Sorghum Bicolor Research Articles (Page 2)

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal crop that demonstrates high ecological plasticity and drought tolerance, making it a promising alternative to traditional spring crops in the face of climate change. Despite its many advantages, sorghum crops are accompanied by increased exposure to pests, which can reduce yields by up to 72%. During 2018-2024, a comprehensive study of the sorghum pest complex was conducted in Polissia region of Ukraine. Crop monitoring revealed 13 pest species belonging to 4 orders: Coleoptera, Homoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera. The most harmful species were Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch, Schizaphis graminum Rond., Octrinia nubilalis Hb., Scotia segetum Schiff., Macrosteles laevis Rib., whose frequency of occurrence in the phases of active crop development exceeded 50%. Damage to plants by aphids and cicadas led to a significant decrease in grain quality due to impaired photosynthetic activity, and caterpillars of the scoop and stem butterfly caused plant death. The study revealed the dependence of phytophagous reproduction on abiotic factors, in particular unstable moisture and high temperatures, which affected their seasonal dynamics. The highest pest activity was observed during the tillering and grain filling phases. The results provide the basis for the development of integrated sorghum protection systems, including a combination of agronomic and biological measures, which will reduce yield losses by up to 30%. The study of the species composition of pests is important for increasing the efficiency of sorghum cultivation in Polissia of Ukraine. Keywords: Climate change, crops productivity, biotic and abiotic stress, drought resistant, phytophagous insects, entomocomplex.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a vital cereal crop cultivated extensively in arid and semi-arid regions due to its adaptability to harsh environmental conditions. Seed vigour is a crucial determinant of crop establishment, particularly in sorghum where standardized vigour testing protocols are yet to be established. The present study evaluated the relationship between mean germination time (MGT) and field emergence (FE) at 10 and 20 days after sowing (DAS) across 15 different sorghum seed lots which were stored for 12 months under ambient conditions, to assess the suitability of MGT as a seed vigour test. Correlation analysis revealed a strong and highly significant negative association between MGT and FE, indicating that seed lots with shorter germination times exhibited superior field emergence. Regression analysis further validated these findings, with extremely high coefficients of determination (R² = 0.99) for both FE 10 DAS and FE 20 DAS against MGT, demonstrating that variations in field emergence could be largely explained by differences in MGT. The low standard error of the regression models highlighted the robustness and reliability of these relationships. Incorporating MGT into seed vigour testing protocols would enable seed producers, researchers, and quality analysts to make more accurate predictions of seed lot performance, thereby supporting improved crop establishment and seed quality assurance.

Several species of predatory arthropods and hymenopteran parasitoids inhabit grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.), fields in the U.S. Great Plains and play a role in biological control of key aphid pests of sorghum. Important taxa include predatory Syrphidae, Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae, Coccinellidae, Anthocoridae, and Araneae and aphelinid and braconid parasitoids. We undertook a 4-yr study to evaluate 4 sampling methods for estimating predator density: D-vac suction sampling, sweepnet sampling, timed counting, and enumeration of predaceous arthropods on 2 sorghum leaves per plant (2-leaf counts) to quantify predator populations and used 2 of methods, 2-leaf counts and timed counting, to quantify relative density of mummies of aphelinid parasitoids. We evaluated the statistical accuracy and precision of density estimates for samples obtained using each method, comparing them to population estimates from complete enumeration of natural enemies on plants, which were considered the reference for unbiased population estimates. All 4 sampling methods provided biased estimates for at least some natural enemies. Timed counts and 2-leaf counts were biased for fewer taxa than were sweepnet and D-vac samples. Statistical precision measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) for each sampling method differed among taxa with no method being the most precise for sampling all taxa. Overall, 2-leaf counts and timed counts were the sampling methods exhibiting the greatest precision and smallest bias for estimating relative population density or population intensity for natural enemies of aphids in sorghum.

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a vital, climate-resilient C4 cereal crop that is gaining increasing recognition for its wide industrial potential, yet it remains underutilized compared to maize. This review explores the diverse applications of sorghum and highlights genetic advancements that have contribute to its trait improvement, especially in sustainable agriculture, bioenergy and bioproducts. Sorghum’s high-quality grain, substantial biomass yield and efficient ethanol conversion position it as a promising crop for biofuel production. Additionally, its lignocellulosic biomass serves as a valuable feedstock for biodegradable polymers, resins and other eco-friendly materials, supporting global sustainability goals. The crop’s inherent tolerance to drought and heat, along with minimal input requirements, makes it suitable for low-resource farming systems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Furthermore, sorghum plays an essential role in food security, serving as a staple food crop in different regions. Advances in molecular breeding, genetic engineering and biotechnology have enabled the development of sorghum varieties tailored for industrial applications, improving traits like biomass composition, stress tolerance and sugar content. Despite its potential, challenges such as climate-induced stress, pests and limited market development persist. Addressing these through collaborative research policy support and innovation can enhance sorghum’s role in climate-smart agriculture and industry. This review underscores sorghum’s adaptability and growing importance in promoting sustainable, resilient agricultural and industrial systems.

Flow cytometry (FCM) and genome sequencing are complementary methods for estimating plant genome size (GS). However, discrepancies between the GS estimates derived from genome assemblies and FCM create ambiguity regarding the accuracy of these approaches. Approximately 12,000 plant GS measurements have been reported, with hardly any of them based on genome assemblies. Currently, FCM is the most frequently used method. Accurate GS estimation by FCM relies on internal standards with known GS values. However, previous GS calibrations, often based on incomplete reference genome assemblies, have led to significant discrepancies in GS estimates. Historically, the GS of a diploid plant species was estimated by doubling the size of a consensus genome assembly. However, consensus assemblies collapse homologous chromosomes into a single sequence, typically favouring the larger haplotype and potentially overestimating GS, especially in highly heterozygous species. Here, we applied haplotype-resolved genome assemblies to accurately recalibrate the reference standards. We utilized a recent gapless, telomere-to-telomere (T2T) consensus and the most complete phased genome assemblies of the Nipponbare rice as a primary standard to recalibrate five commonly used plant standards. Using the consensus genome as a reference revealed an overestimation of over 30% in widely used previous GS estimates for Pisum sativum and Nicotiana benthamiana, approximately 18% for Arabidopsis thaliana, and 5% for Sorghum bicolor and Gossypium hirsutum. The GS estimates based on phased haplotype assemblies suggested an additional 6%–7% overestimation. Haplotype-resolved genome assemblies allow the recalibration of GS estimates with the potential to yield more accurate values by capturing haplotype-specific variations previously missed in consensus assemblies.

Biofuel from sweet sorghum is an alternative and viable source of renewable energy. This study was conducted to determine the interaction between genotype and environment on yield traits, assess stability and identify the most suitable sweet sorghum genotypes for biofuel production. Genotypes comprised of 80 sorghums (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes (63 sweet sorghum genotypes, 12 improved grain sorghum and 5 sweet sorghum landraces) grown in four environments in the Sudano–Sahelian region of Nigeria. The combined analysis of variance of the sweet sorghum genotypes in two years (2018 and 2019) over the two environments revealed that year(Y), genotype(G), environment(E) and genotype by environment interaction (G × E) were significant in the entire biofuel yield attributes except the Brix at maturity and bagasse. AMMI analysis of variance effects of G, E, and G × E. These significant effects of G, E, and G × E were used to identify the best-performing, most adaptable and most stable genotypes. Genotype contributed 77.2% of the total sum of squares for Brix, followed by environment (1.37%) and interaction (0.47%). For grain yield, environmental effects accounted for 89.5% of the total sum of squares, whilst genotype and interaction accounted for 3.6% and 1.1% respectively. Genotypic variances for stalk fresh yield are 5.5% and those for environment and interaction are 88.3% and 0.8%, respectively. The total sum of squares of the environment for juice volume is 39.5%, with genotype contributing 32.4%, and the interaction contributing 4.2%. Environment and interaction contribute to bagasse are 82.6% and 1.4% respectively, and that of genotypes is 7.1%. This suggests a better chance of progress in the genetic improvement of these traits. The genotype SEREDO, SPV 422-NB, IESV 92008 DL, ICSB 324 and F7.5SSM09-5-3/3-2-2-2 combined high yields with stability in grain, juice, stover, bagasse and Brix, respectively, according to the stability index ranking across environments. On the other hand, genotypes SERENA-ML and Gwaram, though high-yielding, were unstable according to AMMI stability value scores.

The win–win situation of dye degradation and nitrogen fixation in wastewater using non-thermal plasma (NTP) were investigated in this study. Specifically, the feasibility of utilizing plasma-treated dye-contaminated wastewater for seed germination and plant growth was explored. Crystal Violet (CV) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes were used as model pollutants, while Sorghum bicolor (great millet) seeds were used to assess germination rates and plant growth responses. In untreated wastewater containing CV and RhB, approximately 45% of seeds germinated after three days, but no significant stem or root growth was observed after 11 days. Plasma treatment significantly enhanced dye degradation, with efficiency improving as treatment time and input power increased. After 16 min of plasma treatment at 1.3 ± 0.2 W input power, about 99% degradation efficiency was achieved for both CV (0.0122 mM) and RhB (0.0104 mM). This degradation was primarily driven by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated by plasma discharge. When sorghum seeds were germinated using plasma-treated wastewater, the germination rate increased to 65% after three days—20% higher than with untreated wastewater. Furthermore, after 11 days, the average stem length reached 9 cm, while the average root length extended to 7 cm. These findings highlight NTP as a promising and sustainable method for degrading textile industry pollutants while simultaneously enhancing crop productivity through the reuse of treated wastewater.

The fermentation of sorghum wort is one of the fundamental steps that determine the quality of this beer. It is influenced by several parameters, among others: temperature, pH, sugar content, amino acid profile, phenolic compound content, and redox potential. Controlling these parameters will therefore make it possible to optimize the production of alcohol and the growth of the yeast during fermentation. The aim of this work is to show that the extraction of polyphenols, the main inhibitors of sorghum enzyme activity, prior to malting increases enzyme activity in the malt, thereby producing high levels of reducing sugars. This is reflected in the high alcohol content at the end of the fermentation process. Three parameters were considered in this work, namely: The polyphenol content in the grain (Discolored and non-discolored sorghum), temperature (12 and 25 °C) and fermentation time (in hours). The choice of fermentation temperature was made depending on the specific characteristics of the yeast used and taking into account the range used by artisan breweries producing sorghum beer in DR Congo. These breweries ferment their beers at room temperature. The results obtained give a better alcohol content of 7.53% for the E1T1 sample (Discolored sorghum, fermentation at 12 °C). The comparison of the results confirms that the extraction of the phenolic compounds before malting as well as the fermentation temperature had a significant effect on the production of alcohol and the growth of the yeast. The results of this work open the door to many other studies to provide to the industrial and artisanal brewers with scientific data that will allow them to better integrate red sorghum malt as raw material into brewing.Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13568-025-01904-7.

Our study aimed to obtain gluten-free bread from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) with applying single cultures of Pediococcus pentosaceus SAP 4.4 (PP), Levilactobacillus brevis SAP 1.4 (LB) and Weissella cibata SAP 8.7 (WC) as sourdoughs. The tested strains reached 108 cfu.g-1 at the end of fermentation process and produced sourdoughs with a pleasant lactic aroma. The most significant influence on the volume, respectively the specific volume of the bread with sorghum flour and the sourdough has its enrichment with sample PP. When conducting an organoleptic analysis, it was found that the appearance, the color of the crust and the medium, the hollowness, the aroma and the chewiness of the product tend to improve. Also, the addition of sourdough improves both the taste and aroma. As the duration of storage increases, the compressibility of the medium decreases in all investigated samples, but with different degrees of intensity.

Saline-alkali stress seriously affects the growth and development of crops. Sorghum bicolor (L.), a C4 plant, is an important cereal crop in the world, and its growth and geographical distribution are limited by alkali conditions. In this study, sorghum genotypes with different alkaline resistance (alkaline-sensitive Z1 and alkaline-tolerant Z14) were used as experimental materials to explore the effects of alkali on sorghum seedlings. RNA-seq technology was used to examine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in alkali-tolerant Z14 to reveal the molecular mechanism of sorghum response to alkali stress. The results showed that plant height, root length, and biomass of both cultivars decreased with time under 80 mM NaHCO3 treatment, but Z14 showed better water retention abilities. The photosynthetic fluorescence parameters and chlorophyll content also decreased, but the Fv/Fm, ETH, ΦPSII, and chlorophyll content of Z14 were significantly higher than those of Z1. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased in both sorghum varieties under alkali stress, while the enzyme activities of SOD, POD, CAT, and APX were also significantly increased, especially in Z14, resulting in lower ROS compared with Z1. Transcriptome analysis revealed around 6000 DEGs in Z14 sorghum seedlings under alkali stress, among which 267 DEGs were expressed in all comparison groups. KEGG pathways were enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, and RNA transport. bHLHs, ERFs, NACs, MYBs, and other transcription factor families are actively involved in the response to alkali stress. A large number of genes involved in photosynthesis and the antioxidant system were found to be significantly activated under alkali stress. In the stress signal transduction cascades, Ca2+ signal transduction pathway-related genes were activated, about 23 PP2Cs in ABA signaling were upregulated, and multiple MAPK and other kinase-related genes were triggered by alkali stress. These findings will help decipher the response mechanism of sorghum to alkali stress and improve its alkali tolerance.

This study was conducted to evaluate the Evaluation of the Nutritional Profile and in-Vivo Studies of Some Local Snacks Produced From Zuru Community, Kebbi State, the snacks were produced from rice, millet, beans, guinea corn, and sesame seeds with the aim of meeting the energy and protein needs of the vulnerable populations. The amino acid, serum biochemical and haematological indices of albino rat fed with prepared snacks were determined using standard methods. The control was the 100% Guinea corn, Chikaka consisted of 99% beans and 1% salt, Gare75% guinea corn and 25% sesame seeds, Yamperinyela consisted of 50% millet, 49% beans and 1% salt, while Hekko consisted of 75% rice, 24% sesame seed and 1% salt. The data obtained were analysed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (25.0). The data were subjected toa one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the average mean scores separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p<0.05. The protein qualities; NR, BV, NPU, PER and TPD, the Protein quality indices were markedly higher in rats fed with Chikaka3.00±0.57, 85.52±0.57, 80.09±2.88 and 0.67±0.11) and Yamperinyela (1.32±0.01, 81.71±0.58, 71.56±0.58 and 0.82±0.57) while Yamperinyela exhibited superior protein digestibility (76.21±0.57). The produced snacks had the superior amino acid balance compared to the control. The haematological parameters include Packed Cell Volume (%), Total Protein (g/L) and a Cholesterol (mg/dl) indicate that Chikaka and Hekko had highest value total protein 60.11±0.58, and 61.03±0.57 while Gare had the highest value of cholesterol140.30±1.15and they were higher than the control. These formulations have strong potential to serve as alternative protein- and energy-dense snack products that can contribute to improving dietary diversity and reducing protein-energy malnutrition, particularly in resource-limited settings.

In response to environmental pressures and the growing demand for sustainable materials, this study investigates the use of lignocellulosic fillers derived from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) biomass, specifically stems and leaves, as reinforcements in biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The aim was to assess the effect of filler type and content (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) on the physicochemical properties of the composites. Sorghum was manually harvested in Greater Poland, separated, dried, milled, and fractionated to particles <0.25 mm. Composites were produced via extrusion and injection molding, followed by characterization using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile and impact testing, density measurements, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that stem-based fillers provided a better balance between stiffness and ductility, along with improved dispersion and interfacial adhesion. In contrast, leaf-based fillers led to higher stiffness but greater brittleness and agglomeration. All composites exhibited decreased impact strength and thermal stability compared to neat PLA, with the extent of these decreases depending on the filler type and loading. The study highlights the potential of sorghum stems as a viable, renewable reinforcement in biopolymer composites, aligning with circular economy and bioeconomy strategies.

We conducted a three-year field study to evaluate the above-ground biomass yield, plant height, and tillering capacity of eight Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench varieties under two contrasting soil conditions (heavy clay soil and sandy soil) with different water retention. At the Field Experimental Station Žabčice of Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, we assessed yield performance and yield stability across years and environments. We applied standard agronomic practices and recorded detailed soil and climatic data. Significant differences were found among varieties and between locations in terms of plant height and tillering. KWS SOLE showed the most stable yield (11.80–15.63 t ha−1), while LATTE, KWS TARZAN, and KWS HANNIBAL achieved the highest average yields (up to 20.16 t ha−1). Plant height showed a strong positive correlation with biomass yield. This relationship underscores plant height as a valuable trait for selecting sorghum varieties with improved productivity and drought resilience. Variations in tillering capacity and environmental conditions also significantly influenced yield outcomes, highlighting the complex interaction between genotype and environment. These findings offer practical insights for cultivar selection and breeding strategies that aim to enhance the performance of sorghum varieties under the variable climatic conditions of Central Europe.

Abstract High biomass and digestible alternative forages that thrive under limited water are imperative to meet the increasing demand for feed for the thriving livestock industry in West Texas. Compared to other forages that have high water requirement, sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. Moench] and pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L. R. Br.)] are recognized for their ability to produce higher biomass under semi-arid environments with low precipitation and soil nutrients. However, obstacles such as hydrocyanic acid accumulation, specifically in forage sorghum, and lower digestibility have impeded their broad adoption by livestock producers. The current study aimed to assess the productivity, fiber content, and digestibility of various forage hybrids under field and greenhouse conditions. Under field condition a total of 26 hybrids, including forage sorghum, brown midrib sorghum-sudangrass, and pearl millet hybrids were tested for biomass production and nutritional value under seven different growth stages starting at 30 days post emergence to the soft-dough stage. In addition to the above-mentioned forage classes, the greenhouse study included prussic acid free sorghum and maize (Zea mays L.) forage hybrids that were tested under three key growth stages. Total dry mater, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, in-vitro dry matter digestibility, and in-vitro true dry matter digestibility varied significantly (p &lt; 0.05) between different growth stages and among hybrids. The soft-dough stage emerged as the ideal growth stage to obtain maximum yield and nutritional benefits across the forage species. The study identified four forage sorghum hybrids and a pearl millet hybrid that performed better or on par with forage maize, suggesting them as viable forage alternatives to maize in semi-arid regions. Novel prussic acid-free sorghum hybrids had similar biomass and digestibility compared to maize, presenting different grazing and silage options to producers in water limited environments.

Over 50% of arable land available for cereal production in sub‐Saharan Africa is severely infested with Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth, posing a significant challenge to agricultural productivity in the region. In this study, we performed association mapping of plant height, panicle height, number of leaves per plant, field fresh grain weight, dry grain weight, and chlorophyll with 6,094,317 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for Striga resistance genes in diverse sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] breeding lines and varieties released for resistance breeding. Chromosomes containing significant SNPs in FASTmrMLM and FarmCPU models were identified and computed. Chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 harbored SNPs significant for Striga tolerance in sorghum for agronomic‐related traits. Agronomic traits measured revealed significant SNP counts as follows: plant height (4), panicle height (3), leaves per plant (2), foliar fresh grain weight (8), dry grain weight (2), and chlorophyll content (3). After successful validation, the 22 newly identified SNP markers linked to Striga resistance can be used for trait introgression and marker‐assisted selection to increase Striga resistance in sorghum. We detected 12 SNPs using the FASTmrMLM model without adjusting the threshold level. However, no significant SNPs were detected with FarmCPU before the threshold was adjusted. Also, we identified 95 significant SNPs upon lowering the Bonferroni threshold value to p < 0.001. The parent materials for the intraspecific cross that produced the currently accessible molecular map were selected from the gene pool of cultivated sorghum. This map is invaluable for real‐world breeding applications. Subsequent crosses among cultivated sorghum genotypes of interest to breeders will likely produce polymorphic segregating Diversity Array Technology (DArTSeq) markers within the cultivated gene pool.

Abstract Cover crops are often promoted for improving soil fertility and nutrient cycling. Yet, few studies have investigated their potential to enhance nitrogen (N) use efficiency for grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in the US Great Plains. We used 3-yr data (2014–2016) from a long-term study (2007–2016) in eastern Kansas to assess the effects of cover crops and double-crop soybean (DSB, Glycine max (L.) Merr) on grain sorghum NUE. Six fallow management treatments were imposed after wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest in a wheat–sorghum–soybean cropping system: late-maturing soybean (LMS), sorghum–sudangrass (SS; Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum bicolor var. sudanese), crimson clover (CL; Trifolium incarnatum L.), daikon radish (DR; Raphanus sativus L.), plus a chemical fallow (CF, no cover crop) as a control and a DSB (cash crop alternative). 5 N rates (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg N ha −1) were applied to sorghum. Our results showed that fallow management did not interact with N fertilizer and did not increase sorghum N recovery efficiency. Agronomic efficiency, partial-factor productivity, and other plant-based NUEs were affected by the SS cover crop, which limited soil N availability compared to the other fallow management options. Although we found no evidence of increased NUE with DSB, LMS, CL, and DR, these options may still provide other environmental and economic benefits in this region. Building from this work, we encourage further research to evaluate their potential contributions to NUE and improved N management under different conditions.

Abstract Sugar crop industries are increasingly implementing sustainable practices to supply natural sugar and other products that follow a circular approach spanning the entire sugar product life cycle which requires action from suppliers to consumers. These include sustainable cultivation practices, processes, products, and packaging to optimize economic gain while markedly reducing environmental and social losses. Sustainable practices by growers, processors, and refiners must be tailored to each sugar crop due to differences in composition which strongly impact harvesting and processing, although there are some similarities. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), and sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are all rich sources of sucrose. As a general rule, sugar beet (tuberous root) contains (based on total soluble sugars) 98.9% sucrose, 0.12% fructose, and 0.12% glucose, sugarcane (grass stalk) contains 94% sucrose, 3% glucose, and 3% fructose, while sweet sorghum (grass stalk with seed head) contains 80% sucrose, 10% glucose, and 10% fructose. The considerably lower invert sugars and higher amounts of nitrogen-containing compounds in beet than cane allow them to be deliberately degraded at higher alkaline pH processes during beet-sugar manufacturing to prevent Maillard color reactions. The high relative contents of glucose, fructose, starch, and aconitic acid in sweet sorghum currently make the manufacture of white sugar from this sugar crop techno-economically unfeasible. This partially explains why sweet sorghum for syrup production remains a smaller, cottage-type industry, whereas the sugarcane and sugar beet industries are worldwide commodity industries. One of the most profound differences between beet and cane-sugar processes is that during white sugar manufacture the colorants are more easily removed during the beet process, which is also a major reason why industrial chromatography is used to recover more sugar from beet molasses but not sugarcane molasses. Sugarcane and particularly sweet sorghum are rich sources of phenolic antioxidant colorants which need to be further exploited. Other differences and similarities in the processing of the crops are discussed in this review paper as well as the integrated production of refined sugar from both cane and beets at the same plant.

Phytochemical extracts from the leaves and stem of red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench) potentially improve in vitro fermentation by modulating rumen protozoa.

Sorghum is a critical food crop in Ethiopia, yet its productivity is severely threatened by anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum. The present study was conducted in West Gondar, Amhara Region, during the 2022 growing season, with field experiments established at Metema and West Armachiho. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed to evaluate the efficacy and profitability of various fungicide regimes. Treatments included both single and combined applications of Thiram, Tilt, Redomil, and Natura, delivered as seed dressings, foliar sprays, or their combination, alongside an untreated control. The experiments utilized the susceptible local cultivar ‘Tewzale’ in 4 × 3 m plots, with 5 cm intra-row and 75 cm inter-row spacing. Statistical analysis indicated highly significant differences among treatments for key parameters: percent severity index (PSI), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), yield, and thousand seed weight (TSW) (p < 0.0001). Both location and treatment × location interactions were significant, especially for PSI at 65, 75, and 86 days after planting. The most effective disease suppression and lowest AUDPC values were observed with Tilt plus Thiram and Natura plus Thiram treatments, while untreated controls experienced the highest disease pressure. Notably, the Natura plus Thiram combination resulted in the highest grain yield (4614.6 kg ha⁻1) and TSW (17.7 g), with the untreated control producing the lowest values (2076.6 kg ha⁻1). Relative yield loss was completely mitigated by Natura plus Thiram, whereas the control plots recorded up to 61.8% loss. Economic assessment through partial budget analysis revealed that Natura plus Thiram was the most profitable option, delivering a net benefit of 79,162 ETB and a marginal rate of return of 2881.33%. Natura alone and Redomil plus Thiram also generated substantial returns, but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, integrating seed dressing with foliar fungicide applications specifically the Natura plus Thiram combination proved to be both an effective and economically viable strategy for managing sorghum anthracnose. For optimal results, this approach should be complemented by the use of resistant varieties and adherence to sound agronomic practices.

Abstract A field operation was carried out throughout the spring of 2024 at the Kanipanka Agricultural Research Station in Shahrazoor valley, 35 km east of Sulaimani in Iraq’s Kurdistan Province. The study was to investigate the influence of indicate the biochar application rates control, 3-, 6-, and 9-tons ha−1 combined with varied irrigation levels 60%, 80%, and 100% full irrigation on Sorghum bicolor L. growth. The experiment used a Randomized Completely Blocks Designs (RCBD), with three separate trials and 12 implementation on Silty clay soil. Statistical analysis of variance revealed that increasing the biochar application rate had a positive impact on all of the parameters tested. The application of 9 tons ha−1 of biochar under full irrigation produced the greatest results. The highest values were obtained with this treatment: plant height (174.44 cm), chlorophyll content (72.99 SPAD), number of leaves (18.23), stem diameter (30.40 mm), leaf area (695.23 cm2), leaf area index (6.75%), number of grains each head (3994.73), weighting 1000 grains (36.33 g), grain protein content (12.83%), oil content in plant grains (4.73%), grain yield (6995.3 kg/ha), biomass (17,036.3 kg/ha), and harvesting indexes (36.79%).