Sorghum Crops Research Articles

Investigation of Combining Ability and Heterosis in Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] Genotypes under Moisture Stress Areas

The most important prerequisite in sorghum crop improvement is the identification of suitable parents that can combine well and produce superior hybrids. However, a narrow genetic base, lack of potential hybrids and lack of information on the genetic components are the most important limiting factors for sorghum yield improvement. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to estimate the combining abilities and heterosis for yield and agronomic traits. A total of 42 sorghum genotypes were evaluated using an alpha lattice experimental design with two replications at Mieso and Kobo during the cropping season of 2019. Combined analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences due to genotypes for days to flowering, plant height, days to maturity, effective productive tillers, panicle exersion, panicle length, panicle width, panicle yield, grain yield and thousand seed weight traits. Based on general combining ability analysis, inbred lines P-9505 and P-9534 were identified as the best general combiners for both days to flowering and plant height traits; whereas inbred lines P-9501 and B5 were identified as the best general combiners for stay green traits. The hybrid crosses P-9534 x Melkam, B6 x ICRS-14 and MARC3 x Melkam were identified as the best specific combiners for grain yield, while the hybrid TX-623 x ICRS-14 was the best specific combiner for days to flowering, days to maturity, panicle length, panicle width and thousand-seed weight. The estimates of general and specific combining ability revealed the preponderance of non-additive gene action since the ratio of general combining ability to specific combining ability was less than unity for all the traits under study except for plant height. The maximum grain yield was obtained from the hybrids P-9534 x Melkam (6.32 tha-1), followed by the hybrids B6 x ICRS-14 (5.92 tha-1), TX-623 x ICRS-14 (5.88 tha-1), P9511 x Melkam (5.78 tha-1) and P-850341 x ICRS-14 (5.57 tha-1). Among the hybrids, B6 x ICRS-14 exhibited (112.41%) yield advantage over the mid parents, hybrid TX-623 x ICRS-14 exhibited (68.71%) yield advantage over the better parent, whereas P-9534 x Melkam exhibited (30.71%) yield advantage over the standard check for grain yield. Finally, based on the mean yield performance, heterosis response and combining ability estimates for grain yield and its components, the hybrid crosses P-9534 x Melkam, B6 x ICRS-14, TX-623 x ICRS-14, MARC3 x Melkam, MARC3 x ICRS-14, P9511 x Melkam and P-850341xICRS-14 were found to be the most promising and potential hybrids that could be exploited commercially after critical evaluation for their superiority and yield stability across locations over the years.

Determination of Appropriate Time of Nitrogen Application to Improve Productivity of Sorghum Crops in Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region

The research was conducted to determine the appropriate application time of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and yield components of sorghum in Benishangul gumuz region. Treatments consisted of eight application times of nitrogen: all recommended rate of N at planting (T1), ½ at planting + ½ at knee height (T2), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub> at near flowering (T3), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at knee height+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at near flowering (T4), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at knee height (T5), Applying <sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at near flowering (T6), Applying <sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> knee height (T7), and Applying <sup>2</sup>/<sub>3</sub> at planting+<sup>1</sup>/<sub>3</sub> knee height (T8) Days to 50% maturity, plant height, and grain yield were the parameters significantly affected by treatment effect, while, days to heading, and thousand kernel weight showed non-significant. The maximum grain yield was 5658 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, in two split applications (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at knee height. The use of nitrogen in two split applications (1/2 dose at sowing and 1/2 dose at knee height stage) can be recommended for farmers for production of sorghum in the study area and other areas with similar agro ecological conditions.

A Review of Biological Control One Decade After the Sorghum Aphid (Melanaphis sorghi) Outbreak.

Melanaphis sorghi is a pest that is native to Africa but is now distributed worldwide. In 2013, its destructive capacity was demonstrated when it devastated sorghum crops in the United States and Mexico, making it a new pest of economic importance in North America. At the time, the phytosanitary authorities of both countries recommended the use of pesticides to control the outbreak, and biological control products for the management of this pest were not known. In response to the outbreak of M. sorghi in North America, several field studies have been performed in the last decade on sorghum crops in the USA and Mexico. Works have focused on assessing resistant sorghum hybrids, pesticide use, and recruitment of associated aphid predators and entomopathogens for natural control of M. sorghi populations. The objective of this review is to compile the information that has been generated in the past decade about indigenous enemies affecting M. sorghi naturally in the field, as well as the search for biological control alternatives and evaluations of interactive effects of resistant sorghum hybrids, pesticides, and natural enemies. To date, different predators, parasitoids, fungi, and bacteria have been evaluated and in many cases found to affect M. sorghi populations in sorghum agroecosystems or laboratory bioassays, and the use of resistant sorghum varieties and pesticides did not have clear toxic effects on natural enemy populations. Many of the macroorganisms and microorganisms that have been evaluated as potential biological controls have shown potential as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for keeping M. sorghi population densities below economic damage thresholds and are compatible with integrated management of sorghum aphids. While most tests of these biological alternatives have shown that they have aphidicidal potential against sorghum aphids, it is crucial to take into account that their effectiveness in the field depends on a number of abiotic and biotic factors, including soil texture, temperature, humidity, and natural enemies.

Sheet nanocomposites of sorghum stalk loaded with hydrated ferric oxide for Cu(Ⅱ) deep removal from water

Novel sheet porous nanocomposites were developed for Cu(II) deep removal form water utilizing waste crop stalks. Hydrated ferric oxide (HFO) was coated onto the surface of sorghum crop stalk (SCS) through a simple and cleaner impregnation-surface deposition method to fabricate the nanocomposite adsorbent SCS-HFO. BET, SEM-EDX, FTIR and XPS characterization proved that HFO with a particle size of 10–50 nm was successfully loaded on the sorghum stalk surface. High level of coexisting cations such as Na+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ in aqueous solution had little influence on the Cu2+ adsorption capacity, showing that SCS-HFO had excellent adsorption selectivity. The adsorption of Cu2+ onto SCS-HFO fitted to Langmuir isothermal model, and the adsorption process conformed to the quasi-secondary kinetics, which indicates that monolayer chemical adsorption is dominant. The fixed-bed column of SCS-HFO could effectively reduce the Cu2+ concentration in 6.8 L of simulated wastewater to less than 0.01 mg/L. The NaCl-NH3·H2O mixed solution can regenerate SCS-HFO, and the adsorption efficiency of SCS-HFO still reaches more than 90 % after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles, indicating good stability of the prepared material. This study successfully constructed and fabricated a green and cost-effective nanocomposite adsorbent based on agricultural waste.

Fertilizer Micro-dosing: Evaluating the Yield Response of Sorghum to Different Levels of Fertilizers Applied on the Planting Pit at Mereb-Lekhe District

Next to drought, poor soil fertility is the single major cause of crops nutrient starvation in Tigray specifically at Mereb-lekhe district. Farmers of the study area use different organic and inorganic fertilizers separately and in combination to overcome soil fertility problems for sorghum production. However, the pace of sorghum production stays constant and occasionally decreases with time. Fertilizer efficiency; the type, rate and method of fertilizer application they use were thought to be the reasons for the steady or declining sorghum production. Hence, this study was initiated to determine the yield response of sorghum to microdose fertilizer application. The experiment was set in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were; farmers’ practice or blanket recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) (50kg ha-1 Urea & 100 kg ha-1 DAP), recommended compost at a rate of 7ton ha-1, 75% of recommended NP, 50% of recommended NP, 25% of recommended NP, 75% recommended NP+25% recommended compost, 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost and 25% recommended NP+75% recommended compost. All treatments were applied with microdosing method except the recommended N and P is broadcasting method. The highest sorghum grain yield (4201 kg ha-1) and straw yield (19107 kg ha-1) were obtained from treatment recommended compost at a rate of 7 ton/ha and 50% recommended NP+50% recommended compost, respectively. This study showed that combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer gave a better economic advantage for sorghum crop. Hence, it could be concluded that use of compost at a rate of 7 ton ha-1 and the 75% recommended N and P could increase production and productivity of sorghum by the application of micro dosing than broadcasting method.

The effect of seed packaging materials, storage period and conditions on the physiological sorghum seedlings

Seed quality is fundamental to agricultural productivity and sustainability. Sorghum, as a versatile crop with a wide range of applications, requires high-quality seeds for optimal production. Understanding the seed storage condition, storage period and packaging materials on seed physiological quality is a basis of field crop establishment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of packaging materials, storage conditions, and storage periods on the physiological quality of sorghum seedlings. One hundred grams of sorghum seed from 5.4 kg of cleaned sorghum seeds were packed in polyethylene bags, polypropylene bags, and aluminium foil. The seeds in packaging materials were stored at 3 different temperatures for 2, 4, and 6 months and the sample of ten grams was taken every 2 months of storage time for germination test. The data on normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings lengths, and seedling dry weight were recorded. The results showed that polyethylene bags at 10°C and 2 months of storage preserved seedling physiological quality more than aluminium foil and polypropylene bags. This may be attributed to the impervious properties of polyethylene hence preventing oxidative reactions and seed deterioration. To guarantee the successful field establishment and strong plant stand of sorghum crops, findings advise seed producers and farmers regarding appropriate seed storage procedures.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ICRISAT IK00007 MULTI CROP THRESHER

The study evaluated the performance of the multi-crop motorized stationary thresher acquired by the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Nigeria. The performance indices used were threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, output capacity, scatter loss and breakages. The independent variables used were the concave cylinder speed, revolution per minute (rpm) and feed rate, kg/min. The work was conducted using a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD). Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT 17.1version statistical software and least significant difference (LSD) was adopted in separating the means. The mean performance values of IK00007 machine for sorghum crop ranges from 102.71 – 157.33 kg/h, 72.36 – 93.30 % , 64.52 – 79.49 %, 17.33 – 27.80 %, and 0.12 – 0.67 %; for millet crop it ranges from 34.10 – 78.12 kg/h, 57.77 – 92.07 % , 41.76 – 64.55 %, 13.35 – 27.99 %, and 0.23 – 0.38 %; while for maize crop it ranges from 298.23 – 580.00 kg/h, 70.26 – 100.00 %, 61.20 – 91.60%, 22.74 – 43.06 %, and 0.70 – 1.27 % for output capacity, threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, scatter loss, and breakages, respectively. Machine IK00007 can be best used in threshing maize at a combination of feed rate of 40 kg/min and a speed of 950 rpm. With this, the mean values for output capacity, threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, scatter loss and grain breakages are 580.60 kg/h, 100.00%, 86.22%, 39.43% and 1.06% respectively. The best combination for threshing of sorghum with the machine (IK00007) is at the feed rate of 12 kg/min and a speed of 950 rpm. With this, the mean values for output capacity, threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, scatter loss and grain breakages are 157.33 kg/h, 86.20%, 76.07%, 22.39% and 0.47%, respectively. The best combination for threshing of millet with the machine (IK00007) is at the feed rate of 8 kg/min and a speed of 950 rpm. With this, the mean values for output capacity, threshing efficiency, cleaning efficiency, scatter loss and grain breakages are 78.12 kg/h, 77.68%, 56.20%, 25.04% and 0.27% respectively. The mean annual operational cost for IK00007 machine was found to be N 118,936.3, N 116,637.4 and N 117,313.9 for the threshing of sorghum, millet and maize respectively. It is concluded that all independent factors have significant effects on the dependent performance indices. Specifications for the combination of operational machine parameters to give best performance have been obtained. The assessment of the operational cost of the thresher was conducted.

Fast stomatal kinetics in sorghum enables tight coordination with photosynthetic responses to dynamic light intensity and safeguards high water use efficiency.

In this study, we assessed 43 accessions of Sorghum from 16 countries across three continents. Our objective was to identify stomatal and photosynthetic traits that could be exploited in breeding programs to increase photosynthesis without increasing water use under dynamic light environments. Under field conditions, Sorghum crops often have limited water availability and are exposed to rapidly fluctuating light intensity, which influences both photosynthesis and stomatal behaviour. Our results highlight a tight coupling between photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) even under dynamic light conditions that results in steady Wi. This was due mainly to rapid stomatal responses, with the majority of Sorghum accessions responding within 5min or less. The maintenance of Ci:Ca over a large range of accessions suggests high stomatal sensitivity to changes in Ci, that could underlie the rapid gs responses and extremely close relationship between A and gs under both dynamic and steady-state conditions. Therefore, Sorghum represents a prime candidate for uncovering the elusive mechanisms that coordinate A and gs, and such information could be used to design crops with high A without incurring significant water losses and eroding Wi.

Increasing Fertilization Efficiency of Biomass Ash by the Synergistically Acting Digestate and Extract from Water Plants Sequestering CO2 in Sorghum Crops.

The utilization of biomass ash in sustainable agriculture and increasing its fertilizing efficiency by biological agents, potentially sequestering CO2, have become important issues for the global economy. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effects of ash from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) biomass, a biogas plant digestate, and a Spirodela polyrhiza extract, acting alone or synergistically, on soil fertility and the development, health and physiological properties of sorghum plants. The results show novel information concerning differences in the composition and impact of ash, depending on its origin, soil properties and sorghum plant development. Sorghum ash was more effective than that from Jerusalem artichoke. Ash used alone and preferably acting synergistically with the digestate and Spirodela polyrhiza extract greatly increased soil fertility and the growth, biomass yield and health of sorghum plants. These improvements were associated with an increased chlorophyll content in leaves, better gas exchange (photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance), greater enzyme activity (acid and alkaline phosphatase, RNase, and total dehydrogenase), and a higher biomass energy value. The developed treatments improved environmental conditions by replacing synthetic fertilizers, increasing the sequestration of CO2, solving the ash storage problem, reducing the need for pesticides, and enabling a closed circulation of nutrients between plant and soil, maintaining high soil fertility.

Effect of Eighteen Years of Continuous Crop Residue Application on Crop Yields, Soil P Fractions, and Crop P Uptake in Conservation Tillage Under Semi-Arid Tropical Rainfed Conditions

The continuous use of crop residue in soil can enhance the crop yield and potential availability and mobility of P fractions to crops in conservation tillage. A field experiment was conducted to assess the long-term effects of surface crop residue applications on soil P fractions and their relationship with P uptake and crop yields. Field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, India during 2005 to 2022. The experimental treatments applied were: T1 - no crop residue application, T2 - application of crop residue @ 2 t ha-1, T3 - application of crop residue @ 4 t ha-1, and T4 - application of crop residue @ 6 t ha-1 in conservation tillage. The test crops viz. sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were grown in a yearly rotation every year in the kharif season in conservation tillage. The results of the long-term study revealed that the per cent increase in sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) grain yield with the application of crop residue at the rate of 2, 4 and 6 t crop residue ha-1was to the tune of 7.9, 16.1 and 26.0%, respectively over no crop residue application. Similarly, the per cent increase in the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed yield was to the extent of 25.2, 43.0 and 64.1% in 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1, respectively over no crop residue application. The sorghum and cowpea stover yield also significantly (p=0.05%) increased with the added levels of the crop residue. Significantly higher P uptake by sorghum and cowpea was recorded in 6 t crop residue ha-1 as compared to the other crop residue treatments. Results of the current study also showed the significant positive response of long-term crop residue application on the P fractions viz., water-soluble phosphorus (WS-P), aluminum bound P (Al-P), iron bound P (Fe-P), calcium bound P (Ca-P) and reductant soluble P (RS-P), and on available P and total P in soil as compared to no crop residue application. The average percent contribution of P fractions toward the sum-total of extracted P was in the order: Fe-P (30.8%)>RS-P (30.7%)>Al-P (24.2%)>Ca-P (9.4%)>WS-P (4.8%). The WS-P and Al-P were found to be the P fractions indicating their specificity by cowpea crop, and WS-P and Ca-P were found to be P fractions indicating their specificity by sorghum crop. The results of the present study will be highly useful in understanding the effect of crop residue application in conservation tillage on the P fractions and their contribution toward P uptake and crop yields.

Integrating NDVI and agronomic data to optimize the variable-rate nitrogen fertilization

The success of Variable Rate Application (VRA) techniques is closely linked to the algorithm used to calculate the different fertilizer rates. In this study, we proposed an algorithm based on the integration between some estimated agronomic inputs and crop radiometric data acquired by using a multispectral sensor. Generally, VRA algorithms are evaluated by comparing the yields, but they can often be affected by factors acting in the final phase of the crop cycle and not dependent on the fertilization treatments. Therefore, we decided to compare our algorithm (ALG) versus the traditional application of fertilizer (TRD) by evaluating the crop growth 1.5 months after the fertilization time. The algorithm was tested on a sorghum crop under organic farming, managed with or without manure. The saving of N obtained with ALG was equal to 14 and 5 kg ha− 1 (-14 and − 10% for the non-manure and fertilized treatments, respectively). The NDVI values acquired after fertilization showed a remarkable reduction of relative standard deviation for ALG system (from 22 to 9% and from 34 to 14% for manured and not manured, respectively), which was not found for TRD system (from 16 to 17% and from 29 to 18% for manured and not manured, respectively). The above ground biomass produced was statistically equivalent for the two systems in the manured plots and significant higher for ALG in not-manured plots (+ 0.74 t ha− 1 of dm, equal to + 23%). Finally, the indices calculated to evaluate the Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) were consistently better in the ALG theses.

Impacts of climate change and variability on drought characteristics and challenges on sorghum productivity in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Examining the characteristics of drought indices in the context of climate variability and change, particularly in semi-arid water-stressed regions, requires adaptation. Observed climate data of the Babile station from 1980 to 2009 were used as a baseline for climate projection. Future climate projection was established under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) climate scenarios for the 21st century. Two drought indices, namely standard precipitation index and standard evapotranspiration index (SPI and SPEI) were employed based on temperature and rainfall to characterize droughts. Our study revealed that drought severity and intensity are more likely to increase under RCP4.5 climate forcing in the middle of the 21st century. The average drought severity (S) was 1.1, 1.53, 1.55, and 1.8 in SPEI 3-month time scale; 1.51, 2.1, 2.38, and 2.29 in SPEI 4-month time scale; and 2.15, 2.77, 3.44, and 2.91 in SPEI 6-month time scale, whereas, the drought severity (S) was 1.33, 1.37, and 1.79 in SPEI 3-month time scale; 1.79, 2.05, and 2.19 in SPEI 4-month time scale; and 2.47, 3.19, and 2.69 in SPEI 6-month time scale in observed, near, mid and end of the 21st century under RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively. Increase in drought frequency and severity occurrences under RCP4.5 scenario would have a negative impact on sorghum crop productivity. We recommended further study on practical soil water conservation to drought management in the study area.

Reducing stomatal density by expression of a synthetic Epidermal Patterning Factor increases leaf intrinsic water use efficiency and reduces plant water use in a C4 crop.

Enhancing crop water use efficiency (WUE) is a key target trait for climatic resilience and expanding cultivation on marginal lands. Engineering lower stomatal density to reduce stomatal conductance (gs) has improved WUE in multiple C3 crop species. However, reducing gs in C3 species often reduces photosynthetic carbon gain. A different response is expected in C4 plants because they possess specialized anatomy and biochemistry which concentrates CO2 at the site of fixation. This modifies the photosynthesis (AN) relationship with intracellular CO2 concentration (ci) so that photosynthesis is CO2-saturated and reductions in gs are unlikely to limit AN. To test this hypothesis, genetic strategies were investigated to reduce stomatal density in the C4 crop sorghum. Constitutive expression of a synthetic epidermal patterning factor (EPF) transgenic allele in sorghum, led to reduced stomatal densities, reduced gs, reduced plant water use and avoidance of stress during a period of water deprivation. In addition, moderate reduction in stomatal density did not increase stomatal limitation to AN. However, these positive outcomes were associated with negative pleiotropic effects on reproductive development and photosynthetic capacity. Avoiding pleiotropy by targeting expression of the transgene to specific tissues could provide a pathway to improved agronomic outcomes.

Effects of Conventional and Organic Fertilization on the Chemical Profile of Sorghum bicolor and the Preference of Sugarcane Aphids (Melanaphis sacchari)

Melanaphis sacchari is a cosmopolitan pest that causes losses in sorghum crops, so new management methods are needed. In addition, the type of fertilization used influences plant compositions and pest infestation, and allelochemicals are a promising method for the possible management of M. sacchari. In this work, we measured the preference of M. sacchari through chemical stimuli towards sorghum plants grown under greenhouse conditions without fertilization (F0), conventional fertilization (CF), and organic fertilization (OF). Leaves were collected from sorghum plants fertilized with 200 kg N ha−1 using ammonium sulfate and poultry manure. Extracts were obtained using Soxhlet extraction, and the compounds were identified using a gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Sorghum extracts were individually tested through bioassays to determine M. sacchari preference. The abundance and number of compounds in sorghum differed depending on the type of fertilization used. M. sacchari showed a preference for the extract from CF sorghum plants (76.66%) over the extract from OF plants (23.34%). Therefore, the type of fertilization can be used as a tactic to prevent higher infestations of M. sacchari. The biological activity of the compounds identified here with M. sacchari should be determined for future pest management strategies using allelochemicals, given that the sugarcane aphid uses chemical signals to locate its host plant.

Evaluation of land suitability for sorghum crops in Lampasio District, Tolitoli Regency

Sorghum is an alternative food ingredient that contains high levels of carbohydrates and calories so it can be a solution to food security problems. This research aims to evaluate the suitability of land for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) in Tolitoli Regency, Indonesia. This research was conducted in Lampasio District, Tolitoli Regency using purposive sampling and survey methods on five land map units (SPL). The results of the research show that the area is classified as quite suitable land class (S2) with limiting factors for drainage and nutrient retention (oa, nr) with a land area of 3,652.7 ha spread over 5 SPL, namely SPL 1,2,3 and 5 while class The land (S3) is SPL 4. However, this can be overcome by adding fertilizer and adding organic material. So that it can improve the status of each land to be very suitable (S1) and quite suitable (S2).

Yield -based evaluation of low nitrogen tolerance indices for screening of [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes

Nitrogen stress is one of the key factors limiting sorghum crop productivity. To identify desirable sorghum genotypes best suited to nitrogen stress, the response of 300 sorghum landraces and two standard checks: KS78, and BCK60 were evaluated using yield-based indices. The experiment was conducted under nitrogen stress and ideal conditions for two years using a split-plot in RCBD design with two replications. Nitrogen treatments were assigned to the main plots, and sorghum genotypes were assigned to the subplots. Fourteen nitrogen stress screening indices, namely, the yield stability index (YSI), stress tolerance index (STI), modified stress tolerance index (KSTI), low nitrogen tolerance index (LNTI), relative decrease in yield (RDY), tolerance index (TOL), yield index (YI), stress susceptibility index (SSI), stress susceptibility percentage index (SSPI), and harmonic mean (HM), were computed using grain yield. The yield under optimal and stress conditions was significantly positively correlated with the HM, MP, GMP, STI, HM, YI, and modified STI. The results from the cluster analysis, PCA biplot, and 3D biplot classified the genotypes into three groups: nitrogen stress tolerant, nitrogen stress susceptible, and poor performers under both environments. Using STI, GMP, and MP, Genotypes (G80) ETSL101255, (G216) ETSL101006, (G35) ETSL101258, (G146) ETSL100813, and genotypes (G244) ETSL100292, (G161) ETSL100539, (G240) ETSL100890, (G93) ETSL101845, (G261) ETSL100625, (G248) ETSL100874, (G258) ETSL100752, (G142) ETSL100921, (G135) ETSL100307 were identified as top nitrogen stress tolerant, and susceptible genotypes respectively. We conclude that the indices MP, GMP, and STI can help in improving sorghum yield by selecting nitrogen efficient genotypes.

Optimizing Soil Health and Sorghum Productivity through Crop Rotation with Quinoa.

Crop rotation has been considered a potential solution to mitigate the negative effects of the continuous cropping of sorghum, including soil quality issues, inadequate plant development, and diminished yield and quality. A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare the effects of sorghum-sorghum continuous cropping and quinoa-sorghum rotation on soil properties and sorghum yield. The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Sorghum seeds (Jinza 22) and quinoa seeds ('Jiaqi 1' variety) were used. Soil samples were collected before and during the experiment for the analysis of physicochemical properties. The yield traits of sorghum were measured at maturity. The results showed that soil nutrients and organic matter were higher in the top 0-20 cm soil depth compared to 20-40 cm depth, with significant differences observed between cropping systems. Sorghum-quinoa cropping increased soil total N and organic matter, particularly at the jointing and maturity stages of sorghum. However, the available phosphorus was higher under continuous cropping at all growth stages. Crop rotation significantly improved sorghum yield traits, including spike fresh weight, spike dry weight, grain weight per spike, and grain yield per hectare. A correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between soil total N, organic matter, and sorghum yield. Overall, sorghum-quinoa rotation demonstrated potential for improving soil fertility and enhancing crop productivity compared to continuous cropping, although further studies are needed to explore the long-term effects and optimize management practices.

Exploring genotypic diversity in sorghum breeding lines for water‐saving traits to enhance drought adaptation during the post‐rainy season

AbstractSorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], a crucial staple crop in South Asia and sub‐Saharan Africa, faces challenges amid increasing climate variability. Post‐rainy sorghum serves as a dominant food and fodder crop in India. Aligned with International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics's post‐rainy sorghum product profile, this research extensively characterizes sorghum lines, emphasizing the traits vital for post‐rainy drought adaptation in hybrid parents. We examined genotypic differences and trait correlations in 25 sorghum hybrid parents and varieties (B line for seed parent, R line for restorer, and check for varieties) through atmospheric and soil drought experiments. Results from atmospheric drought experiments revealed significant variation in transpiration rate (TR) under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), with certain lines showing limited TR (BTX623 and ICSR 21002), while others exhibited high TR. In soil drought experiments, transpiration decline occurred at fractions of transpirable soil water ranging between 0.38 (ICSR 174) and 0.65 (40162 and ICSR 21005). R lines consistently displayed superior plant growth, water use, and biomass compared to B lines. Transpiration efficiency (TE) and total biomass showed positive correlations (r2 = 0.69) in well‐watered and (r2 = 0.45) in water‐stressed conditions. Most R lines displayed higher biomass and TE. Genotypes exhibiting enhanced vigor and limited TR in high VPD conditions and high TE hold potential for enhancing drought adaptation in post‐rainy sorghum. Notably, genotypes with higher biomass, lower TR, and increased TE within both R and B line groups represent valuable genetic resources for enhancing sorghum crops, post‐rainy sorghum adaptation to water deficit.

Characteristics and potential of tidal swamplands for sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) cultivation

Abstract The characterization and potential of tidal swamps as a source of sorghum crop production (Sorghum Bicolor L. Moech), is the first research conducted in tidal lands, considering that so far sorghum has been widely planted in dry land. Aims to identify the biophysical character of the land, and multiply the potential, and technology of sorghum cultivation in tidal lands. Conducted in Kapuas Regency, Central Kalimantan, from August 2022 - April 2023. Land suitability analysis refers to 1:250,000 scale maps, 1:50,000 scale soil type maps, and soil analysis as the basis for determining technological inputs for successful site-specific sorghum cultivation. The results showed the biophysical character of tidal land with pH <5, has low nutrient content, imperfect water management, and proven to have good potential for sorghum growth. The application of dolomite as much as 1000 kg/ha and manure 5000 kg/ha and 200 kg/ha urea, 100 kg/ha SP-36, and 50 kg/ha KCL according to the results of soil analysis, proved that sorghum can produce 3.07 t/ha in tidal land, and almost the same as production in a dry land.

Development and Validation of Avena Integrated Management (AIM): A Bioeconomic Decision Support Tool for Wild Oat Management in Australian Grain Production Systems

Abstract Wild oat is a long-standing weed problem in Australian grain cropping systems, potentially reducing the yield and quality of winter grain crops significantly. The effective management of wild oat requires an integrated approach of diverse control techniques that suit specific crops and cropping situations. This research aimed to construct and validate a bioeconomic model that enables the simulation and integration of weed control technologies for wild oat in grain production systems. The Avena spp. integrated management (AIM) model was developed with a simple interface to provide outputs of biological and economic data (crop yields, weed control costs, emerged weeds, weed seedbank, gross margins) on wild oat management data in a cropping rotation. Uniquely, the AIM was validated against real-world data on wild oat management in a wheat and sorghum cropping rotation, where the model was able to reproduce the patterns of wild oat population changes as influenced by weed control and agronomic practices. Correlation coefficients for 12 comparison scenarios ranged between 0.55 and 0.96. With accurate parameterization, AIM is thus able to make useful predictions on the effectiveness of individual and integrated weed management tactics for wild oat control in grain cropping systems.