Sorghum Crops Research Articles

Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Sorghum Crop Yield in the Babile District of Eastern Ethiopia

The impacts of various climatic conditions, such as temperature and rainfall variabilities, are very critical and sensitive to rain-fed crop production, particularly over the water stress arid and semi-arid regions of Ethiopia. This study was designed to evaluate the potential impact of climate variability and change on sorghum grain yield in the Babile district of eastern Ethiopia. The study was conducted based on observed and model-based simulated projected rainfall and temperature obtained from the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute and General Circulation Models (GCM) used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the Fifth Assessment Report CMIP5) and Agricultural Model Inter-comparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP). Three GCM models, namely GFDLESM2M, CanESM2, and HadGEM2-ES under RCP4.5, were considered to generate future climate projections for the near-term 21st century. Various univariate and multivariate statistical techniques were employed to compute and identify whether the impacts of climate variability and change on rain-fed sorghum crop performance were reasonably viable over the districts where grain yield is highly stable and productive under normal climate conditions. Our findings revealed that more stable and better rainfall performance from May to September, the season when sorghum crops are normally planted in the Babile district, was positively correlated, while the maximum and minimum temperatures of the season were negatively correlated with sorghum grain yield. A significant association has been detected between sorghum grain yield and its growing period rainfall, number of rainy days, and maximum and minimum temperature with multi-regression analysis. Thus, the variability of rainfall in August, June temperature, and the number of rainy days in September significantly impacted sorghum crop productivity. As a result, the multi-regression model adjusted R-squared indicated that 77% variance in annual sorghum yield performance was explained by rainfall and temperature conditions that prevailed during the crop growing period. During the past period, there was a significant increase in sorghum yields, which are projected to decline during the near term of the 21st century in the future. This revealed that declining and disturbed rainfall performance and increases in temperature are likely to reduce overall sorghum grain yield in the Babile district. We recommend that there is a need to enhance awareness for smallholder farmers on the adverse impact of climate variability and change on sorghum grain yield. In view of this, the farmers need to be geared toward employing climate-smart agriculture as a possible adaptation measure to reduce the negative impacts of climate variability and change on rain-fed crop production practices in the Babile district and other arid and semi-arid parts of eastern Ethiopia.

Photosynthetic productivity of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. (Moenh) in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. (Moenh) is a technical, food, and fodder crop and can be used for various purposes, given its value, the acreage should be substantially expanded in Ukraine, and the elements of cultivation technology should be thoroughly examined. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the growth regulator on the photosynthetic productivity of sorghum in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. The following methods were used in the study: field, measuring and weighing, mathematical, and statistical. The study was conducted in conditions of unstable moisture in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine in 2016-2019. Based on the results of the study, it was determined that the use of a plant growth regulator affected photosynthetic productivity, namely, the leaf surface area, photosynthetic potential and net photosynthesis productivity. The indicators for the content of chlorophylls changed. Thus, the assimilation area of leaves reached a maximum with seed treatment and spraying of crops and amounted to 8.56 thousand m2 /ha during the tillering period, during the period of stem elongation – 29.6 thousand m2 /ha, during flowering and full ripeness – 40.32 and 4.97 thousand m2 /ha. Net photosynthetic productivity in the control was the lowest – 4.67 g/m2 , the use of a growth regulator on seeds and crops contributed to its increase by 0.27 and 0.79 g/m2 . With the treatment of seeds and crops, the net photosynthetic productivity was the highest and amounted to 6.12 g/m2 . The sum of chlorophylls a+b had the highest rates during the tasselling period and, depending on the experiment options, ranged from 4.36 to 5.35. The yield of grain and biomass also varied depending on the use of the preparation, and was the highest in the version with seed treatment and spraying of crops (7.1 and 35.9 t/ha). The close relationship between photosynthetic productivity and the yield of sorghum is also determined. The study can contribute to the widespread use of growth regulators in sorghum crops, ensure the full development of plants, and increase grain yields and biomass

Land suitability study for sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) farming in Pleret Yogyakarta

Marginal land and geological disaster-prone in the Opak Fault zone area need to be studied for the basic potential for the development of multi-purpose crops for food, feed, and renewable energy. The study was aimed to determine the potential of the soil and evaluate the suitability of the land for sweet sorghum (Shorgum bicolor) crop in Gunung Kelir, Pleret District, Bantul, Yogyakarta as part of the Opak Fault line. A total of 20 sample points were collected based on geological data, land use, slope, and administrative maps. Analysis of soil physical and chemical properties was carried out to classify soil types and land suitability for sweet sorghum plants. The developing soils in the study area were originated from volcanic breccias, Young Merapi Volcano, and the alluvial of the Opak River, with included in orders of Entisols and Inceptisols. The cation exchange capacity of soils that develop from volcanic breccias is higher than those that develop from Merapi volcanic soils. Suitability of land for sweet sorghum plants includes S2 class with limiting factors for nutrient retention, temperature, and erosion hazard area of ± 24,011 Ha (76.23%), S3 class with limiting factors for erosion hazard and surface stonies of ± 3.85 Ha (12.22%), and N class with a root zone constraint of ± 0.139 Ha (0.44%), and others are not agriculture. Based on the results of this study it is expected that sweet sorghum is able to be developed in the Opak Fault zone to enhance the use of marginal land.

Evaluation of Pathogenic Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematode <i>Heterorhabditis indica</i> against <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i>

The isolation and identification studies revealed that the EPN isolates from the Sorghum cropping system was Heterorhabditis indica and showed pathogenicity to the third instar larvae of Corcyra cephalonica in laboratory. The pathogenicity studies revealed that mortality in 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae of C. cephalonica and H. armigera was highest at 30 IJs/100µl concentration of EPN suspension. The reproduction and multiplication studies revealed that recovery of EPN Infective Juveniles (IJs) was highest in the 3rd and 4th instar larvae of C. cephalonica and H. armigera when infected with EPN isolates from sorghum cropping system.

Germination Ecology of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) and Herbicide Options for Its Control

African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is one of the invasive perennial grasses that continues to disturb natural ecosystems globally. Experiments were conducted in southeast Queensland, Australia, to evaluate the effects of temperature, salt stress, water stress, burial depth, and sorghum crop residue load on the emergence and efficacy of postemergence herbicides on two populations (Clifton and Crows Nest) of E. curvula. The optimal germination temperature regimes for E. curvula were 30/20 and 35/25 °C, but seeds did not germinate at temperatures commonly occurring in the Queensland winter (15/5 °C). Total darkness inhibited germination by 79%, indicating that the shade cover effect would reduce germination of E. curvula. The Clifton population tolerated a higher concentration of sodium chloride (160 mM) and osmotic potential (−0.8 MPa). Under both salt and water stress, germination was 31% and 20% greater in the Clifton population than in Crows Nest, respectively, suggesting that the Clifton population is more tolerant to salt and drought stress. The maximum germination was obtained for the surface seeds while emergence declined with increased burial depth up to 4 cm. No seedlings emerged from the 8 cm depth. The addition of sorghum residue amounts up to 8 Mg ha−1 to the soil surface inhibited emergence compared to the no-residue treatment, suggesting that retention of heavy cereal residue will further delay or restrict emergence. Several postemergence herbicides were found to be effective in controlling E. curvula at an early stage. Information from this study will further compliment earlier studies on the targeted management of E. curvula populations.

Effect of Azospirillum spp. and Pseudomonas striata as inoculant and carbofuran on grain yield and nitrogen uptake by sorghum crop

Effect of Azospirillum spp. and Pseudomonas striata as inoculant and carbofuran on grain yield and nitrogen uptake by sorghum crop

Behavioral mechanism of transfer and dispersal of Propylaea japonica in cotton adjacent to sorghum fields

Increasing crop biodiversity, such as by adjacent managed crops, is recognized as an effective biological control measure. However, few studies have focused on the mechanisms involved in how adjacent managed crops increase natural enemy populations, leading to reduced pest numbers. This study investigated the hypothesis that cotton grown adjacent to sorghum would positively influence the feeding and oviposition preferences of the ladybug Propylaea japonica, which predates cotton aphids, leading to enhanced pest control. The populations of Aphis gossypii were significantly lower and those of P. japonica were significantly higher in cotton grown adjacent to sorghum compared with monoculture cotton fields. Regardless of diet on which the larva of P. japonica were reared (Melanaphis sacchari, A. gossypii, and 50% M. sacchari + 50% A. gossypii), the adults always consumed significantly more M. sacchari compared with A. gossypii. P. japonica also showed significantly higher feeding and oviposition preferences for host plants bearing aphids to only host plants. P. japonica fed M. sacchari preferred to lay eggs on cotton, whereas those fed A. gossypii preferred to lay eggs on sorghum. These results suggest that the habitat of natural enemies can be expanded by influencing their feeding and oviposition preferences to achieve pest control in adjacent cropping systems. This research, which incorporates field and laboratory studies, suggests an approach for the successful conservation and biological control of cotton aphids using adjacent managed cotton and sorghum crops.

Chemical Weed Control in Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

A field experiment was conducted at the Demonstration Farmof the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Khartoum, Sudan, during2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons, to determine the magnitude of growthand yield losses in grain sorghum crop due to weed competition, and toevaluate the effects of three herbicides viz, sorgoprim, gesaprim and tankmixture of 2,4-D and gesaprim at three rates of each in addition to aweed-free and a weed- infested treatments i.e. eleven treatments. Theexperiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with fourreplications. The results showed that when the weeds were left to competewith the sorghum crop throughout the season, the reduction percentages inthe seedlings’ dry weight, plant height and plant shoot dry weight in2012/13 were 55.4, 39,2 and 47.2 respectively; reductions in the sameparameters were 74.4, 39.1 and 45.4 respectively in 2013/14. Untreatedweeds – infested control, coupled with weed index (WI) of 65%–66%,inflicted considerable reductions in crop grain number/ plant of 60.1% in2012/13 and 61.4% in 2013/14, grain weight/plant of 66.3% in 2012/13and 66% in 202013/14 and on yield( ton/ha) by 65% in 2012/13 and by66% in 2013/14. All herbicide treatments irrespective of rate ofapplication, resulted in a good to excellent weed suppression. Herbicidesweed control efficiency (WCE) for 2012/13 and 2013/14 ranged from56% to 99% for broad-leaved weeds and from 39% to 97% for grassyweeds. The mixture tank of 2, 4-D + gesaprim @ 0.76L/ha + 0.6 Kg/hatreated sorghum reduced the WI to 2.5% in 2012/13 and to 3.2% in2013/14 and resulted in values of crop grains number/plant, grains weight/plant and yield significantly comparable to weed-free treatment.

Effects of Rotation with Trap Crops on Striga (Striga hermonthica Del. Benth) Incidence, its Seed Bank and Sorghum Growth and Yield

A trial was conducted for three consecutive seasons (2006/07,2007/08 and 2008/09) in a field artificially infested by Striga hermonthicain the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University ofSinnar. The effects of a two seasons’ crop rotation on striga incidence, itsseed bank and growth and yield of subsequent sorghum crop wereinvestigated. The rotation comprised the trap crops, cowpea (Vignaunguiculata), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), sesame (Sesamum indicum),sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and fallows, in assorted combinations. Asorghum monoculture, for the three seasons, was included as a control.All treatments reduced striga emergence significantly in comparison tosorghum monoculture. Sunflower and sesame grown for two consecutiveseasons caused the maximum reductions (80%), while a fallow followedby sorghum resulted in the least reduction (42%). Significant reduction instriga capsules (37%) was caused by two consecutive sesame crops. In thesecond season, all treatments significantly reduced striga seed bank,. Twoconsecutive fallows and two consecutive crops each of cowpea, millet andsunflower resulted in the highest reductions in striga incidence (80% -92%), while a fallow followed by sorghum exhibited the least reduction(51-65%). None of the treatments had adverse effects on sorghum standearly in the season; however, at harvest significant reduction wasobserved. Sorghum monoculture resulted in the lowest stand, whilesunflower planted subsequent to a fallow and two successive sunflowercrops affected the highest stands. Among all treatments, sorghum

Selection of grain sorghum varieties for the north Caucasian region of Russia

It is possible to solve the problem of productivity and improve the gross harvest of agricultural products by introducing new varieties and hybrids adapted to the conditions of cultivation into production. The diversity of the varietal composition of sorghum crops necessitates a careful approach in the selection of varieties. This is especially important for the North Caucasus region, which is characterized by contrasting natural and climatic conditions. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the existing varietal range of grain, sweet, grass sorghum, to identify varieties recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus region. The work on the development of sorghum crops was carried out at the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “ARC “Donskoy” in accordance with the Methodology of the State Commission for Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops. There has been found that since 2013 20 grain sorghum varieties and hybrids of Russian originators (7 sugar sorghum varieties, 6 Sudan grass varieties, 7 sorghum-Sudan hybrids) have been approved for cultivation in the North Caucasus region of the Russian Federation. Since 2013 2 grain sorghum varieties, 2 sweet and Sudan grass varieties, 1 sorghum-Sudan hybrid have been developed and introduced into the Register at ARC “Donskoy”. There have been developed grain sorghum varieties ‘Zernogradskoye 88’, ‘Esaul’ which are distinguished by high grain productivity of 5.0–6.2 t/ha and have been recommended for use for feed and food purposes. Sweet sorghum varieties ‘Feniks’ and ‘Yuzhnoe’ have been characterized by a large productivity of green mass for silage (37–45 t/ha) and good feed qualities, which allows them to be used for silage production. Sudan grass varieties ‘Alisa’ and ‘Gratsiya’ have made it possible to obtain 2 cuttings of high-quality green fodder (39–44 t/ha) and hay (12.0–13.2 t/ha). The sorghum-Sudan hybrid ‘Dobrynya F1’ has 55–61 t/ha of green mass for two cuttings and could be recommended for use for green fodder, hay, silage.

Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus, to Sex Pheromone Components and Their Blends

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major insect pest of maize and sorghum crops during the rainy season. The pheromone released by adult virgin females has been reported to consist of (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) as major component and (Z)-11-hexadecenol (Z11-16OH) as minor component. The latter has been reported to reduce the efficiency of major component to trap the male moths. We studied the electrophysiological and behavioral response of male C. partellus moths to Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16OH, their E-isomers (E)-11-hexadecenal and (E)-11-hexadecen-1-ol, and blends. Electroantennogram (EAG) studies revealed that male C. partellus antennae elicited significantly greater responses to both (Z)-11-hexadecenal and (Z)-11-hexadecenol compared to their respective E-isomers. Behavioral response studies through wind tunnel and cage bioassay showed that blends of Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16OH in the proportion of 100:100 and 100:95 elicited significantly higher responses from male moths. The attractiveness of these pheromone components and blends in field also revealed that traps baited with 100:100 proportion was most effective. Our studies clearly showed that the minor alcohol component Z11-16OH is important for enhancing attractiveness of the pheromone and provides a more effective blend for monitoring of this pest.

Effect of Inter and Intra Row Spacing on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor </i>(<I>L.</I>) <i>Moench</i>) at Assosa District, Western Ethiopia

Studies on plant populations are scarce and poorly recorded in western Ethiopia, which is a necessary condition for successfully cultivating the sorghum crop. To identify the ideal planting spacing for sorghum productivity in the main cropping season, this experiment was carried out at the Assosa Agricultural Research Center, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, in the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. It had a factorial configuration with three levels of inter-row spacing (70 cm, 75 cm, and 80 cm) and four levels of intra-row spacing (15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, and 30 cm). The current finding indicates that plant height decreased as intra-row space increased. Inter n and intra-row spacing had a substantial interaction effect on grain yield (P<0.01) As a consequence, a planting spacing of 75 cm by 20 cm produced the highest grain production (4784.6 kg ha^-1). Similar to this, the main effect of 20 cm intra-row spacing produced a significant maximum head weight (12.7 kg/plot). At low population levels, yield reductions were observed (75 cm inter and 30cm intra row). The findings indicate that the decrease in final grain output was a result of an increase in intra-plant separation from 20 cm to 30 cm between plants. In general, plants placed properly provided a great output, whereas plants spaced widely produced a poor yield. Therefore, to maintain sorghum productivity with the necessary spacing, improved sorghum varieties in Assosa and other regions with comparable agro-ecologies can be encouraged to use 75 cm inter-row spacing and 20 cm intra-row spacing.

Wheat stubble height effects on subsequent corn and grain sorghum crops

AbstractFor sustainable productivity, a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–summer crop (corn [Zea mays L.] or grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L.])–fallow (W‐SC‐F) cropping system could benefit from optimal wheat stubble cutting height management, but only limited information is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of wheat stubble height on subsequent corn and grain sorghum yields, available soil water, crop water use, and precipitation storage efficiency in a W‐C‐F and W‐S‐F cropping system. This study was conducted from 2006 through 2020 at the Kansas State University Southwest Research‐Extension Center near Tribune, KS. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three wheat stubble heights (high, low, and strip). Average across all years, there was a 9%–10% corn yield and 7%–11% corn biomass advantage from high and stripper harvested wheat stubble compared with low cut stubble, and a 5% sorghum yield advantage from high cut stubble compared with low cut stubble. Kernel weight of corn was the only yield component that significantly differed among stubble height treatments. Water productivity of corn in the high and stripper harvested stubble treatments (15.3 kg ha−1 mm−1) was significantly greater compared with the low cut stubble (14 kg ha−1 mm−1). Water productivity of sorghum in the high cut stubble treatment (18.9 kg ha−1 mm−1) was also significantly greater compared with low cut stubble (17.7 kg ha−1 mm−1). Total available soil water at planting (ASWP) and available soil water at harvest (ASWH) of corn were both greater for high cut stubble compared with stripper harvested stubble but total ASWP and ASWH of grain sorghum were not significantly different among stubble height treatments. We concluded that low cut wheat stubble decreased subsequent corn and grain sorghum yields in a W‐C/S‐F cropping system.

Elevated [CO2] negatively impacts C4 photosynthesis under heat and water stress without penalizing biomass.

Elevated [CO2] (eCO2) and water stress reduce leaf stomatal conductance (gs), which may affect leaf thermoregulation during heat waves (heat stress). Two sorghum lines, with different leaf width were grown in a glasshouse at a mean day temperature of 30 °C, under different [CO2] and watering levels, and subjected to heat stress (43 °C) for 6 d at the start of the reproductive stage. We measured leaf photosynthetic and stomatal responses to light transients before harvesting the plants. Photosynthesis at growth conditions (Agrowth) and biomass accumulation were enhanced by eCO2 under control conditions. Heat stress increased gs, especially in wider leaves, and reduced the time constant of stomatal opening (kopen) at ambient [CO2] but not eCO2. However, heat stress reduced photosynthesis under water stress and eCO2 due to increased leaf temperature and reduced evaporative cooling. eCO2 prevented the reduction of biomass under both water and heat stress, possibly due to improved plant and soil water status as a result of reduced gs. Our results suggest that the response of the C4 crop sorghum to future climate conditions depends on the trade-off between low gs needed for high water use efficiency and drought tolerance, and the high gs needed for improved thermoregulation and heat tolerance under an eCO2 future.

Soil moisture modulates biological nitrification inhibitors release in sorghum plants

Background and aimsSorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is able to exude allelochemicals with biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) capacity. Therefore, sorghum might be an option as cover crop since its BNI ability may reduce N pollution in the following crop due to a decreased nitrification. However, BNI exudation is related to the physiological state and development of the plant, so abiotic stresses such as drought might modify the rate of BNI exudation. Hence, the objective was to determine the effect of drought stress on sorghum plants’ BNI release.MethodsThe residual effects of sorghum crops over ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were monitored in a 3-year field experiment. In a controlled-conditions experiment, sorghum plants were grown under Watered (60% WFPS) or Moderate drought (30% WFPS) conditions, and fertilized with ammonium sulphate (A), ammonium sulphate + DMPP (A+D), or potassium nitrate (KNO3−). Soil mineral N was determined, and AOB populations were quantified. Additionally, plant biomass, isotopic discrimination of N and C, and photosynthetic parameters were measured in sorghum plants.ResultsIn the driest year, sorghum was able to reduce the AOB relative abundance by 50% at field conditions. In the plant-soil microcosm, drought stress reduced leaf photosynthetic parameters, which had an impact on plant biomass. Under these conditions, sorghum plants exposed to Moderate drought reduced the AOB abundance of A treatment by 25% compared to Watered treatment.ConclusionThe release of BNI by sorghum under limited water conditions might ensure high soil NH4+-N pool for crop uptake due to a reduction of nitrifying microorganisms.

Constraints Faced By the Small-Scale Farmers in the Production of Major Crops Sorghum and Maize in Awdal Region, Somaliland

The study aimed at exploring constraints faced by small-scale farmers in the production of major crops such as Sorghum and Maize; and find out their relationship with the selected characteristics of the farmers with the constraints they faced. The small-scale farmers of Baki, Dilla, Sabawanag, and Idhanks under the Borama and Baki districts were the respondents of the study. Data were collected by using a pre-tested structured interview schedule with a randomly selected sample of 92 farmers from a population of 1,250 farmers. Results indicated that among ten selected characters of the farmers, education, cosmopolites, training received, knowledge of climate change, and extension media contact showed a positive significant relationship with the constraints faced by the small-scale farmers in the production of major crops like sorghum and maize. On the other hand, farm size, land cultivation area, and annual income showed a negative significant relationship. The rest of the characteristics such as age and farming experience did not show any significant relationship with the constraints faced by the farmers. The results also showed that the highest proportion of the farmers (65.2 percent) faced medium constraints, while 22.8 percent and 12.0 percent of them faced low and high constraints, respectively. Among the 18 selected constraints, the highest constraints facing index (CFI) was found for ‘attack of diseases and pests in crop field’ which is 276 and the lowest was ‘lack of co-operation from family members with a score of 56. The study suggests that these constraints need to be solved to ensure food security and increase agricultural production in Awdal Region, Somaliland.

Knowledge and Information Systems on Sorghum Amongst Sorghum Farmers in Nyanza, Eastern and Coastal Regions, Kenya

As climate change continues to impact negatively on crop productivity, hardy crops such as sorghum could end severe food insecurity due to their potential to withstand adverse conditions. Farmers rely on localized indigenous knowledge passed on by word of mouth, informal training systems and growing practices as farmers interact. Though there are many stakeholders in sorghum production and its value chain, access to information and knowledge by farmers is still limited especially in marginalized regions. To understand information and knowledge management systems in sorghum production and how stakeholders interact a study was conducted in Eastern, Nyanza and Coastal regions of Kenya using structured questionnaires. The results showed most farmers were females. Majority had attained primary and secondary education, while 7.5% had no education. Farmer-to-farmer source of information on where to source seed was highest compared to agricultural extension officers and media advertisement. 60% do not consult where to get seed, instead use on farm saved seeds. Majority use traditional knowledge through experience compared to sources such as ministry of Agriculture, trainings and fellow farmers. Farmer-to-farmer information network and market analysis was commonly used on where to sell the grain. On-farm saved seed was selected based on size and color and about 60% conduct germination test on the seed from whichever source before planting. Majority (82.5%) use on-farm saved seeds, manure/compost and cultural methods to control pests. Of the respondents, 15% (eastern) and 7.5% (coastal) reported they have no measures to respond to climate change. Majority use grain for human consumption and about 73.1% are not members of any farmer group. Therefore, sensitization on benefits of sorghum crop, formation of more active farmer groups, involvement of agricultural related stakeholders, provision of more support and capacity building could enable them attain optimum agricultural productivity. Keywords : drought, food security, information, knowledge, sorghum, stakeholders DOI: 10.7176/JESD/14-4-05 Publication date: February 28 th 2023

Overview of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor. L), its Economic Importance, Ecological Requirements and Production Constraints in Kenya

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolar (L) Moench) is an important cereal crop grown in arid and semi-arid areas. It is ranked as the fifth key cereal crop globally and acts as a source of grain, animal feed, pasturage, fodder, fiber, fuel, bioethanol, alcoholic beverages as well as building materials. In Kenya, sorghum production is done mainly by smallholder farmers as a key food and cash crop. Most of the country’s crop production is mainly in the arid and semi-arid regions with an altitude of between 800 and 2,000 m above sea level. The country’s average sorghum yield ranges between 0.7-1ton/ha compared to variety specific average yield of &gt;2 tons/ha. The production is mainly constrained by myriad of factors such as climate change effects, poor agronomic practices, poor fertility management practices, poor pest and disease management, lack of ready markets, lack of organized market infrastructure, poor research- extension- farmer linkages and access to credit facilities as well as poor sorghum processing and value addition technologies. The current work reviews sorghum crop, with emphasis on its biology, economic importance, ecological requirements, current production status in Kenya and production constraints.

SELECTION OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE GENOTYPES OF SUGAR SORGHUM (SORGHUM BICOLOR L) FOR FURTHER USE IN PHYTOREMEDIATION OF SOILS FROM HEAVY METALS

at the moment, soil pollution is the main environmental problem, which leads to a great need for the restoration of contaminated soils using the most appropriate and effective cleaning methods. Conventional remediation and bioremediation of contaminated sites usually involves the physical removal of pollutants or biological exposure with the help of microorganisms. Basic physical recovery strategies are expensive, non-specific, and often render the soil unsuitable for further use by disrupting the microenvironment. Due to these concerns, there has been increased interest in environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches, such as phytostabilization, phytoremediation and phytofiltration for cleaning contaminated sites. In this article, special attention is paid to the selection of highly productive genotypes of sugar sorghum for further use in phytoremediation of soils from heavy metals. Removal of heavy metals from the environment with the help of plants in the modern world is a very effective and highly profitable method. In this regard, the identification and study of promising plants is the basis of successful biotechnology. From this point of view, sorghum crops are attractive. They have properties such as resistance to extreme drought, heat and salt resistance

Influence of sowing dates and backgrounds of mineral fertilizers on the productivity of sorghum in the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region

Relevance. The forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region is most susceptible to the influence of summer droughts. Forage crops in the study area due to lack of moisture in the second half of the growing season often form insufficient yields. Sorghum crops, in particular sugar sorghum, due to their heat and drought resistance, deserve to take a place in the field fodder crop rotations.Methods. To conduct research in the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Middle Volga region at different sowing dates and norms of mineral nutrition, two-factor experiments were laid. Factor A — sowing dates: I — May 10; II — May 20; III — May 30. Factor B — mineral fertilizers: without fertilizers (control); N60P60К60; N80P80K80.Results. It was revealed that the timing of sowing and the background of mineral nutrition had an impact on the formation of the leaf surface, plant height, the dynamics of their density, and on the formation of the crop. The leaf surface was from 32.4 to 38.3 thousand m2/ha on an unfertilized background in the booting phase, on an average background — 34–37.0 in the flowering phase, on a high background — 51.9–55.0 thousand m2/ha before harvesting. A similar situation was observed in terms of plant height and tillering of plants. When using N60P60К60 the duration of the growing season averaged 113 days over three years, which is 9 days more than in the control. The variant of the mineral background N80P80K80 increased the vegetation period by 15 days compared to the non-fertilized variant of the experiment. The creation of a background of mineral nutrition N60P60К60 in the second term of sowing sorghum made it possible to obtain an increase in the yield of fodder mass from 6.6 to 8.0 t/ha. The application of mineral fertilizers at a dose of N80P80K80 provided an increase in yield from 10.8 to 15.4 t/ha.