and used as feedstock for the production by cellulosic ethanol and solid bio fuel. The analysis of lignocellulose composition showed that the dry matter contained 375-517 g/kg cellulose, 211-305 g/kg hemicellulose, 68-134 g/kg acid detergent lignin. The estimated theoretical ethanol yield from cell wall carbohydrates averaged 408-591 L/t. The gross calorific value of stem biomass was 18.63-19.50 MJ/kg. The specific density of densified solid fuel pellets and briquettes meet the quality standard requirements. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using the local cultivars for the creation of energy plantations in the Republic of Moldova. The cultivation and harvesting of these cultivars do not require sophisticated mechanisms and specific equipment like as in forest exploitations.

The concentration of heavy metals in the energy crops phytomass when grown in the conditions of Zhytomyr Polissia

The high level of anthropogenic pressure on agro-landscapes recently leads to an increased level of their contamination with heavy metals, which are among the most harmful chemical pollutants for the environment. Heavy metals are transmitted through trophic chains with a pronounced cumulative effect, in connection with which their toxicity can appear suddenly on individual links of trophic chains. The danger from heavy metals is determined by the fact that, unlike organic pollutants, they do not break down, but change from one form to another. Based on the results of the study, it was established that the accumulation of heavy metals by energy plants depended on the type of crop. Thus, it was proved that the concentration of heavy metals in energy crops plants when grown in the territory of radioactive contamination was within the limit of permissible concentrations. The lowest concentration of toxicants was noted when all energy crops were grown without fertilizers. The subject of the study was energy crops (Silhium perfoliatum L., Sorghum almum Parodi, Bunias orientalis L., Sida hermaphrodita Rusby, Miscanthus giganteus G.), heavy metals in plants, sod-podzolic sandy soil, mineral fertilizers. Therefore, the purpose of our research was to determine the phytomass of energy crops grown in areas contaminated with radionuclides as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to determine the concentration of toxic substances. When performing the work, both general and special research methods were used: field – for conducting stationary and short-term field experiments, analytical – for determining the content of heavy metals in plants crops (Silhium perfoliatum L., Sorghum almum Parodi, Bunias orientalis L., Sida hermaphrodita Rusby, Miscanthus giganteus G.). The research was conducted during 2017−2020 on sod-podzolic soils in the territory of the village. Khrystynivka, Zhytomyr region, which belongs to the zone of unconditional (mandatory) resettlement (2nd zone of radioactive contamination). Prospects for further research will be aimed at establishing patterns of distribution of heavy metals in soil layers when growing energy crops. Key words: Silhium perfoliatum L., Sorghum almum Parodi, Bunias orientalis L., Sida hermaphrodita Rusby, Miscanthus giganteus G., lead, cadmium, copper, zinc.

Evaluation of dry matter accumulation and competition indices of grass-legume mixtures in the semi-arid Kano Nigeria

An experiment was conducted from April to September 2018 at Bayero University Kano, to determine the nature of competition between Sorghum almum (Columbus grass) and three forage legumes namely Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea), Lablab purpureus (lablab) and Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean) on the basis of dry matter accumulation and competition indices. The treatments were (Sorghum almum sole, three legumes sole and mixtures of grass with legumes at 50:50 replicated in four blocks in randomized complete block design. Seeds of grass and legumes were sown in 3.5m *2m plots. The results showed that sole lablab produced higher (ρ <0.05) cumulative total dry matter (42.07 t ha-1) than sole grass, monoculture of other legumes and mixtures. The cumulative total plant biomass and mean relative yield total of mixtures were not significantly different. Sorghum-Mucuna mixture with mean relative yield total value (1.11) appeared to be more advantageous in terms of efficient resource sharing than other mixtures. Sorghum-Mucuna mixture was recommended as the most compatible combination.

Ensilage potential and nutritional value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at different phenology and storage duration in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria

AbstractInsufficient forage supply from natural rangelands during the dry season hampers ruminants' performance in the derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Therefore, to provide alternative feed resources, we evaluated silage potential of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi) at boot, dough and maturity stages for 4‐, 8‐, 12‐ and 16‐week ensiling durations, in a 3 × 4 factorial experiment. The dry matter yield (DMY) was determined at each harvest stage, and the forages were subsequently ensiled. The results revealed that the DMY of S. almum at maturity was 8.98% and 18.67% higher than at dough and boot stages, respectively (p < 0.05). The silages were ranked “good silage” based on physical characteristics. Silage pH decreased with advancing ensiling duration from 4 to 16 weeks in boot (5.25–4.63), dough (5.63–4.11) and maturity (5.42–4.91), with a corresponding increase in lactic and volatile fatty acids. Crude protein (CP) was higher in forages ensiled at maturity and increased with ensiling duration after initial decline from 4 to 8 weeks. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose increased quadratically from boot to dough and subsequently declined at maturity. Growth stage, ensiling duration and their interactions influenced the macrominerals' content (p < 0.05). Silages' dry matter intake (DMI) declined from boot to dough stage across the ensiling durations, and except for 8 weeks, the DMI increased at maturity by 6.71%, 5.54% and 7.19% in 4, 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. Therefore, owing to the lower NDF and high DMY, CP and DMI of S. almum ensiled at maturity for 16 weeks, it could guarantee a quantitative and qualitative forage supply to maintain optimum animal performance throughout the dry season.

Productivity nutritive value and economic potential of irrigated fodder in two regions of Ghana

AbstractAn on‐farm study was conducted in the northern and Upper East regions of Ghana to investigate the productivity and nutritive value of irrigated ruzi grass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins] (syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard)] and forage sorghum (Sorghum almum) grasses as options against dry season feed scarcity and to understand associated market opportunities. Sixty participating farmers each established 100‐m2 plots which were sown at 15 kg ha–1 drilled in 60‐cm rows in the dry season of 2016 and 2017. Irrigation was by flooding of soil surface every alternate day throughout the period of the trial. At both regions, herbage accumulation and nutritive value of forage species were determined at four harvesting stages: 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after planting (WAP) followed by 4‐wk intervals between harvests. At the end of the trial, fresh biomass was weighed, bundled, and sold in major livestock feed markets to estimate market price. Allowing forages to establish for only 8 wk resulted in two 4‐wk regrowth harvests with dry matter accumulation (DMA) ranging from 4.5 to 8.1 Mg DM ha–1 from both species and in both regions. Generally, herbage nutritive values in terms of crude protein, metabolizable energy (ME) concentration, and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) declined (P < .05) while DMA increased linearly with delay in harvest. While both grasses adapted well in the regions under irrigation, 8 WAP harvests provided the best balance between nutritive value and DMA. Irrigated fodder must be marketed more effectively since currently market prices are not closely related to nutritive value.

Eight Species of Poaceae Are Hosting Different Genetic and Pathogenic Strains of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus in the Everglades Agricultural Area.

Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in eight different species of the Poaceae family in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of south Florida: broadleaf signalgrass (Urochloa platyphylla), Columbus grass (Sorghum almum), goosegrass (Eleusine indica), maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris), and sugarcane (Saccharum interspecific hybrids). Based on their coat protein (CP) gene sequence, 62 isolates of SCMV from Florida and 29 worldwide isolates representing the known genetic diversity of this virus were distributed into eight major phylogenetic groups. SCMV isolates infecting Columbus grass, maize, and sorghum in Florida formed a unique group, whereas virus isolates infecting sugarcane in the United States (Florida and Louisiana) clustered with isolates from other countries. Based on the entire genome coding region, SCMV isolates infecting sugarcane in Florida were closest to virus isolates infecting sorghum species or St. Augustine grass. Virus isolates from Columbus grass, St. Augustine grass, and sugarcane showed different virulence patterns after mechanical inoculation of Columbus grass, St. Augustine grass, and sugarcane plants, thus proving that these isolates were different pathogenic strains. Sugarcane was symptomless and tested negative for SCMV by tissue blot immunoassay after inoculation with crude sap from SCMV-infected Columbus grass, indicating that Columbus grass was not a reservoir for SCMV infecting sugarcane in the EAA. Close CP sequence identity between isolates of SCMV from Columbus grass, maize, and sorghum suggested that the same virus strain was naturally spreading between these three plants in south Florida.

Effects of poultry manure and nitrogen rates from two production systems on dry matter yield, and nutritive value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum)

The experiment was conducted at screen house of Centre for Dry land Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, in the year 2016. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of poultry manure and nitrogen rates from battery cage and deep litter systems on dry matter yield, morphological characteristics and forage quality of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum). Sorghum almum seeds were sown in 32 plastic containers (dimensions 26 cm height, 28 cm top width and 20cm base width) perforated at the bottom containing 12 kg mixture of sandy and loamy soil in ratio of 1:3. The treatments consisted of poultry manure from two production systems (Battery cage and Deep litter) and nitrogen rates (50, 60, 70 and 80 kgN/ha) in a 2x4 factorial combined in a completely randomized design. Parameters measured were dry matter yield, number of tillers and stem diameter at the late boot stage of Sorghum almum, in addition, forage quality parameters (CP, ADF NDF, digestible dry matter (DDM) dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight (DMI) and relative feud value (RFV)) were also evaluated. The results revealed no significant (p>0.05) difference between battery cage and deep litter fertilized Sorghum almum but deep litter fertilized Sorghum almum had numerically higher dry matter yield (5062.30 kg/ha) than battery cage (4400.40 kg/ha) Number of tillers and stem diameter were found to be significantly greater (p<0.05) in Deep litter (2.56 and5.70mm respectively) compared to Battery cage (1.13 and 5.08mm respectively. Both dry matter yield and stem diameter of Sorghum almum were significantly (p<0.05) highest at 80 kg N/ha. Crude protein was observed to be significant (P<0.05) in Sorghum almum fertilized with poultry manure from deep liter (11.35%) compared with buttery cage (10.05 %). The CP value was observed to increase with increased nitrogen rate with the highest value recorded at 80 kg N/ha (1.71%). Dry matter intake (us a percentage of body weight) was equally greater (p<0.05) in Sorghum album fertilized with deep litter (2.63%) compared to battery cage (2.49%). The value for NDF was significantly higher in sorghum almum fertilized with battery cage, while that of ADF was greater in deep litter it can be concluded that, Sorghum almum fertilized with manure from deep litter system produced better yield and nutritive value.

THE INFLUENCE OF DATE OF PLANTING AND FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON GROWTH COMPONENTS OF COLUMBUS GRASS (SORGHUM ALMUM)

Trials were conducted at Gangora in the northern Guinea Savanna ecological zone of Nigeria during the 1990 and 1991 rainy seasons. The effects of date of planting (4th,14th, 24th June and 4th July) and levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50,100, 150 and 200kg/ha) on growth components of Sorghum almum were investigated. Planting in mid-June (14th June) in 1990 and early-July (4th July) in 1991 resulted in superior stand established and dry matter yields (p<0.05) than other dates. In mid-June and early-July planting 14 day post-planting, plant densities were 7.0 and 9.0 culms/m2 while plant heights were 20.4 and 11.3cm for the respective years. It had high tillering capacity and irrespective of date of planting (except for early-June planting) plant densities by 56 days post-planting (DPP) were greater than 100 culms/m2. Plant height at this stage were greater than 100 culms/m2 and were generally above 200cm. ninety DPP the pasture was at full bloom/hard dough stage. Dm yields then ranged from 8.0 to 11.4 tDM/ha in 1990 and 9.6 to 14.7 tDM/ha in 1991. Similarly seed yield for the respective years were 894.7 and 836.3 kg/ha. Fertilizer application (p<0.05) plant vigour, tillering and dry matter yield up to the highest N applied. In the first years trial, plant density at 35 days post-planting ranged from 12.0 to 29.0 culms/m2 while in the second year the ranged was 13.0 to 26.0 culms/m2. The corresponding values at 56 DPP (i.e 42 days following N application) were 32.0 to 81.0 and 45.0 to 101.0 culms/m2. Dry matter yields rose steadily from 6.5 to 12.5 tDM/ha in 1990 and from 8.9 to 13.6 tDM/ha in 1991 as fertilizer was increased 0 to 200 kgN/ha. Seed yield during the same period for the respective years varied from 416.0 to 753.0kg/ha. This study has shown that planting between mid-June and early-July with fertilize application of 100 to 200 khN/ha favour S. almum establishment and production in the northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Effects of poultry manure and nitrogen rates from two production systems on dry matter yield, and nutritive value of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum)

The experiment was conducted at screen house of Centre for Dry land Agriculture, Bayero University Kano, in the year 2016. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of poultry manure and nitrogen rates from battery cage and deep litter systems on dry matter yield, morphological characteristics and forage quality of Columbus grass (Sorghum almum). Sorghum almum seeds were sown in 32 plastic containers (dimensions 26 cm height, 28 cm top width and 20cm base width) perforated at the bottom containing 12 kg mixture of sandy and loamy soil in ratio of 1:3. The treatments consisted of poultry manure from two production systems (Battery cage and Deep litter) and nitrogen rates (50, 60, 70 and 80kgN/ha) in a 2×4 factorial combined in a completely randomized design. Parameters measured were dry matter yield, number of tillers and stem diameter at the late boot stage of Sorghum almum, in addition, forage quality parameters (CP, ADF, NDF, digestible dry matter (DDM) dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight (DMI) and relative feed value (RFV)) were also evaluated. The results revealed no significant (p>0.05) difference between battery cage and deep litter fertilized Sorghum almum but deep litter fertilized Sorghum almum had numerically higher dry matter yield (5062.30 kg/ha) than battery cage (4400.40 kg/ha) Number of tillers and stem diameter were found to be significantly greater (p<0.05) in Deep litter (2.56 and 5.70mm respectively) compared to Battery cage (1.13 and 5.08mm respectively). Both dry matter yield and stem diameter of Sorghum almum were significantly (p<0.05) highest at 80 kg N/ha. Crude protein was observed to be significant (p<0.05) in Sorghum almum fertilized with poultry manure from deep litter (11.35 %) compared with battery cage (10.05 %). The CP value was observed to increase with increased nitrogen rate with the highest value recorded at 80 kg N/ha (11.11 %). Dry matter intake (as a percentage of body weight) was equally greater (p<0.05) in Sorghum almum fertilized with deep litter (2.63%) compared to battery cage (2.49%). The value for NDF was significantly higher in sorghum almum fertilized with battery cage, while that of ADF was greater in deep litter. it can be concluded that, Sorghum almum fertilized with manure from deep litter system produced better yield and nutritive value.

Influence of irrigation intervals on dry matter yield, concentration of crude protein, calcium and phosphorus in Lablab purpureus and Sorghum almum fodder in the sudan savanna zone of Nigeria

Irrigation trials were conducted in the late dry season (March to June) with Lublab (Lablab purpureus) and Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria. The objective of this study was to determine the dry matter yield (IDM/ha), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus(P) in dual-purpose lablab bean and Sorghum almum at 3 irrigation schedules (5, 7 and 10 days irrigation interval). The results obtained showed dry matter yield in lablab increased (P<0.05) and varied from 1.7 to 11.7 IDM/ha. Calcium and P concentrations differed significantly (P<0.05). Mean CP for the lablab was 15.57%. Dry matter yield obtained for Sorghum almum varied (P<0.05) from 11.07 to 19.6 tDM/ha. Concentration of CP and Ca rose and declined thereafter with a mean concentration of 9.86% for CP und 0.08% for Ca while P declined consistently (P<0.05). Intervals of irrigation days had a relationship (P<0.05) with DM/ha, Ca and P in lablab. The increasing trend in foruye yield with increased irrigation interval showed optimum irrigation interval was not attained. It is therefore recommended that longer irrigation intervals be tried to determine the optimum irrigation interval after which forage yield would be depressed due to moisture stress. From the results of the present study Sorghum almum and lablab would be grown successfully at a 10-day irrigation interval.

A Sugarcane Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) “Super-Clone” Remains on U.S. Sorghum and Johnsongrass and Feeds on Giant Miscanthus

Abstract Since 2013, the sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner, has been a perennial pest to U.S. sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, production with yield declines in susceptible hybrids ranging from 50 to 100%. Previous studies have found that a single clonal genotype predominates in samples collected from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), sorghum, and Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense [L.] Persoon), from 2013 to 2017 in the continental United States. We sought to determine if the “super-clone” persists in sugarcane aphid samples collected in 2018 from five U.S. states and one territory and to identify the multilocus lineage of samples collected in 2018–2019 from a new host, giant miscanthus, Miscanthus sinensis× Miscanthus sacchariflorus Greef & Deuter ex Hodkinson & Renvoize. Thirty-one samples collected from Columbus grass (Sorghum almum Parodi), Johnsongrass, sorghum, and giant miscanthus in 2018 were genotyped using 9 simple sequence repeat markers; 29 samples had identical alleles to the multilocus lineage F super-clone. All samples (n = 7) collected from giant miscanthus in 2018–2019 also had identical alleles to the predominant genotype.

Present Status and Future Management Strategies for Sugarcane Yellow Leaf Virus: A Major Constraint to the Global Sugarcane Production.

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is a distinct member of the Polerovirus genus of the Luteoviridae family. SCYLV is the major limitation to sugarcane production worldwide and presently occurring in most of the sugarcane growing countries. SCYLV having high genetic diversity within the species and presently ten genotypes are known to occur based on the complete genome sequence information. SCYLV is present in almost all the states of India where sugarcane is grown. Virion comprises of 180 coat protein units and are 24-29 nm in diameter. The genome of SCYLV is a monopartite and comprised of single-stranded (ss) positive-sense (+) linear RNA of about 6 kb in size. Virus genome consists of six open reading frames (ORFs) that are expressed by sub-genomic RNAs. The SCYLV is phloem-limited and transmitted by sugarcane aphid Melanaphis sacchari in a circulative and non-propagative manner. The other aphid species namely, Ceratovacuna lanigera, Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominalis, and R. maidis also been reported to transmit the virus. The virus is not transmitted mechanically, therefore, its transmission by M. sacchari has been studied in different countries. SCYLV has a limited natural host range and mainly infect sugarcane (Sachharum hybrid), grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Columbus grass (Sorghum almum). Recent insights in the protein-protein interactions of Polerovirus through protein interaction reporter (PIR) technology enable us to understand viral encoded proteins during virus replication, assembly, plant defence mechanism, short and long-distance travel of the virus. This review presents the recent understandings on virus biology, diagnosis, genetic diversity, virus-vector and host-virus interactions and conventional and next generation management approaches.

Screening for sugarcane yellow leaf virus in sorghum in Florida revealed its occurrence in mixed infections with sugarcane mosaic virus and a new marafivirus

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) is an aphid-transmitted virus for which Melanaphis sacchari is the main vector. Almost all sugarcane varieties grown in Florida are susceptible to SCYLV infection. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of SCYLV in accessions of Sorghum bicolor which is another natural host of this virus. Two field experiments, one in 2016 with 19 sorghum lines and the other in 2017 with 15 lines, were established at Belle Glade, FL. Stalks collected randomly in planted and ratoon crops were tested by tissue-blot immunoassay (TBIA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Over the two-year period, 366 of 423 S. bicolor samples tested positive by TBIA but SCYLV was detected by RT-PCR in only 12 of 161 randomly selected subsamples. Full genome sequences of SCYLV, sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and a new marafivirus were obtained by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) from three TBIA positive sorghum samples. HTS data for all three viruses were confirmed by RT-PCR. The SCMV isolates from S. bicolor appeared to be a new strain of this virus species. Positive reaction of S. bicolor by TBIA using SCYLV antibodies could not be systematically associated with plant infection by SCYLV or another virus. This suggested the occurrence of a non-specific serological reaction with an unknown S. bicolor antigen. SCMV and the new marafivirus were also detected in Sorghum almum, suggesting that this weed is a reservoir for S. bicolor-infecting viruses in Florida.

Variation in Yield and Yield Components of Tropical Forage Grass Species Evaluated in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Seven improved tropical grass species, namely, Andropogon gayanus Kunth., Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain & Evrard, Cenchrus ciliaris L., Chloris gayana Kunth, Panicum maximum var. coloratum C.T, Paspalum orbiculare G. Forstand Sorghum almum Parodi were evaluated for yield and yield components at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria in 2015 and 2016. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in each of the years. Results showed that the evaluated grass species could be cut at an early age when the leaf: stem ratio is high enough for the ruminants to derive maximum nutritional benefit and need not be delayed till 16 weeks after planting. The highest correlation between plant height and grain yield was observed at 4 weeks (r = 0.69) and 8 weeks (r = 0.70) after planting, implying that the taller the plant species at this stage of growth, the higher the probability for high grain yield. Identification and selection of tropical grass species for improvement in grain production should, therefore, be carried out between 4 and 8 weeks of growth. All the seven tropical forage grass species performed favourably well in terms of growth and yield, with the positive response to increasing rainfall and further studies on multi-location evaluation within the Southern Guinea Savanna agro-ecologicalal zone of Nigeria is recommended.

Lack of transmission of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus in Florida from Columbus grass and sugarcane to sugarcane with aphids or mites.

Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV), the causal agent of yellow leaf disease, naturally infects at least three plant species in Florida: sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), the weed Columbus grass (Sorghum almum) and cultivated sorghum (S. bicolor). All three hosts are also colonized by the sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari), the main vector of SCYLV worldwide. To understand the high incidence of SCYLV observed in sugarcane commercial fields and in germplasm collections, we investigated the transmission efficiency of SCYLV from sugarcane and Columbus grass to sugarcane using the sugarcane aphid and a spider mite (Oligonychus grypus) that also tested positive for SCYLV in Florida. Healthy and SCYLV-infected leaf pieces of sugarcane and Columbus grass carrying viruliferous aphids or spider mites were transferred to virus-free plants of the yellow leaf susceptible sugarcane cultivar CP96-1252. Three- and 6-months post inoculation, the 108 aphid-inoculated plants of Columbus grass and the 90 mite-inoculated plants of sugarcane tested negative for SCYLV by tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Similar results were obtained for 162 aphid-inoculated plants of sugarcane, except for two plants that tested positive for SCYLV by TBIA and RT-PCR. In two field experiments planted with SCYLV-free and virus-infected sugarcane (cultivar CP96-1252), only 18–28% of healthy plants became infected during a 24- to 28-month period. SCYLV prevalence in these field experiments did not differ between aphicide treated and untreated plots. Incidence of M. sacchari haplotypes in the Everglades agricultural area also indicated that the predominant haplotype that is currently colonizing sugarcane was not a vector of SCYLV in Florida. Lack of virus transmission by the spider mite suggested that this arthropod only acquired the virus when feeding on infected plants but was unable to transmit SCYLV. The current vector of SCYLV in Florida remains to be identified.

Variations in water relations, stomatal characteristics, and plant growth between quinoa and pea under salt-stress conditions

Livestock production, and small scale and extensive grazing livestock production systems in Pakistan lack long-term sustainability due to declining quantity and quality of green forages and pastures. Information on the nutritional value of range/pasture and cultivated grass species is required to design proper strategies not only for nutritional management of grazing animals, but also for development of good quality forage resources. Therefore, the current study was planned to: (i) analyze the chemical profile of traditional and novel grasses grown in Peshawar; (ii) quantify the methane emission potential of the grass species; and (iii) quantify the differences among species in thei r nutritive value and methane emission. Ten grass species, namely, Sudex (Sorghum × sudangrass), Jumbo grass (Sorghum bicolour× Sorghum sudanefe), Sorghum almum, Pennisetum purpureum, Vetiveria zizanioides, Panicum colaratum, Cynodon dactylon, Bothriochloa pertusa, Splenda setaria and Desmostachya bipinnata were evaluated under uniform agronomic and environmental conditions. The results showed that the contents of all measured chemical components, mineral profile (except Zn), In vitro digestibility of dry matter (DMD), and In vitro gas (GP) and methane-production had large variation among the grass species. Among the grasses, Jumbo grass had greater CP (11.9% DM) content and In vitro DMD (65.9% DM), and produced greater amount of total gas, that contained lowest proportion of methane. In contrast, D. bipinnata had lowest contents of CP (6.3% DM) and In vitro DMD (43.7% DM), and produced lower amount of total gas, with highest proportion methane in total GP. Next to D. bipinnata, V. zizanioides had lower degradability/GP and highest proportion of methane in total gas. The large variation in chemical composition, DMD and methane-emission potential of the summer grass species presents a prospect to select and further develop grass species that have lower methane-emission potential and high nutritional value. Further research is needed to investigate the changes in chemical profile, DMD and methane-emission of forage species between seasons and with maturity.

青酸含量,収量性および飼料価値からみたコロンブスグラス(Sorghum almum Parodi.)の栽培・利用の可能性

青酸含量,収量性および飼料価値からみたコロンブスグラス(Sorghum almum Parodi.)の栽培・利用の可能性