Sorghum Cv Research Articles

Manifestation of agronomically valuable traits in the progeny of a sorghum mutant carrying the genetic construct for RNA silencing of the γ-kafirin gene.

Improving the nutritional value of grain sorghum, a drought- and heat-tolerant grain crop, is an important task in the context of global warming. One of the reasons for the low nutritional value of sorghum grain is the resistance of its storage proteins (kafirins) to proteolytic digestion, which is due, among other things, to the structural organization of protein bodies, in which γ-kafirin, the most resistant to proteases, is located on the periphery, encapsulating more easily digested α-kafirins. The introduction of genetic constructs capable of inducing RNA silencing of the γ-kafirin (gKAF1) gene opens up prospects for solving this problem. Using Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of immature embryos of the grain sorghum cv. Avans we have obtained a mutant with improved digestibility of endosperm proteins (up to 92 %) carrying a genetic construct for RNA silencing of the gKAF1 gene. The goal of this work was to study the stability of inheritance of the introduced genetic construct in T2-T4 generations, to identify the number of its copies, as well as to trace the manifestation of agronomically valuable traits in the offspring of the mutant. The mutant lines were grown in experimental plots in three randomized blocks. The studied lines were characterized by improved digestibility of kafirins, a modified type of endosperm, completely or partially devoid of the vitreous layer, an increased percentage of lysine (by 75 %), reduced plant height, peduncle length, 1000-grains weight, and grain yield from the panicle. In T2, a line with monogenic control of GA resistance was selected. qPCR analysis showed that in different T3 and T4 plants, the genetic construct was present in 2-4 copies. In T3, a line with a high digestibility of endosperm proteins (81 %) and a minimal decrease in agronomically valuable traits (by 5-7 %) was selected.

SITE-directed mutagenesis for producing grain sorgum mutants with improved kafirine digestibility

The use of genome editing technologies opens wide opportunities for the targeted mutagenesis in important agricultural crops. In the context of global warming, sorghum, an important drought- and heat-tolerant crop is of particular importance. However, compared to other cereals, sorghum grain has a lower nutritional value, due to the resistance of its storage proteins (kafirins) to proteolytic digestion. A decrease in the synthesis of kafirins as a result of mutations or the expression of the RNAi genetic constructs modifies the ultrastructure of protein bodies and improves their digestibility by proteases. To obtain mutants with improved protein digestibility, we created four binary vectors for site-directed mutagenesis of the k1C5 and gKAF1 genes encoding α- and γ-kafirin, respectively. Each of these vectors contained the cas9 endonuclease gene and a guide RNA targeted the nucleotide sequences encoding the kafirin signal polypeptides. By means of agrobacterial transformation, the created vectors were introduced into the genome of the grain sorghum cv. Avans. 14 transgenic plants were regenerated. Sequencing of 5 regenerants obtained using a vector for the k1C5 mutagenesis revealed 3 plants with mutations. The offspring of these mutants had a higher digestibility of grain proteins in vitro (86–92%) compared to the initial cv. Avans (63–67%). Notably, the T1 plants lacked the cas9 gene and the bar marker gene, which indicates the production of mutants with the edited k1C5 gene sequence, which lack the genetic construct that induced this mutation. Two mutants with mutations in the gKAF1 sequence were obtained. Thus, using the CRISPR/Cas technology, we have obtained mutants with improved digestibility of kafirins, which can be used in practical sorghum breeding.

Quality of mixed silages of sorghum, BRS Capiaçu grass, and cactus pear in a semiarid region of Brazil

ABSTRACT The study aimed to assess the impact of mixed silages of biomass sorghum and BRS Capiaçu with cactus pear on the fermentative profile and nutritional value. The silages included forage sorghum cv. Volumax, biomass sorghum cv. ‘BRS 716,’ BRS Capiaçu grass, a mix of 60% biomass sorghum ‘BRS 716’ with 40% Opuntia ficus indica Mill (‘Gigante’) cactus pear (based on fresh matter), and a mix of 60% BRS Capiaçu grass with 40% Opuntia ficus indica Mill (‘Gigante’) cactus pear (based on fresh matter). The experiment followed a randomized experimental design with five treatments and eight repetitions. The highest gas losses (P < 0.01) and lowest dry matter recovery (DMR; P < 0.01) were observed in the BRS Capiaçu grass and BRS Capiaçu grass with cactus pear silages. The lactic acid concentration in the biomass sorghum with cactus pear silage was 49.96% higher than in the Volumax sorghum silage . Volumax sorghum and ‘BRS 716’ biomass silages demonstrated higher DM contents (P < 0.01; mean 33.44%) compared to other silages. There was no significant difference (P = 0.24) among silages regarding the potentially degradable insoluble fraction of the DM, with a mean of 51.75%. The mixed silage of biomass sorghum with cactus pear exhibited lower losses and higher DMR.

Construction of a high-density genetic linkage map and QTL mapping for bioenergy-related traits in sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Sorghum is an important but arguably undervalued cereal crop, grown in large areas in Asia and Africa due to its natural resilience to drought and heat. There is growing demand for sweet sorghum as a source of bioethanol as well as food and feed. The improvement of bioenergy-related traits directly affects bioethanol production from sweet sorghum; therefore, understanding the genetic basis of these traits would enable new cultivars to be developed for bioenergy production. In order to reveal the genetic architecture behind bioenergy-related traits, we generated an F2 population from a cross between sweet sorghum cv. 'Erdurmus' and grain sorghum cv. 'Ogretmenoglu'. This was used to construct a genetic map from SNPs discovered by double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). F3 lines derived from each F2 individual were phenotyped for bioenergy-related traits in two different locations and their genotypes were analyzed with the SNPs to identify QTL regions. On chromosomes 1, 7, and 9, three major plant height (PH) QTLs (qPH1.1, qPH7.1, and qPH9.1) were identified, with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) ranging from 10.8 to 34.8%. One major QTL (qPJ6.1) on chromosome 6 was associated with the plant juice trait (PJ) and explained 35.2% of its phenotypic variation. For fresh biomass weight (FBW), four major QTLs (qFBW1.1, qFBW6.1, qFBW7.1, and qFBW9.1) were determined on chromosomes 1, 6, 7, and 9, which explained 12.3, 14.5, 10.6, and 11.9% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Moreover, two minor QTLs (qBX3.1 and qBX7.1) of Brix (BX) were mapped on chromosomes 3 and 7, explaining 8.6 and 9.7% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The QTLs in two clusters (qPH7.1/qBX7.1 and qPH7.1/qFBW7.1) overlapped for PH, FBW and BX. The QTL, qFBW6.1, has not been previously reported. In addition, eight SNPs were converted into cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers, which can be easily detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. These QTLs and molecular markers can be used for pyramiding and marker-assisted selection studies in sorghum, to develop advanced lines that include desirable bioenergy-related traits.

Characterisation and Recovery of Minerals in Silages of Sorghum IPA 2502 Irigated with Different Leaching Fractions of Brackish Water

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and recovery of minerals in silages of sorghum cv. IPA 2502 irrigated with different leaching fractions of brackish water. Sorghum cultivation was carried out in the field in a randomised block design, with four replications and four irrigation leaching fractions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). From the harvested plant material, five silos per treatment, with five repetitions, were arranged in a completely randomised design for ensiling. Leaching fractions did not alter the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur in sorghum. The sodium content showed a quadratic response to the leaching fractions, which was also observed for iron, manganese, and chloride. In silage, an increasing linear effect was found for nitrogen, whereas for phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, the contents were reduced with the addition of the leaching fraction. The contents of copper, iron, zinc, and chloride in silages responded in a quadratic way. The use of brackish water, especially the 15% leaching fraction, in the cultivation of sorghum enhances the mineral contents and the recovery of some macro- and micro-nutrients after the ensiling process.

Effects of Sodic Water Irrigation and Neutralizing Amendments on Physiological, Biochemical, and Nutritional Quality Traits of Fodder Sorghum

This study was conducted at two farmers’ fields to assess the production potential and quality of summer fodder sorghum intervened between the rice-wheat cropping sequences (RWCS) on high residual alkalinity, i.e., residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water irrigation-induced sodic soil. The treatments were comprised of two field sites having different residual alkalinity [RSC ~5 me L−1 (RSC-1) and ~7 me L−1 (RSC-2) water irrigation in main plots, four neutralization strategies, i.e., control/unamended condition (N0), gypsum @ 7.5 t ha−1 (N1), pressmud @ 10 t ha−1 (N2) and gypsum @ 3.75 t ha−1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha−1 (N3) in sub plots and two varietal sequences of RWCS, i.e., salt tolerant varieties (CSR 30 basmati fb KRL 210) and traditionally grown varieties (PB 1121 fb HD 2967) of rice and wheat as sub–sub plots. Sorghum cv. Sugargraze (Advanta Company) was grown after the harvesting of wheat and cut for green fodder before transplanting rice during both years. Sorghum physiological and biochemical traits [relative water content (RWC), total chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), transpiration rate (E), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photon quantum yield [Y (II)] and K/Na ratio]; fodder quality traits [Crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE)] and productivity [green fodder yield (GFY), dry matter yield, CP yield, EE yield and ash yield) and profitability (gross returns, net returns, benefit–cost ratio) significantly decreased with the increase in irrigation water RSC from 5 to 7 me L−1. Proline, total soluble sugar (TSS), total soluble protein (TSP), dry matter (DM), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent insoluble CP (NDICP) and acid detergent insoluble CP (ADICP) decreased with increasing RSC of irrigation water. Sodicity neutralization considerably improved sorghum physiological adaptation mechanisms, fodder quality, productivity and profitability. The introduction of summer fodder sorghum between RWCS resulted in additional net returns (NR) (INR 13.64 to 20.79 × 103 ha−1). Our results indicate that pressmud proved a feasible alternative to replace and/or reduce the quantity of gypsum required for neutralization of RSC water irrigation. Growing summer fodder sorghum between RWCS along with neutralization of RSC water irrigation can increase the availability of quality green fodder during lean period and also increase the profitability of the rice-wheat cropping system in high residual alkalinity water irrigation conditions.

Influence of Sorghum-legume Intercropping on Striga Control and Sorghum Performance

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth is an important parasitic weedon cereals in the semi-arid tropics. Intercropping, particularly of cerealswith cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), is a common practice in many parts ofthe semi-arid zone. The main objectives of this study were to determinethe influence of sorghum-legume intercropping on striga control in centralSudan, and to assess the effect of such association on crop performance.Field experiments were conducted in striga-infested plots at theAgricultural Research Corporation (ARC) farm at Wad Madani, Sudan,during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons. Sorghum cultivarsArfagadamk and Wad Ahmed were intercropped with four legumes.Treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with 3replicates. Striga emergence was significantly reduced by 37.7% - 85.6%in sorghum-legume intercropping compared to sole sorghum, irrespectiveof variety and season. The highest reduction in striga emergence wasobtained with the sorghum cv. Arfagadamk-legume intercropping, whichreduced striga emergence by 72.5% - 85.6% compared to sole non-fertilized sorghum. Striga dry weight was high in sole sorghum incomparison with sorghum intercropped with legumes. Sorghum cv.Arfagadamk intercropped with lablab bean, brown-seed cowpea, andwhite-seed cowpea significantly reduced striga dry weight by 95%, 90%,and 73%, respectively. The total biological yield of both sorghumcultivars per unit area was generally higher in the intercropping

Effect of Irrigation Regimes on Water Productivities of some Rainy Season Sown Forages in the Gezira, Sudan

An experiment was conducted in the Gezira Research Farm(GRF) during the Rainy seasons of 2007 and 2008 to determine the waterrequirements, optimum irrigation regime, forage yield and forage waterproductivities of Sorghum cv Wad Ahmed (Sorghum bicolor L.Monech),phillipesara (Vigna trilobata), clitoria (Clitoria ternatea L.) and lubia(Lablab purpureus L.) as affected by irrigation regimes. The studyinvolved 12 treatments arranged in split plot design replicated three timesand with three irrigation regimes viz every 7, 14 and 21 days(W1,W2 andW3) in the main plots and the four crops as sub plots. The resultsindicated that in both seasons the irrigation regimes did not significantlyaffect the dry matter yield of any crop and hence W3 was considered asoptimum for all crop. In W3 however Wad Ahmed, (means of twoseasons) was associated with the lowest water requirements, (3818m 3 /ha), highest dry matter yield/ha, (7.2t/ha) and highest waterproductivity, (1.89 kg/m 3 ). The three legumes seemed to have comparablewater requirements, but phillipesara (among the legumes) was associatedwith the highest DM yield, (5.4t/ha) and highest water productivity, (1.18kg/m 3 ). Irrigation every 21 days (W3) seemed to be optimum for eachcrop during the rainy season.

Liming and biochar on sorghum growth and Arenosol chemical properties in the Semiarid environment

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated the effect of liming (with and without) and biochar (with and without) on sorghum cv. BRS Ponta Negra growth and Arenosol chemical properties in the Semiarid environment. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with treatments in a 2x2 factorial scheme, corresponding to the application or not of lime (0 and 2.5 t ha-1) and biochar (0 and 12.5 t ha-1). Biochar was produced from cashew branches. The experiment was conducted in 16 m² plots where the forage sorghum cultivar BRS Ponta Negra was cultivated. The soil chemical characteristics, the production attributes, and the structural characteristics of the sorghum cultivar studied were evaluated. There was no interaction between factors. The use of biochar increased the pH and Ca and P contents in the soil and contributed to increasing the panicle mass (2.51 t ha-1 of DM). Lime application affected the soil Ca content as the dose of 2.5 t ha-1 resulted in higher values of culm diameter (15.25 mm), panicle mass, and culm mass (2.63 and 7.50 t ha-1 of DM, respectively). Therefore, these results allowed to outline strategies for the use of limestone and biochar for forage production in semiarid environments in sandy soils. Because, these materials improve some chemical attributes of the soil and the production of forage sorghum. It is noteworthy that edophoclimatic conditions can change the response patterns observed in this research. Therefore, research in other regions is essential.

Nitrogen Balance in a Sweet Sorghum Crop in a Mediterranean Environment

Sweet sorghum is a C4 plant with great biomass potential yield in semi-arid environments. Under growing conditions affected by water shortage and nutrient deficiency, the optimal combination of irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate is a central issue for sustainable farming systems. In this paper, a N balance study was applied to sweet sorghum cv. Keller, managed under three irrigation levels (I0, I50, I100: 0, 50, and 100% crop evapotranspiration—ETc restoration) and four N-fertilization rates (N0, N60, N120, N180: 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1). The 15N-labelled fertilization technique was used to assess the fate of N fertilizer within the agroecosystem. Dry biomass yield was significantly affected by the irrigation, while N rates had no effect. Across N and irrigation levels, the isotopic composition showed that approximately 34% of N applied by fertilization was used by the crop, 56% remained in the soil at the end of the cropping season, 1.83% was leached as nitrate, and 1.72% was volatilized as ammonia. N-fertilizer uptake was the lowest in I0, while in N0, the soil was strongly N-impoverished since sorghum showed a great aptitude to benefit from the soil N reserve. An even N input/output system (i.e., N-output corresponded to N-input) was observed in the N120 treatment, and the soil N reserve remained unchanged, while the system was N-enriched (positive input/output) in N180. However, although beneficial for crop nutrition and soil N reserve for subsequent crops in rotation, the N180 treatment is unsustainable due to many environmental side effects in the agroecosystem.

Effects of Some Heavy Metals on Germination and Seedling Growth of Sorghum

Heavy metal contamination in soils can adversely affect seed germination and seedling growth of most plants. This research was conducted to determine the effects of different doses (0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg L-1) of Ni (nickel), Cd (cadmium), Pb (lead), Cr (chromium) and Hg (mercury) on seed germination and seedling growth of sorghum. The study was conducted in laboratory conditions at the Agricultural Faculty of Akdeniz University in 2017. Sorghum cv. N48×Early Sumac was used as the plant material. In the research, germination rate (GR), relative germination index (RGI), mean germination time (MGT), relative vigor index (RVI), relative root length (RRL), relative shoot length (RSL), root fresh weight (RFW) and shoot fresh weight (SFW) were measured during germination and seedling growth to determine the effects of heavy metals. The results showed that both germination and seedling growth properties were adversely affected by heavy metals. In addition, while the negative effect of cadmium on germination properties was limited, it had serious negative effects on seedling characteristics of sorghum. Increasing heavy metal doses adversely affected all investigated properties. In conclusion, all heavy metals including Hg and Cd had negative effect on germination and seedling growth of sorghum in the study.

Influence of carrier-based microbial consortia on the growth and yield attributes of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Pot experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions at ARS, ANGRAU, Amaravathi (India) during kharif 2018–19 to assess the effect of carrier-based microbial consortia on the growth and yield of sorghum cv. ‘CSV-27’. Two microbial consortia (MC1 = Azospirillium + P-solubilizer + K-releaser + Zn-solubilizer + PGPR isolate; and MC2 = Azotobacter + Azospirillium + P-solubilizer + K-releaser + Zn-solubilizer + PGPR isolate) were evaluated along with different doses of inorganic fertilizers. Crop growth attributes like plant height, shoot length, shoot weight, root weight, nutrient uptake, weight of ear head, grains ear head−1, grain yield and stover yield were assessed. The treatment 75% recommended fertilizer dose + MC2 + FYM proved superior over all other treatments tested and gave significantly higher yield than other treatments. The use of biofertilizer consortia along with reduced dose of inorganic fertilizer are advised for successful sorghum growth.

EFFECT OF SPRAYING WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF LICORICE EXTRACT AND PLANT DENSITIES IN GROWTH AND YIELD OF SORGHUM BICOLOR L.

A field experiment was condueted at the experimental Farm, College of Agriculture University of AL-Anbar in replace location (Abu-Gheaib) in spring season of 2017. While in Fall season it was applied at AL-saqluwiya-Anbar Province 10 km west north of Falluga city to study the effect of four levels of licorice extractor (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) (0,2,4 and 6) g.L-1 water and three (53,333, 66,666 and 88,888 plant) plant.ha-1. On growth and grain yield of Sorghum cv. Rabih. The experiment was applied using R.C.B.D. arranged in split plots with three replications. levels of plant densities were used as main-plot, while licorice extractor were used as sub-plot. Foliar application of licorice extractor was applied during vegetative growth. The results showed that, high plant density (88888) plant.h-1 significantly increase plant height and leaf area index, while most of traits were not significantly influenced by plant density including grain yield. Results revealed that foliar application of licorice extractor with 2,4,6 g.L-1 of water significantly influenced grain yield in spring season compane with control treatment and it is amounted to (9.62, 9.55 and 9.78) t.h-1 respectively. There were significant interaction between Licorice extractor and plant density in spring and fall season in grain yield. The higher grain yield of 10.31 and 10.33 t.h-1 were obtained when sorghum plants were sowing at hight density and sprayed with Licorice extractor at level 4 g.L-1 respectively

TRINEXAPAC-ETHYL AS CHEMICAL RIPENING AGENT ON SWEET SORGHUM CROP

Literary references on the quality of juice of sweet sorghum crop following chemical ripening agents spraying are rarely found up, mostly concerning to the trinexapac-ethyl. Accordingly, this article shares an unpublished content about chemically-induced physiological ripening on the sweet sorghum cv. CMSXS-646 by spraying trinexapac-ethyl before the crop flowering. A CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer, with flat spray nozzles, was employed to exogenously spray the plant growth inhibitor at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 l ha-1 on 90-days-old plants. Early after the crop harvesting, juice and lignocellulose samples were technologically assessed to total soluble solids, sucrose, purity, reducing sugars, total reducing sugars, fibers and yield of sugar. Sweet sorghum plants exposured to the trinexapacethyl at 0.4 and 0.8 l ha-1 produced juices with approximately 20.2 and 20.3 °Brix, 15.1 and 13.2% sucrose, 74.6 and 64.9% purity, as well as 107.7 and 98.2 kg t-1 sugar, respectively. Unlike, plants cultivated as control, juices with 21.0 °Brix, 16.0% sucrose, 76.9% purity and 118.0 kg t-1 sugar. Therefore, trinexapac-ethyl had suppressive effect on the quality of juice, mostly regarding to the total soluble solids and yield of sugar. Plants sprayed with trinexapac-ethyl at 1.6 l ha-1 developed the most fibrous stalks, as host-defense system response to stress induced on plant physiology. The conclusion is, therefore, that although does prejudices the quality of juice, making it unsustainable to the production of first-generation ethanol, trinexapac-ethyl as chemical ripening agent could lead the sweet sorghum cv. CMSXS-646, while lignocellulose renewable source, to the industrialization of cellulosic ethanol and bioelectricity.

Host Specificity of Sudan Witchweed (Striga Hermonthica [Del.] Benth.) Seed Germination and Haustorium Initiation in Response to Sorghum Root Exudates and Extracts

Field surveys and laboratory experiments were conducted during the season 2009/10 and 2010/11 in witchweed (Striga hermonthica [Del.] Benth.) endemic areas in Sudan to investigate the host specificity of witchweed populations collected from different locations with respect seed germination and haustorium initiation in response to sorghum root exudates and extracts. Field surveys were conducted to collect seeds from witchweed plants growing under their respective hosts; sorghum and millet. A total of fifteen witchweed populations were collected. Tow in vitro experiments were conducted at the Phytopathology Center and Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Sudan to study the effects of root exudates and root extracts of sorghum cv. Abu-70, cv. Wad Ahmed and cv. Hakika on percentage of seed germination and haustorium initiation. Treatments (fifteen witchweed populations and three sorghum cultivars) were arranged in a factorial completely randomized design with three replicates. Data were collected and subjected to analysis of variance. Means were separated for significant using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (at p £ 0.5). The results showed that, there were significant differences in seed germination and haustorium initiation of witchweed in response to root exudates and root extracts among sorghum cultivars and among the witchweed populations. However, the highest seed germination and haustorium initiation percentages attained by each of the witchweed population were on their respective hosts. This study suggests two levels of physiological specialization in witchweed in Sudan: intercrop specialization and intra-crop specialization. Moreover, two strains of witchweed are suggested, one specific to sorghum and the other, to millet. The existence of variability and host specificity within witchweed populations are suggested to be based almost entirely on differential response of Striga isolates to root exudates and root extracts from host.

Effects of intercropping on the performance of sorghum (cv Segaolane) and cowpeas in Botswana

Effects of intercropping on the performance of sorghum (cv Segaolane) and cowpeas in Botswana

Susceptibility of Sorghum Cultivars to Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) During Storage

Sitophilus oryzae L. is a primary pest that causes damage to stored sorghum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of some sorghum cultivars to S. oryzae infestations and the damage resulted during storage period. The research was carried out at Plant Pest and Disease Laboratory, Department Agroecotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Malikussaleh University from February to June 2017. Nine cultivars of sorghum were screened for their susceptibility to S. oryzae attacks and the damage resulted. The Dobie sesceptibility indexwas used to classify the susceptibility of sorghum cultivars. Susceptibility experiment of several sorghum cultivars to S. oryzae was done by no choice assay . The results exhibited that sorghum cv. Suri 3, Suri 4, Kawali, and Numbu was categorized as moderate. Cv. Samurai 1 was included in moderate to susceptible, and cv. Super 1, Super 2, Samurai 2, and Pahat were categorized as susceptible to S. oryzae. The susceptibility of sorghum cultivars was determined by high number of F 1 progeny, the high percentage of seed weight loss, damaged seeds, low median development time and low width of sorghum seeds.

Decomposition of straw resulting from different strategies of recovery of degraded pastures using an integrated crop-livestock system

Several strategies have been used to improve soil fertility using integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems, and the harvest of the accompanying crop used for silage may have several benefits to the soil depending on the quantity and quality of the remaining litter, providing dry matter (DM) for no-tillage systems and nutrient mineralization for the subsequent crop. The objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of decomposition of macro- and micronutrients of the DM of litter produced in ICL systems at different harvest heights in one year. The study was developed at the Experimental Farm of UNESP in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in the dry season. The study included five replications in plots of 200 m2 and was arranged in a completely randomized block design. The following treatments were analyzed: control sample-degraded pasture of signal grass; Marandu grass-pasture renewal from signal grass to Marandu grass; succession 45-planting of sorghum (forage sorghum cv. Volumax) and crop harvest at the height of 45 cm for silage followed by planting of Marandu grass; simultaneous seeding of Marandu grass and sorghum, and crop harvesting for silage at the height of 15 cm (Marandu + sorghum 15) and 45 cm (Marandu + sorghum 45) from the soil surface. After crop harvesting, proportional amounts of green mass remaining from each unit were collected, transferred to nylon bags, and placed in direct contact with the soil of the respective experimental unit. Each bag was opened every 30 days after closure for up to 270 days. In each bag, the DM, and macro- and micronutrients were analyzed, and the percentage of remaining material, daily decomposition rate, and half-life were calculated. The litter of the Marandu + sorghum 45 treatment contained the highest DM, decomposition rate, and nutrient content. The crop succession provided the best condition of the litter, with the highest DM on the soil surface, which improved soil conditions and made the soil less susceptible to degradation.

Diversity of Endophytic Bacteria in Sweet Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and Their Potential for Promoting Plant Growth

Objectives: To isolate endophytic bacteria of sweet sorghum cv. FS501 adapted to two locations in Bunder and Mulo, Indonesia and characterize their properties including fixing nitrogen, solubilizing phosphate, and producing (Indole -3-Acetic Acid)IAA. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The bacteria were isolated from roots, stems, and shoots and followed by repetitive element PCR (rep-PCR) for endophyte determination. The 16S rRNA genes amplifications were sequenced using ABI Prism 3730. Sequence’s similarity was evaluated using BLAST then analyzed with MEGA 5.0. Bacteria properties including nitrogen-fixation ability, dissolving phosphate and IAA production was performed in a semisolid LGI medium, Pikovskaya media and colorimetric method, respectively. Findings: Forty-eight isolates of endophytic bacteria were isolated from roots, stems, and shoots of sweet sorghum. The rep-PCR resulted the isolated bacteria belonged to 23 groups consisted of 9 isolates from Bunder and 14 isolates from Mulo. Sequences from the 23 isolates were determined and aligned with those of reference strains in GenBank. BLAST analysis indicated that the isolated endophytic bacteria belonged to 10 different genera: Beijerinckia, Ralstonia, Microbacterium, Curtobacterium, Brevibacterium, Leifsonia, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Lysinibacillus, and Fictibacillus. Of the total 23 endophytic bacterial isolates acquired the five diazotrophic isolates were from the genera Beijerinckia, Microbacterium, Curtobacterium, Bacillus, and Staphylococcus; the four isolates capable of dissolving the phosphate from the genera Microbacteriumand Brevibacterium; and nine isolates were able to produce IAA from the genera Microbacterium, Brevibacterium, and Bacillus. Isolates BA3 (Microbacterium testaceum), BA8 (Microbacterium oleivorans), BA14 (Brevibacterium iodinum), and MA24 (Microbacterium arborescens) positive for more than one mechanism promoting plant growth. Application/Improvements: The four isolates having more than one mechanism promoting plant growth would be of commercial interest to biotechnology companies with a goal of producing an inoculant for sweet sorghum cultivars. Keywords: Endophytic bacteria, sweet sorghum, nitrogen fixation, IAA production, phosphate solubilization

EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF NITROGEN ON GRAIN YIELD AND IT'S COMPONENT IN SORGHUM

This experiment was carried out at the experimental farm. College of Agriculture, Anbar University (in replace location Abu – Gharib), during the spring and autumn season of 2015. The main objective was to find out the effect of nitrogen concentration (0, 1.5, 3.0, and, 4.5) g.L -1 and three stages of foliar application (vegetative growth, booting and 25% flowering) on grain yield and it's major components of sorghum cv. Bohooth. 70 The layout of the experiment was a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. nitrogen concentration were used as main plots, while stages of foliar of nitrogen were used as sub-plots. Results, showed that in both season addition of nitrogen at a conc more than 1.5 g.L -1 (3.0, 4.5) resulted in a significant increment in mean of plant height, leaf area grain weight. head -1, No. of grain .head -1, grain yield and biological yield. while weight of 1000 grain and harvest index were only significantly influenced in autumn seasons. In spring and autumn season highest grain yield (2.548, 4.111) t. ha -1 was obtained when plants sprayed with 4.5 g. L -1. the of increment in grain yield when N spray at conc (1.5, 3, 4.5) g.L-1 compare with control treatment (13.6%, 40.8%, 43.9%) and (17.47%, 42%, 54.8%) for spring and autumn season respectively. Foliar application of N at different stages of growth had only significant effect on plant height and leaf area in autumn season and biological yield in both season ,when foliar application at vegetative growth gave highest mean for these traits .