Sorghum Production Research Articles

Estimation of biomass of forage sorghum (sorghum bicolor) Cv. Samurai-2 using support vector regression

One alternative to improve feed quality is to combine the main feed with forages which are more economical in cost but contain high protein sources, such as sorghum. Production estimation is essential because it will determine the sustainability of the feed. This study aimed to estimate the amount of sorghum production using support vector regression (SVR). Several stages of this research are collecting data, preprocessing, modelling, and evaluation. The dataset used and the input for this SVR algorithm model is field observation data. The kernels used in the SVR algorithm modelling are linear, Polynomial, and RBF. Sorghum production estimation using SVR has a performance evaluation value that refers to the root mean square error (RMSE). The result of this research is that the model obtained from the SVR algorithm can estimate sorghum production with performance evaluation values using R2, mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and RMSE. The best results on the Polynomial kernel are R2=0.7841, MAE=0.0681, MAPE=0.46641, and RMSE=0.1006. This study shows that the classification model obtained from the SVR algorithm with Kernel Polynomial is the best model for estimating sorghum production.

Effect of Planting Space and Dose of Phosphate Fertilizer on the Development and Production of White Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Samurai-2 Variety

White sorghum is utilized for food, beverage, fodder, and other industrial purposes. Spacing and fertilization are among problems for the development of sorghum plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of planting space and phosphate fertilizer treatments on the development and production of white sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) varity of Samurai-2, and to determine the best results from those treatments as well. This research was performed at the experimental field of Al-Zaitun Islamic Boarding School located in Mekarjaya Village, Subdistrict of Gantar, Indramayu Regency, West Java. A factorial randomized block design was employed with planting space treatment of PS30 (70 cm × 30 cm), PS40 (70 cm × 40 cm), and PS50 (70 cm × 50 cm) and phosphate fertilizer treatment of PF50 (50 kg/ha), PF100 (100 kg/ha), and PF150 (150 kg/ha). Response parameters consisted of plant heigh, number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI), stem diameter, root volume, plant growth rate, and crop yield (weight of 1000 grains and yield per plot). Results of this study showed no interaction in all treatments, and the PS30 with crop spacing of 70 cm x 30 cm resulted the best yield on weight per plot of 5.08 kg/plot equivalent to 8.5 ton/ha. Keywords : Crop yield, Growth rate, Leaf area index, Plant height, Stem diameter

The influence of the aftereffect of long-term use of mineral fertilizers on sorghum grain productivity and quality on ordinary blackearth of the Central Pre-Caucasus

There have been presented the study results of the experiment of the Geographical Network of Experiments with fertilizers, established in 1975 on ordinary chernozem under conditions of unstable moisture in the Stavropol Territory. The purpose of the current study was to reveal the influence of the aftereffect of the long-term use of mineral fertilizers on the agrochemical properties of soil, productivity, and quality of sorghum grain, depending on the weather conditions of the year. There has been established that, after 30 years of action and 14 years of aftereffect of the use of phosphorus fertilizers in doses of 60–180 kg/ha of a.i. the content of residual phosphorus in the soil layer of 0–20 cm before sowing sorghum varied from 25 to 55 mg/kg. The crop productivity was closely dependent on weather conditions and the agrochemical condition of the soil. In arid conditions in 2020, the largest grain productivity (2.5–3.16 t/ha) was obtained in areas of phosphorus fertilizer’s aftereffect with a high content of P2O5 in soil (more than 30 mg/kg). In the wet year, the largest productivity (5.10–5.64 t/ha) were obtained in nitrogen fertilizers’ aftereffect against the background of low phosphates availability (12–16 mg/kg). In different weather conditions, the maximum level of sorghum productivity was obtained in the aftereffect of complete mineral fertilizer or with a balanced nutrient regime of the soil, in 2020 it was 3.81–4.96 t/ha and in 2022 it was 5.4–6.14 t/ha. Sorghum grain quality was also determined by the weather and soil properties. Grain with the highest crude protein percentage (9.9–13.6 %) was obtained in a dry year after the effect of nitrogen fertilizer. In both years of the study, the products obtained after the application of high doses of one phosphorus fertilizer (120–180 kg/ha a.i.) had the least nutritional value. The crude protein percentage in grain did not exceed 2.2–7.8 %. To stabilize productivity and increase the nutritional value of sorghum, it is necessary, first of all, to optimize the nitrogen nutrition of plants, especially in conditions of good moisture supply.

Inventory of on-farm sorghum landrace diversity and climate adaptation in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: implications for sorghum breeding and conservation

The study was conducted with the aim of inventorying and assessing the level of sorghum landraces richness, estimating the extent and patterns of phenotypic diversity, identifying race type, and predicting suitable areas of production using future climate scenarios in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Overall, 358 landraces from 125 independent farmers’ fields in 20 districts belonging to four zones of Tigray were surveyed. Landraces richness, frequency of character states, and diversity levels were estimated via Margalef’s, Menhinick’s and Shannon–Weaver (H′) indices for each zone and altitude classes. Suitable areas for sorghum cultivation in the future were predicted using DIVA-GIS. Altogether, 140 distinctly named landraces were identified and collected. Southern zone has the highest richness (DMg = 10.74, DMn = 5.0) followed by central (DMg = 8.54, DMn = 3.80). The estimated H′ for the phenotypic character states ranged from 0.24 (seed form) to 0.95 (rachis branch length). Highest diversity estimate was found in northwest (H′ = 0.71) followed by central zone (H′ = 0.64). Respectively, H′ was 0.70, 0.68, and 0.61 in lowland, intermediate, and highland elevations. In general, lowlands of northwest, central, and southern zones are identified as potential sites for germplasm conservation and utilization. The races durra, bicolor, caudatum, and durra-bicolor were found with durra as the dominant race (79%). All the currently surveyed areas and many other sites in Tigray are predicted to be suitable for future sorghum production under the changing climate scenario. Copies of all the 358 sorghum landraces are deposited in the national gene bank for use in future sorghum breeding work. The wealth of sorghum landraces diversity could be used in sorghum improvement programs.

Multiple-year farm-level assessments of trade-offs between GHG emissions and income: case examples of two farming systems in Northern Nigeria.

This study quantifies the trade-offs between welfare (measured by income) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in two farming systems of Northern Nigeria using data for 5 years from 2015 to 2019. The analyses employ a farm-level optimization model that maximizes the value of production less purchased input costs for agricultural activities including the production of trees, sorghum, groundnut or soybeans, and multiple livestock species. We compare income and GHG emissions without constraints to scenarios requiring reductions in emissions of either 10% or the maximum reduction feasible while maintaining minimum household consumption levels. For both locations and all years, we find that reductions in GHG emissions would lower household incomes and require substantive modifications to production patterns and input use. However, the extents to which reductions are possible and the patterns of income-GHG trade-offs vary, indicating that such effects are site-specific and time-variable. The variable nature of these trade-offs suggests challenges for the design of any program that would seek to compensate farmers for reductions in their GHG emissions.

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

Sorghum producer yield contest: A synthesis-analysis of major management and environmental drivers

Sorghum producer yield contest: A synthesis-analysis of major management and environmental drivers

Assessment of Cytomorphological Differences in Sorghum Fertility Restoration

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is ranked fifth as a cereal crop after maize, rice, wheat, and barley based on global cultivation area. However, heat and drought stresses cause improper fertility restoration and inefficient pollination, severely affecting sorghum productivity. The discovery of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a milestone for commercializing hybrids. This study assessed the pollen fertility and in vitro pollen germination percentage of male and female lines and F1 hybrids of sorghum using two years of pooled data with multivariate analysis. The principal component analysis (PCA) of female and male lines showed that PC1 represented 82.8% of the variation, whereas PCA of hybrids revealed a significant genetic divergence of 97.1%. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering marked that cluster II genotypes have a high pollen fertility contribution, which can generate superior and high-yielding hybrids. Three male-sterile lines exhibited 100% pollen sterility, with morphological attributes, viz., pinpointed, flattened, low anther extrusion, and starch-digested pollens. Pollen fertility restoration behavior revealed that nine hybrids were fully fertile, eighteen were partially fertile, and three were completely sterile amongst thirty hybrids. The findings of this study will facilitate the identification of potential restorers for the exploitation of high-yielding hybrids in sorghum breeding programs.

Влияние хелатных микроудобрений на элементы семенной продуктивности сортов зернового сорго в Поволжье

As a result of the research, the effectiveness of leaf treatment of crops with chelated micro fertilizers in the formation of productivity elements of grain sorghum varieties selected by RosNIISK "Rossorgo" in the conditions of the Lower Volga region was revealed. The complex of agronomic features included the following elements of the productivity of grain sorghum: grain yield, weight of 1000 grains, panicle length, grain weight from one panicle, number of grains from one panicle. A significant effect of chelated micronutrients on the increase in the size of the signs of inflorescence length, grain weight from one panicle in the varieties Assistant, RSK Cascade and Prince was revealed. There is also a tendency to increase the number of grains from one panicle and the mass of 1000 grains of the Garant variety when spraying crops with all doses of chelated micronutrients. Leaf treatment of vegetative plants of grain sorghum with chelated micro-fertilizers had a significant effect on grain yield. The greatest increase in grain yield was revealed when processing crops of the RSK Cascade variety with zinc fertilizer up to 5.93-6.28 t/ha, as well as with a preparation with calcium up to 6.03-7.65 t/ha. The grain yield of the Assistant variety increased to 4.95-6.80 t/ha (21.3-66.7% higher than the control), the Garant variety when treated with both preparations increased to 7.43-9.85 t/ha, the excess of the control variant was 15.7-53.4%. Keywords: SORGHUM, VARIETY, CHELATED MICRO FERTILIZERS, BIOMASS PRODUCTIVITY AND YIELD, MASS OF 1000 GRAINS, INFLORESCENCE LENGTH, GRAIN WEIGHT AND NUMBER OF GRAINS FROM ONE PANICLE, GENERATIVE SIGNS

Investigation of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) Variety Preferences of Farmers in the Potential Low Land Areas of North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region

Sorghum is one of the major staple crops grown in the poorest and most food-insecure regions of Ethiopia. Sorghum production is predominantly based on local seeds with limited use of commercial fertilizer or other chemicals. This study is therefore aimed to demonstrate the improved sorghum variety with its improved management practices and to assess farmers’ and extension workers’ reactions. The newly released variety of Beletew was evaluated with the variety of Melkam. The experiments were implemented using a simple plot design with farmers’ fields as a replicate. The result revealed that in both locations, the studied varieties showed nonsignificant variation in grain yield. Besides, all the participant farmers were agreed that the variety Beletew had compacted panicle, a larger number of spikes per panicle, stayed green character and yellow seed color. Similarly, about 78.3% and 65.6% of the participant farmers from Efratana gidim and Ensaro Districts respectively agreed that the variety Beletew had a larger panicle size than the variety Melkam and expected higher grain yields from it. Therefore based on the grain yield performance of the result of farmers’ evaluation, the new variety of Beletew was recommended to be pre-scale on a wider scale to sorghum-growing lowland areas as an alternative shortmatured varieties.

Incidence, Severity, and Prevalence of Sorghum Diseases in the Major Production Regions in Niger

Sorghum ranks second to pearl millet as the most important cereal in Niger and is used primarily for food, feed, and other uses. During the 2022 growing season, 96 fields from the five major sorghum production regions of Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua, Tillabéri, and Zinder were surveyed for foliar and panicle diseases. In each field, 40 plants were assessed using a W-shaped pattern to cover the whole field. A total of 19 diseases, including leaf blight, anthracnose, long smut, zonate leaf spot, bacterial leaf stripe, oval leaf spot, and rough leaf spot were documented. Leaf blight (100%) was detected in all the fields surveyed. In the regions of Dosso and Zinder, anthracnose was found in all the surveyed fields while oval leaf spot was detected in all surveyed fields in Maradi and Zinder. The highest mean incidence of leaf blight (95%) was recorded in the regions of Tahoua and Zinder while oval leaf spot (80%), anthracnose (56%), and gray leaf spot (25%) were highest in Maradi region. The highest mean severities of leaf blight (30%), long smut (29%), grain mold (18%), and anthracnose (13%) were recorded in Maradi region. The severity of head smut was 100% in all the regions where the disease was observed. Fields with incidence of 90% and above identified during the survey are considered as ‘hot spots’ for disease resistance screening. This work is significant because the information generated by the study can be utilized by sorghum workers, students, funding agencies and government officials to prioritize research projects.

Productivity of sugar sorgo in a mix with forage beans in modeling various conditions of mineral nutrition

The studies were carried out in 2020-2021. in the conditions of a field experiment at the hospital of the FSBSI "Omsk ASC". The purpose of the research is to study the influence of various conditions of mineral nutrition on the productivity of sugar sorghum mixed with fodder beans in the conditions of the south of Western Siberia. The scheme of the experiment involved the study of the following options: soil supply with mobile phosphorus (factor A) - medium (50 ... 100 mg / kg according to F.V. Chirikov, background 0), increased (100 ... 120 mg / kg, background I and 140 ... mg/kg, background II), high (150...200 mg/kg, background III); phosphorus fertilizer (factor B) - P0, P60; nitrogen fertilizer (factor C) - N0, N30, N60. The soil of the experimental plot was characterized by a neutral pHwater of the arable layer with a humus content of 7.01 ... 7.24%, a low supply of nitrate nitrogen in a layer of 0 0.4 m, an average supply of mobile phosphorus and a high supply of exchangeable potassium in a layer of 0 0.2 m on control. Growing drought-resistant crops allows efficient use of atmospheric and soil moisture resources. The use of mineral fertilizers also contributes to its economical use per unit of crop, significantly reducing the value of the water consumption coefficient. The ratio of the legume and bluegrass components in the grass mixture to a certain extent depended on the conditions of mineral nutrition. With an increase in the level of phosphorus supply, there was a tendency to increase the share of legumes, the use of nitrogen mineral fertilizers increased the competitive ability of sugar sorghum. Optimization of the conditions of mineral nutrition provided up to 5.68 thousand feed units/ha and 28.29 t/ha of green mass at 3.10 thousand feed units/ha and 15.38 t/ha of green mass in the control variant. The collection of more than 0.5 ton of digestible protein and 60 GJ/ha of metabolic energy in the crop of a legume-sorghum mixture is a good contribution to the system of forage production in the forest-steppe of Western Siberia.

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.

Agronomic performance of soybean and sorghum in a short rotation poplar coppice alley-cropping system under Mediterranean conditions

The transition from conventional arable towards silvoarable systems can increase the delivery of ecosystem services. Nevertheless, the assessment of crop yield under agroforestry condition is crucial to evaluate of the reliability of these systems and to increase the knowledge base needed to support their design. Although the feasibility of poplar short rotation coppice (SRC) silvoarable alley-cropping systems has been widely investigated, few studies have addressed the agronomic response of crops intercropped with poplar SRC in narrow alleys, especially in Mediterranean environments. Thus, this paper treats the effects of SRC poplar rows on soybean and sorghum productivity in a 2-year rotation implemented in an alley-cropping system. A field experiment was carried out in 2018 and 2019 with the objective of measuring and evaluating effects of light availability variation, as affected by the growing rate of 2-year coppice cycle poplar SRC rows, and the soil characteristics on soybean-sorghum and sorghum–soybean rotations. Above-ground biomass, grain yield and crops residue showed a significant reduction in the tree–crop interface up to 74% and sorghum proved to be less tolerant to light reduction compared to soybean. Our results demonstrated that light is the most important factor for sorghum cultivation, despite grain yield was also influenced by the soil characteristics such as pH, while soybean is affected also by soil moisture and water retention capacity. The design of crop rotation in an SRC-based agroforestry system needs to consider the different agronomic performance of different crops and the harvest cycle of tree rows.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF SORGHUM SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

The study aims at estimating the profitability of small-scale farmers in sorghum production, using the gross margin model of determining profitability in some selected Local Government Areas of Gombe State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for the study. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to 234 sorghum farmers in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and gross margin. The average age of sorghum farmers was found to be 40 years implying that farmers can make positive contribution to agricultural production. Household size is between 11-15 persons in their family with average of 12 persons. 48 percent of the farmers had no formal education. The total variable cost (TVC) incurred and revenue obtained per hectare for sorghum was estimated to determine the profitability of sorghum production in the study area. The total revenue (TR) was ₦354,946.6 while the total variable cost (TVC) was ₦167,188.6. The gross margin was therefore ₦187,758. The rate of return on investment (return per Naira invested) was ₦2.12 indicating that for every ₦1 invested in sorghum production in study area; a profit of 1.12 kobo was made. The eight major constraints associated with sorghum production ranked in order of importance were cost of fertilizer, inadequate capital, cost of labour, inadequate improved seed, pest and diseases, weed infestation, inadequate extension workers and inadequate storage facilities. The constraints were reported by 80%, 76%, 51%, 46%, 36%, 35%, 30% and 13% of the sorghum farmers, respectively. It was recommended that farmers should be encouraged to join cooperative societies in other to enhance loan accessibility to increase production and to have market linkages to commercialize their output thus increasing the profit level.

PENAMPILAN KARAKTER AGRONOMI DAN KOMPONEN HASIL EMPAT VARIETAS SORGUM MANIS (Sorghum bicolor L.) PADA BERBAGAI JARAK TANAM

High productivity of sweet sorghum can be achieved by applying optimal cultivation technology, including the use of high-yielding varieties. Differences in sorghum varieties will refer to genetic factors in each sorghum variety. Increasing sorghum production and land use efficiency, it can be done by adjusting the spacing to obtain the ideal spacing. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of variety and spacing on the appearance of agronomic characters and yield components of sorghum. This study was arranged based on a two-factor Randomized Block Design (RAK), as the first factor was four varieties of sorghum (V), namely Super 1 (V1), Super 2 (V2), Bioguma 2 Agritan (V3) and Numbu (V3) varieties. V4), the second factor was the spacing (J) with three treatment levels, namely 75 cm × 15 cm (J1), 75 cm × 20 cm (J2), and 75 cm × 25 cm (J3) so that 12 treatment combinations were obtained and repeated as many as 3 times. Each variety consists of 4 rows that are placed randomly. The results showed that the Bioguma 2 Agritan variety produced the appearance of agronomic characters with the highest plant average (293.82 cm), the highest number of leaves (13.59 strands), the highest number of internodes (13.68 books), and yield components in the form of an average the fastest flowering age (63.89 days), the fastest harvest age (103.11 days), the longest panicle (26.94 cm), the heaviest seed weight per panicle (81.58 g), the heaviest 1000 seed weight (31.33 g), highest brix content (18.21%) and highest production (2.24 kg plot-1 or 3.73 ton hectare-1). While the Super 2 variety produced an average stem with the widest diameter (21.80 mm). There is no effect of spacing on agronomic characters and yield components and there is no interaction effect between varieties and spacing on agronomic characters and yield components.

Does consumer knowledge of sorghum impact their liking? Investigating consumers preferences on sorghum biscuits using JAR (Just-About-Right) scale

Sorghum has been widely cultivated around the world. The plant has a high survival rate to be grown in barren land and is reported to be positively correlated with health benefits, in particular for being gluten-free. Recently, sorghum application in food products has increased significantly. This study aims to investigate consumer acceptance of sorghum biscuits and to evaluate whether consumer knowledge related to sorghum will influence their preferences. The preferences of 132 adult consumers were recorded for the different substitutions of sorghum to wheat (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of sorghum substitution). Sensory attributes of sweet and bitter aroma, sweetness, bitterness, texture, and grittiness were recorded using the JAR (Just-About-Right) scale while consumer knowledge regarding sorghum and gluten-free product was recorded using an online questionnaire. The result indicated that consumer knowledge did not influence their liking on sorghum biscuits, and they have limited knowledge concerning sorghum and gluten-free products. The liking was significantly influenced by the sensory attributes of biscuits. Texture quality such as hardness and grittiness showed to significantly reduce liking while sweet aroma, sweetness, and soft texture showed to promote liking. This study could be used as a preliminary study to develop gluten-free products using sorghum.

Analysis of Sorghum Production Costs in Egypt

Analysis of Sorghum Production Costs in Egypt

Cluster-based Improved Sorghum Production and Commercialization in Nyangatom Woreda of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Cluster-based improved sorghum (Melkam variety) production and commercialization was demonstrated in Nyanghtom Woreda of the South Omo Zone for one year (2021) to improve agro-pastoralists’ awareness, enhance the adaptation of full-package production technologies, and increase the economic visibility of improved sorghum cultivation. The production was started in a single kebele with a 7-hectare area of coverage. Twenty-five purposively selected direct beneficiaries and twenty-five randomly selected indirect beneficiaries from a neighbor were involved in the production. Direct beneficiaries cultivated sorghum on 0.28 hectares of land. At various stages of crop growth, monitoring, evaluation, and fieldwork were done by both beneficiaries and indirect beneficiaries. Face-to-face interviews with sorghum producers and non-producers were undertaken. Simple descriptive statistics were used to examine quantitative data, like grain yield, whereas the Likert scale was used for qualitative data such as agro-pastoralists perceptions. The result revealed that 30 quintal sorghum grain yield per hectare was obtained from improved sorghum (Melkam variety). The average return obtained from the sale of sorghum grain per hectare was 120,144 ETB. Agropastoralists’ perception result revealed that the “Melkam” variety is a higher yielder, and early matured as compared to local. Therefore, cluster-based sorghum production should be promoted for local sorghum growers in order to improve sorghum production sustainability and also seed system should take into account the provision of improved Melkam variety seed.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency and yield of selected sorghum genotypes in semi-arid regions of Kenya

Sorghum production in semi-arid lands is constrained by inadequate soil moisture and low nitrogen. Research was carried out between 2018-2020 to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency, yield on selected sorghum genotypes and genotypes suitable for low soil fertility in semi-arid lands. The experiment was a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with 11 sorghum genotypes in the main plot and nitrogen (0, 6.5 and 32.5 kgha-1) as the sub-plots in three replicates. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and its indices agronomic efficiency (AE), nitrogen internal utilization (IE), physiological efficiency (PE), nitrogen recovery efficiency, nitrogen harvest index (NHI) and partial factor productivity (PFP) were obtained from sorghum yield data and nitrogen uptake. The results showed that nitrogen application at 6.5 kgha-1 and 32.5 kgha-1 significantly increased grain yield, stover weight and total dry matter (TDM) by 43% and 116%, 39% and 85% and 42% and 57% respectively. Sorghum genotypes TTKKIAMA6, KTIRASTAMMA4, SNYAKTOSA5, and MKNKKIRWMA2 had significantly higher grain yield and low N uptake implying they are N-efficient. NUE of sorghum decreased with increasing N application. Nitrogen internal utilization efficiency (IE) was significantly higher at zero N application rate implying better N assimilation by sorghum genotypes at low N. AE, PE, RE and PFP were all significantly higher at 6.5 kg N ha-1. All tested genotypes had significantly high NUE (90 to 1148 kgkg-1, RE (27 to 94 kgkg-1), AE (41 to 139 kgkg-1), PE (27 to 84 kgkg-1) and IE (41 to 139 kgkg-1) than the check (Gadam). It was concluded that sorghum genotypes yield parameters were increased by nitrogen application, NUE was highest at low N levels and its indices were significantly higher at 6.5 kg Nha-1. Four genotypes were found to be highly N-efficient and are recommended for sorghum improvement.