Sorghum Production Research Articles

Diversity of Pest Types and Natural Enemies in Plantations Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L)

The types of pests that attack sorghum plants are very diverse, ranging from the germination phase to harvest. This is the main obstacle in efforts to increase sorghum production. These pests have different behaviors, morphologies, and ecobiologies. The aim of this research is to identify all types of pests and natural enemies that disturb sorghum plants. This research was conducted on sorghum farming land in Pantai Gemi village, Stabat subdistrict, Langkat district, Medan, from March to July 2022. Morphological identification was carried out using the sweeping net method, yellow sticky traps, and pitfall traps. The results of the research showed that there were 126 weaver ants. (Oecophlla Smaragdina ), 83 black ants ( Dolichoderus thoracicus ), and some of the pests that were caught and the least were 14 seed flies ( Atrigona soccata ) and 12 dragonflies ( Trithemis arteriosa). is the type of pest that most often attacks sorghum plants. By identifying pests and natural enemies, it is hoped that we can control pests effectively and integratedly in sorghum cultivation.

Performance of sorghum varieties with various fertilizer doses in peatlands of West Aceh Regency

West Aceh Regency is one of the regions in Indonesia with quite extensive peatlands, but the diversity of food crop commodities is still very low. To enhance food diversification programs of rice, sorghum production is important. The purpose of this research was to test several varieties of sorghum in the peatlands of West Aceh Regency. This research was carried out from July to November 2023. Several new varieties of sorghum released by the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute (ICERI) were evaluated in the peatland of West Aceh. The research method used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was different varieties of sorghum, and the second factor was various doses of fertilizers. The varieties used were Soper 7 Agritan, Bioguma 1, and Suri 3. The doses used Control (no treatment), Dose I (75 kg Urea ha-1 + 50 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 50 kg KCl ha-1), Dose II (150 kg Urea ha-1 + 100 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 100 kg KCl ha-1), and Dose III (225 kg Urea ha-1 + 150 kg SP-36 ha-1 + 150 kg KCl ha-1). The results showed that the Bioguma 1 variety adapted better than the other varieties, where the plant height was 187.97 cm, the number of leaves was 15.08, the panicle diameter was 35.92 mm, and the panicle weight was 79.52 g. Meanwhile, fertilizer dose II is better on the character of the number of leaves and panicle length. The interaction effect between the two factors only showed a significant influence on panicle length. Therefore, the Bioguma 1 sorghum variety can be a recommended variety for planting in the shallow peatlands of West Aceh. Keywords: Acidic soil; alternative food; food diversification

What is the potential of sugarcane borer in reducing sorghum fitness and grain production?

AbstractPest attack is an important biotic threat to sorghum productivity, and one of the main insect pests of grain sorghum is sugarcane borer (SCB) Diatraea saccharalis. Despite the importance of this insect species, little is known about the relationship between SCB infestation and reduction in sorghum grain yield, as well as on the gain threshold and economic injury level for decision making of pest control. This study evaluated the influence of SCB infestation on plant performance and grain production in three commercial grain sorghum hybrids. Hybrids AG1090, BRS 373, and DKB 590 were planted in three crop seasons in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, and six treatments were assessed in the experiments, consisting of three grain sorghum hybrids with and without the insecticide chlorantraniliprole at 52.5 g a.i. ha−1 under SCB natural infestation. The parameters evaluated on sorghum plants were the length of tunnels, plant height, length and weight of panicles, stem borer injury, and grain yield. The infestation of SCB was higher when sorghum plants were not treated with insecticide, resulting in lower productivity. The use of insecticide increased plant height, reduced tunnel length, and increased panicle length and weight. Hybrids only affected panicle weight. The hybrid that presented the highest panicle weight when using the insecticide was AG 1090. Hybrids AG 1090 and DKB 590 showed reduced grain production with increasing gallery length, whereas BRS 373 did not show a significant correlation, which may suggest a certain level of tolerance to SCB attack. This is the first study that determines the gain threshold and economic injury level and that effectively shows how much grain yield is lost by SCB attack in grain sorghum hybrids.

Response of Intercropping Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) with Cowpea and Nitrogen Application on Growth and Yield of Sorghum

Sorghum grain yields have remained low despite the emergence of higher yield varieties, due to inadequate soil fertility, unsuitable cropping patterns, and restricted nitrogen fertilizer application (N). Cowpea integration and N utilization in sorghum-based cropping systems are likely to boost yield. However, knowledge of the impacts of sorghum-cowpea intercropping, nitrogen usage, and their interactions on companion crop performance is lacking. The effect of sorghum-cowpea intercropping and three N rates on the growth and yield of two sorghum varieties (ETS 2752 and ETS 4946) and two cowpea varieties (Keti and Bole) was investigated in RCBD with a split-plot arrangement, replicated three times. Sorghum grain yield was positively correlated with harvest index, fertile tiller m-2, leaf area index, panicle weight, and CGR. Sorghum/cowpea intercropping was more productive than sole (LER>1). ETS 2752 was superior to ETS 4946 in terms of growth and yield, hence it is recommended to farmers for commercial production. Therefore, the sole cropping system and N addition were effective in enhancing growth and grain yield of sorghum and cowpea, hence recommended for commercial production of ETS 2752. Intercropping is only recommended for sorghum production to improve household food security since it improves land productivity (LER>1).

The genotypic variation in the positive response of sorghum to higher sowing density is linked to an increase in water use efficiency

In semi-arid tropical areas, sorghum is sown at very low planting densities. Hence, increasing plant density represents an opportunity to improve productivity. However, assessing the expected increase in water needs is critical prior to testing higher densities under rainfed conditions. This was tested with a panel of elite cultivars in field and lysimiter experiments, and testing the effects of two density treatment, high (HD, 22 plants.m-²) and low (LD, 11 plants.m-²), on grain and biomass yield and on water use and water use efficiency (WUE). Doubling the conventional sowing density significantly increased biomass and grain yield, with a genotypic variability in the biomass response. No link was found between the response to density and the maintenance of the tillering capacity, whereas the response to density was somewhat explained by a differential increase in the leaf area index under high density (r=0.43 P<0.05). Lysimeter experiments showed that, compared with the conventional density, the high-density treatment had 62% increase in biomass vs a 38% increase in water use, resulting in a 17% higher WUE on average of the genotypes tested. There was an appreciable genotypic variability in this degree of WUE increase under high density. The most striking result was the very tight positive link between the biomass response to density and the differential increase in WUE in the dry season (r=0.91 P<0.0001), whereas in the wet season this link was negative (r=-0.48 P<0.02). This work shows that intensifying sorghum production by increasing sowing density is possible, in the short term using cultivars that show the largest WUE increase under high density, in the longer term by breeding high-density adapted cultivars, targeting plant traits that explain the tight link between higher WUE and higher yield under high density.

Effect of Drought Stress on Morpho Phenological and Yield Parameters in Sorghum Genotypes

Drought stress is a major challenge for sorghum production, particularly during the reproductive stage. This study investigated the effects of drought stress on sorghum genotypes, focusing on their morpho-phenological characteristics and yield parameters. A field experiment was conducted over two rabi seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) at the University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad, India. Twenty sorghum genotypes were evaluated under both irrigated and rainfed conditions using a split-plot design with two replications. Water stress reduced sorghum plant height, with a mean height of 190.41 cm under irrigated conditions and 176.50 cm under rainfed conditions at 90 days after sowing. Water stress advanced the physiological maturity by 10 days compared to irrigated condition. Yield parameters revealed significant differences, the mean grain yield was 70.23 g/plant for irrigated conditions and 54.54 g/plant for rainfed conditions. Water stress also had an impact on harvest index, with irrigated conditions having a mean harvest index of 30.91% and rainfed conditions having a mean harvest index of 28.13%. Genotypes by overall performance Phule Anuradha, BJV 44, and M-35-1 tolerated water stress, by minimizing yield reduction by drought.

Quantifying response of azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria liquid inoculants seed treatment on productivity and profitability of kharif grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

A field study was carried out during 2017–19 at Sorghum Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra to assess the effect of liquid bio-fertilizers inoculation over existing powder form inoculants on kharif grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The experiment comprised of 6 treatments, viz. no bio-fertilizer control i.e. with RDF alone (T1 ); RDF + Azo. (Azospirillum) + PSB @50 g each/kg seed (T2 ); RDF + Azo. + PSB @2 ml each/kg seed (T3 ); RDF + Azo. @2 ml and PSB @4 ml/kg seed (T4 ); RDF + Azo. @4 ml + PSB @2 ml/kg seed (T5 ); and RDF + Azo. + PSB @4 ml each/kg seed (T6) conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with 4 replications. Pooled data revealed that seed inoculation with Azo. + PSB @2 ml each/kg seed (T3 ) has improved the sorghum biological, grain yield and net returns 21.13, 19.83 and 17.92% over their powder form of inoculants i.e. T2 (14.71 t/ha, 3.56 t/ha and 73,116). These enhancements in biomass, grain yields and net income was owing to liquid bio-fertilizer seed treatment. Liquid-based inoculants were found to boost growth and yield parameters, which was ascribed to the concomitant increase in plant height and number of grains/panicle, respectively. Increase in quantity of liquid bio-fertilizers beyond 2 ml/kg seed proved not-rewarding from both productivity and profitability point of view. Sorghum seed inoculation with liquid bio-fertilizers @2 ml each/kg seed proved to be a potential substitute for existing powder form without any additional cost.

Characterization and production hydroponic fodder for corn (Zea mays) and sorgum (Sorghum bicolor) at different harvest times

The study aimed to determine the characterization and production of hydroponic fodder corn (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) at different harvest ages. The study used a randomized complete factorial design. The first factor was plant type (corn and sorghum) and the second factor was harvest age (7 days, 10 days and 13 days). Each treatment was replicated 3 times. Variables observed included number of leaves, the growth rate of fodder plants, the fresh production of fodder plants, and the dry matter production of fodder plants. The research stages included seed preparation, planting, maintenance and harvesting. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further test using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results of the research show that corn is better used as fodder compared to sorghum, because corn fodder has a greater number of leaves, the growth speed is faster, the production of fresh and dry matter is also higher compared to sorghum fodder. A harvest time of 10 days relatively produces higher production and a shorter time compared to a harvest time of 13 days. The conclusion of this research is that the best growth and biomass production results is corn fodder crops with a harvest time of 10 days.

Farmers’ production constraints, preferred varietal traits and perceptions on sorghum grain mold in Senegal

Improving sorghum adoption rates by developing adapted varieties that meet end-user preferences is a major challenge in West Africa. In this study, a participatory rural appraisal was undertaken to identify the main sorghum production constraints, farmers’ preferred variety traits and their perceptions on sorghum grain mold. The study was conducted in four representative rural communities located in the main sorghum producing area of Senegal. A total of 260 farmers were interviewed and data were collected through focus group discussions and individual questionnaires. Our results indicated that Striga, insects, poor soil fertility and drought are the major sorghum producing constraints in Senegal. Grain mold was identified as the second most important sorghum disease after the damping-off. Discoloration on grain surface was the most important criteria farmers used to recognize the disease. The most important sorghum traits farmers desired in improved varieties are medium to short plant maturity cycle, medium plant height, large open or semi-compact panicle, big and white grain, and adaptation to local growing conditions. The results showed that the sorghum cropping system is dominated by male farmers who mainly grow local landraces. These results will provide updated recommendations for the breeding products profile to meet end-user preferences in Senegal.

Response of Sorghum bicolor genotypes for yield and yield components and organic carbon storage in the shoot and root systems

Sorghum is a vital food and feed crop in the world’s dry regions. Developing sorghum cultivars with high biomass production and carbon sequestration can contribute to soil health and crop productivity. The objective of this study was to assess agronomic performance, biomass production and carbon accumulation in selected sorghum genotypes for production and breeding. Fifty sorghum genotypes were evaluated at three locations (Silverton, Ukulinga, and Bethlehem) in South Africa during 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. Significant genotype × location (p < 0.05) interactions were detected for days to 50% heading (DTH), days to 50% maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), total plant biomass (PB), shoot biomass (SB), root biomass (RB), root-to-shoot biomass ratio (RS), and grain yield (GY). The highest GY was recorded for genotypes AS115 (25.08 g plant−1), AS251 (21.83 g plant−1), and AS134 (21.42 g plant−1). Genotypes AS122 and AS27 ranked first and second, respectively, for all the carbon stock parameters except for root carbon stock (RCs), whereas genotype AS108 had the highest RCs of 8.87 g plant−1. The principal component analysis identified GY, DTH, PH, PB, SB, RB, RCs, RCs/SCs, total plant carbon stock (PCs), shoot carbon stock (SCs), and grain carbon stock (GCs) as the most discriminated traits among the test genotypes. The cluster analysis using agronomic and carbon-related parameters delineated the test genotypes into three genetic groups, indicating marked genetic diversity for cultivar development and enhanced C storage and sustainable sorghum production. The selected sorghum genotypes are recommended for further breeding and variety release adapted to various agroecologies in South Africa.

Estimation of standard heterosis and heterotic grouping of elite sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] inbred lines under moisture stress conditions

The development and selection of appropriate parents are prerequisites for sorghum hybrid variety development. The lack of a broad genetic base is the most significant constraint to sorghum crop improvement. The assignment of sorghum germplasm lines to appropriate heterotic groups is critical for increasing sorghum productivity. The experiment was conducted to determine the amount of standard heterosis and to categorize sorghum inbred lines into distinct heterotic groups. In the 2019 main cropping season, 42 sorghum genotypes were tested using an alpha-lattice design with two replications. Combined analysis of variance showed that there was a highly significant difference (p < 0.01) among the genotypes for all studied traits. The maximum grain yield was obtained from the hybrids 4x14 (6.32 tha-1), followed by the hybrids 8x15 (5.92 tha-1), 1x15 (5.88 tha-1), 13x14 (5.78 tha-1) and 6x15 (5.57 tha-1), with an average value of 5.0 tha-1. Similarly, the 4x14 hybrid exhibited a maximum grain yield with 30.71 % heterosis, which was greater than the standard check (ESH-4) for grain yield. The two heterotic (A and B) groups were identified based on their specific combining ability effects, whereas three heterotic groups were identified based on their general combining ability effects to develop superior hybrids from broad base and suitable parents. Finally, based on yield performance, heterotic response and combining ability estimates for grain yield and its components, the hybrid crosses 4x14, 8x15, 1x15, 11x14, 11x15, 13x14, and 6x15 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.

Globally deployed sorghum aphid resistance gene RMES1 is vulnerable to biotype shifts but is bolstered by RMES2.

Durable host plant resistance (HPR) to insect pests is critical for sustainable agriculture. Natural variation exists for aphid HPR in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), but the genetic architecture and phenotype have not been clarified and characterized for most sources. In order to assess the current threat of a sorghum aphid (Melanaphis sorghi) biotype shift, we characterized the phenotype of Resistance to Melanaphis sorghi 1 (RMES1) and additional HPR architecture in globally admixed populations selected under severe sorghum aphid infestation in Haiti. We found RMES1 reduces sorghum aphid fecundity but not bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) fecundity, suggesting a discriminant HPR response typical of gene-for-gene interaction. A second resistant gene, Resistance to Melanaphis sorghi 2 (RMES2), was more frequent than RMES1 resistant alleles in landraces and historic breeding lines. RMES2 contributes early and mid-season aphid resistance in a segregating F2 population; however, RMES1 was only significant with mid-season fitness. In a fixed population with high sorghum aphid resistance, RMES1 and RMES2 were selected for demonstrating a lack of severe antagonistic pleiotropy. Associations with resistance colocated with cyanogenic glucoside biosynthesis genes support additional HPR sources. Globally, therefore, an HPR source vulnerable to biotype shift via selection pressure (RMES1) is bolstered by a second common source of resistance in breeding programs (RMES2), which may be staving off a biotype shift and is critical for sustainable sorghum production.

APSIM-based modeling approach to understand sorghum production environments in Mali

Sorghum production system in the semi-arid region of Africa is characterized by low yields which are generally attributed to high rainfall variability, poor soil fertility, and biotic factors. Production constraints must be well understood and quantified to design effective sorghum-system improvements. This study uses the state-of-the-art in silico methods and focuses on characterizing the sorghum production regions in Mali for drought occurrence and its effects on sorghum productivity. For this purpose, we adapted the APSIM-sorghum module to reproduce two cultivated photoperiod-sensitive sorghum types across a latitude of major sorghum production regions in Western Africa. We used the simulation outputs to characterize drought stress scenarios. We identified three main drought scenarios: (i) no-stress; (ii) early pre-flowering drought stress; and (iii) drought stress onset around flowering. The frequency of drought stress scenarios experienced by the two sorghum types across rainfall zones and soil types differed. As expected, the early pre-flowering and flowering drought stress occurred more frequently in isohyets < 600 mm, for the photoperiod-sensitive, late-flowering sorghum type. In isohyets above 600 mm, the frequency of drought stress was very low for both cultivars. We quantified the consequences of these drought scenarios on grain and biomass productivity. The yields of the highly-photoperiod-sensitive sorghum type were quite stable across the higher rainfall zones > 600 mm, but was affected by the drought stress in the lower rainfall zones < 600 mm. Comparatively, the less photoperiod-sensitive cultivar had notable yield gain in the driest regions < 600 mm. The results suggest that, at least for the tested crop types, drought stress might not be the major constraint to sorghum production in isohyets > 600 mm. The findings from this study provide the entry point for further quantitative testing of the Genotype × Environment × Management options required to optimize sorghum production in Mali.

Exploring climate change resilience of major crops in Somalia: implications for ensuring food security

ABSTRACT The complex relationship between climate change and major crop output poses urgent challenges for contemporary food production systems. Recognizing the diverse responses of different crops to climatic stressors, it is necessary to investigate the repercussions of climate-induced shifts in various crop yields. Focused on the adverse extreme weather impacts on food security, this research employs multiple specifications to assess the effects of climate change on major crops—maize, sorghum, rice, wheat, sugarcane, bananas, and beans—in Somalia using annual data spanning 1991–2019. The empirical findings from the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach reveal that increasing precipitation positively impacts the long-run output of sorghum, sugarcane, and banana while adversely affecting bean production. Conversely, changing temperatures detrimentally affect the long-run output of sorghum, rice, and beans, although they enhance rice and sorghum production in the short-run. Intriguingly, the study reveals that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and crop-harvested areas significantly enhance the yields of various crops. Moreover, agricultural labour positively impacts bananas while hampering other crop outputs. Based on these results, the study proposes the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, investment in irrigation infrastructure, enhanced weather prediction and early warning systems, as well as the promotion of sustainable land management.

Early-Generation Evaluation of Marker-Assisted Transfer of bmr6 and bmr12 Alleles into Sweet and High-biomass Sorghum

The effects of transferring brown midrib (bmr) alleles in sweet and high biomass sorghums (SS/HBM) are not fully understood, and available works produced mixed results depending upon the genetic background of the recurrent parent used. Early-generation testing of the effects of the two mutations in the background of the recurrent parents can help predict the final products and make appropriate early go/no-go breeding decisions, yet, this information is missing. The present study was therefore carried out to reduce these gaps. Marker-assisted transfer of the bmr6 and bmr12 was performed using four (SSV84, ICSB474, ICSV18003, ICSV100324) SS and one (ICSV15024) HBM wild type (WT) lines as recurrent parents, and one bmr6 (N609) and two bmr12 (ICSV101039 and N600) lines as donor parents. Crossing and backcrossing techniques were used to transfer the bmr alleles to develop BC2F2 and F3 populations. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker genotyping assays were performed and implemented for the indirect selection of the bmr transfer in F1 and BC_F1 populations. While the bmr6 markers were polymorphic, the bmr12 markers were monomorphic. The successful bmr6 transfer was therefore confirmed by markers in F1 and BC_F1, while for bmr12 the transfer was confirmed after segregation assessment in F2 and BC_F2 populations. The transfer of bmr12 improved the cellulose content relative to WT genotypes, and bmr12 populations were shorter-statured relative to bmr6 individuals, meaning that bmr12 gene can be considered in sorghum breeding to boost 2G bioethanol bioconversion and to control lodging, and hence favouring mechanical harvesting and limiting yield losses. The observed earliness in the bmr lines is an attractive trait conferring adaptation in the drylands, particularly in the world’s semi-arid tropics characterized by terminal drought stress. Both bmr alleles did not show any negative trade-offs relative to the must-have sorghum plant characteristics, implying that they can safely be deployed in sorghum breeding for bioenergy production purposes. The observed superior bmr lines with farmer-preferred phenotypic acceptance are candidates not only for advancement in breeding pipelines but also for subsequent pyramiding bmr6 and bmr12 in the same genetic background, further improving the bmr-conferred benefits. The successfully used molecular markers will be uploaded in the public domain and can help breed sorghum products other than SS/HBM such as high-quality forage sorghums.

Comparative Analysis of Resource Use Efficiency of Cereal Crop Enterprises in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State

This study examines the resource use efficiency in cereal crop enterprise production in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. The two cereal crops selected were Millet enterprise and sorghum enterprise. Data for the study was collected from 80 Millet farmers and 80 sorghum farmers randomly selected in five villages. The data collection was from October to December 2022 cropping season. Production function analysis which incorporates the conventional neoclassical test of economic and technical efficiencies was used as the analytical technique. Profitability analysis was also used to determine the profitable enterprise. Findings revealed that for Sorghum production fertilizer input was optimally utilized by the farmers while other inputs seeds, labor, and farm size were overused. On the other hand in Millet production, all the inputs seed, labor, fertilizer, and farm size were over-utilized. The profitability analysis revealed that the Sorghum enterprise was the most profitable with a mean net farm income value of ₦138,000 per hectare while Millet had a net farm income of ₦63,000/ha. The results show that there is a need for farmers to be advised on the appropriate allocation of resources to boost efficiency and output. This would mean using less seed input, labor, and farm size for Sorghum production, while for Millet production less of all the inputs should be used.

Regional efficiency and total factor productivity change for small and medium sorghum producers in Zambia: A slacks-based measure and Malmquist index approach

Zambia's efforts to promote countrywide production of sorghum is backed by a number of apropos factors. It is not only an adaptive response to the climate change challenge, but also a dietary diversity improvement measure, to achieve food and nutrition security. Further, improved sorghum production will supply emerging agro-industries, especially specialty foods, beverages and stock feed manufacturing in the country. However, regional sorghum production efficiencies in Zambia are not well known. This paper attempts to evaluate regional sorghum production technical efficiencies (TE), as well as Total Factor Productivity (TFP) change from 2011 to 2022. To study these aspects, we apply non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) techniques such as the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM), and the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI), followed by bootstrap OLS regression respectively. Cross-sectional estimates from the SBM model for the 2022 cropping season indicate that average TE for small and medium sorghum farmers in Zambia was 85 percent. Sorghum production could be expanded by 411.90 t by improving TE in five of ten provinces in Zambia. The MPI shows that TFP for sorghum production in Zambia declined by 21 percent, mainly due to deteriorating sorghum production technology. Populations, rurality, agro-ecological zone IIB are the factors associated with EC and TFP decline.

Assessing Genetic Relationships, Trait Associations and Diversity Patterns in Sorghum Germplasm Through Correlation, Cluster and Principal Component Analysis

Background: The loss of biodiversity has a significant impact on the fundamental services provided by ecosystems to humanity, including plant development and genetic improvement. Germplasm serves as the foundational material for identifying genetic variations. In this context, the examination of sorghum germplasm diversity has been conducted. Methods: The study involved 86 different sorghum germplasm samples that were assessed alongside three control groups, each replicated three times, during the Rabi season of 2021. This evaluation was conducted using augmented block design I (ABD I) at the Department of Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore. Result: The results of the Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant relationships notably, traits such as plant height, number of leaves, panicle length, panicle width, panicle weight, hundred seed weight and dry fodder yield exhibited positive and significant correlations with grain yield per plant. Cluster analysis identified four distinct groupings among the 86 accessions, with clusters 1 and 4 displaying the greatest diversity. Principal component analysis indicated that PC1 accounted for the largest variability. The genotypes were identified through PCA analysis is having greater variation and better performance. The findings of this study suggest that the identified sorghum genotypes could serve as valuable genetic resources for enhancing sorghum productivity in dry and semi-arid regions, particularly in the face of unpredictable climate change.

Exploring the on-farm Potential of Improved Sorghum Varieties for Scaling in Dry Lowland Areas of Ethiopia

Feeding the world's growing population has become a global issue due to climate change, which has resulted in low agricultural productivity. Although an attempt has been made to feed this growing population by introducing improved agricultural technologies that boost productivity, the sustainability of these technologies is not promising as farmers insist to use traditional method of production. The study was conducted in the districts of Gololcha and Shanana Kolu to investigate the on-farm potentials of Melkam, Tilahun, and Argiti varieties. Melkam had a higher grain yield (3628 kg/ha) than Argiti (3234 kg/ha), Tilahun (3050 kg/ha), and the districts average sorghum productivity (2320 kg/ha). The mean yield comparison results of yield performances revealed a significant difference (p0.05). Melkam variety had the highest net benefit of 97,432 ETB. The higher gross margin (97,432 ETB per hectare) was received from Melkam with marginal benefit advantage of 57,306 ETB over the local, Argiti (44,698) and Tilahun (38,810 ETB) per hectare. The mean weight score of the selected traits revealed that grain yield and injera-making quality were the top priorities for women farmers, while grain yield and earliness were the top priorities for men farmers. The preference of the men and women found to be different which indicates considering gender needs during scaling of technologies. As a result, it is recommended that Melkam variety to be scaled up with the recommended production practices in the study areas and areas with similar agroecology to improve production and farmers' income.

Onset of Rainfall and Cumulative Analysis for Sorghum Cultivation in Baringo County

Sorghum is an essential food security crop in the majority of the ASALs regions, such as Baringo County. This study investigated the critical relationship between rainfall levels and the initiation of sorghum planting, with the aim of identifying the threshold at which rainfall is considered sufficient for germination and optimal growth. This study used historical meteorological data from 1990 to 2022, field experiments, statistical analysis, and sorghum growth patterns to discern the trigger points for planting, which are essential for ensuring successful cultivation. This study uncovered alterations in rainfall onset and seasonal rainfall accumulation. The planting window in Baringo County varied significantly, with some dates falling above and below the average onset values of April 4&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;th&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; for the long rainfall season and September 24&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;th&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; for the short rainfall season. A short rainy season is not ideal for sorghum planting, as it typically receives less than 300 mm of rainfall, which is insufficient for sorghum production. The optimal planting time for sorghum is usually late March and early April. The study found that 36.4% of the long rainy season years had high production, 42.4% had normal production, and only 21% had low or no productivity. The years 2000 and 2018 experienced minimum and maximum rainfall amounts of 198.45 mm and 941.9 mm, respectively.