Sorghum Varieties Research Articles

Modeling sorghum-cowpea intercropping for a site in the savannah zone of Mali: Strengths and weaknesses of the Stics model

Intercropping is a key entry point for sustainable intensification of cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa where variable rainfall conditions prevail. Crop simulation models can complement field experiments to assess the agronomic and environmental performances of intercropping systems under diverse climatic conditions, including hypothetical future climate. So far, crop models that can handle intercropping, such as STICS, have not often been extensively evaluated for tropical conditions and for species grown by farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the calibrated STICS model to simulate sorghum-cowpea intercropping systems in rainfed conditions in West Africa. We used data from field experiments conducted at the N'Tarla Agronomic Station in Mali in 2017 and 2018. Two varieties of sorghum (local and improved) with contrasting photoperiod sensitivities were grown as sole crop and intercropped with cowpea, with additive design. Two sowing dates and two levels of mineral fertilization were also investigated. Model simulations were evaluated with observed data for phenology, leaf area index (LAI), aboveground biomass, grain yield and in-season soil moisture. Large variations in aboveground biomass of sorghum and cowpea was observed in the experiment (i.e. 3.5 – 9.6 t/ha for sorghum and 0.4–2.5 t/ha for cowpea), owing to the treatments (i.e. sole vs intercrop, early vs late sowing, no fertilizer input vs fertilizer input). Such variations were satisfactorily reproduced by the model, with EF of 0.81 in calibration and 0.58 in evaluation (with relative rRMSE of 23 % and 43 %) across crops. Sorghum AGB simulations were more accurate (rRMSE of 21 % and EF of 0.54) than cowpea AGB simulations (rRMSE of 25 % and EF of −0.09). The two main observed features of the intercropping system were well reproduced by the model. Firstly, cowpea and sorghum aboveground biomass decreased with intercropping compared with sole cropping, and the decrease in cowpea biomass was greater than the decrease in sorghum biomass. Secondly, despite a reduction in sorghum and cowpea yield, Land Equivalent Ratio of the intercropping for aboveground biomass was always above one. With regard to grain yield, observed LER was above one only in the non-fertilized treatment. The model failed at reproducing this behavior, probably because of insufficiently accurate calibration of the process leading to grain yield formation: rRMSE for grain yield was 49 % in calibration and 41 % in evaluation. Based on these findings, we discuss avenues to improve model calibration and use the model to explore options for sustainable intensification in land constrained sub-Saharan Africa. • Accurate STICS simulations of intercropped sorghum and cowpea aboveground biomass. • Inaccurate STICS simulations of intercropped sorghum and cowpea grain yield. • The model can be used to start exploring inter-annual performance of intercropping. • Experiments looking at N dynamics in intercropping needed to refine calibration.

ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНІ ЯКОСТІ, ХІМІЧНИЙ СКЛАД І МІКРОСТРУКТУРА ЗЕРНА СОРГО ДЛЯ МІКРОХВИЛЬОВОГО ПОПІНГУ

The chemical composition, physical properties (moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, ash content, thousand grain weight, bulk density) and grain microstructure were evaluated for different varieties of sorghum grain cultivated in Ukraine. Sorghum varieties (Dniprovsky, Kafrske, and Fulgus) were subjected to different preconditioning and process parameters of microwave heating to determine the popping characteristics of the grain. Each of the three sorghum varieties was pretreated by moisture conditioning up to 13, 15, and 17%, and popped in a microwave oven set at 450, 600 and 700 W for 150 s. Popping yield was insufficient for all sorghum varieties at microwave power 450 W and grain moisture content of 13 and 17%. Popping characteristics (popping yield, popping start, specific weight of popped grain and volume expansion ratio) and organoleptic properties were measured. Thousand grain weight, bulk density, protein, ash, crude fiber content, pericarp, aleurone, and translucent endosperm thickness were found to be significantly different among the three sorghum varieties. Varietal characteristics of sorghum grain had a strong impact on volume expansion ratio, which was negatively correlated with the size of the grain. The Fulgus grain variety showing the highest popping characteristics was found to have higher thousand grain yield (31.9 g), higher bulk density (869.8 g/dm3), lower protein (8.03%), ash (1.35%) and crude fiber (2.01%) content, thinner but well-packed pericarp (31 µm), thinner aleurone (9 µm) and thicker translucent endosperm (1.1 mm) than other varieties.

Physicochemical properties and correlation analysis of retrograded starch from different varieties of sorghum

SummarySorghum germplasm resources were abundant, and their comprehensive utilisation was also more in‐depth. Starch had attracted much attention as the main component in grain, but starch retrogradation limited its better development and utilisation. Therefore, the property changes of sorghum starch retrogradation were studied. The differences in the properties of the four kinds of sorghum starches during retrogradation were mainly due to composition and structure among the varieties. With the increase in retrogradation days, the order of L1 starch was better at 0.994, the retrogradation rate of L13 starch increased by 36.23%, and the recrystallisation degree of H5 starch was 0.064 worse than that of native starch. However, the physicochemical properties of H1 retrograded starch were different from those of the other three. It was shown that the solubility increased to 47.67%, the transparency was 43.36%, and the water‐holding capacity was 91.35%. Retrogradation made that the surface of sorghum starch gel fragments had an orderly scale‐like structure, which did not cause the generation of new groups, reduced the crystalline strength and the energy required for gelatinisation. The crystallisation rate was positively correlated with syneresis, swelling and orderliness, as well as T0, Tp, Tc and ΔH, and negatively correlated with water‐holding capacity.

Physical characteristics, nutritional composition and phenolic compounds of some of the sorghum landraces obtained in South Africa

Sorghum is among the predominant food plants in sub-Saharan Africa with established dietary and health benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and nutritional characteristics and phenolic compounds of some of the sorghum genotypes grown in South Africa. The varieties investigated were white (Macia-SA), red (M48) and brown sorghum (M153). The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method was used for physical, nutritional and mineral examination and the Waters Synapt G2 quadruple time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer (MS) for the evaluation of the phenolic compound. The highest mineral content for the genotypes was potassium, in the range of 3599.24, 4248.04, and 4763.45 mg/kg; the highest value recorded was in the brown sorghum (SBrown) variety. The white sorghum (SWhite) variety had higher dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and starch contents compared to the red and brown types. Furthermore, higher ash, crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) values were observed in respect of the red sorghum variety. The most abundant phenolic compound in this study was caffeic acid, and this was more in the red sorghum. Naringenin-7-O-glucoside was the only quantified flavonoid, the highest content was reported in the red sorghum genotype. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and naringenin-7-O-glucoside contributed largely to the clustering of the genotypes in component 1 (PC1), while feruloylquinic acid and ferulic acid contributed to the clustering of component 2 (PC2). High component loadings for PC1 were contributed by the red sorghum (SRed) variety. These results suggest that sorghum varieties grown under South African climatic conditions are rich sources of valuable nutrients and diverse phenolic compounds, with brown and red sorghum types being the outstanding varieties. Sorghum’s unique phenolic profile qualifies it to be used to lessen oxidative stress and prevent diseases such as cancer. It has the potential to be utilized in the development of functional food additives.

Nutritional value of sorghum as a feedstock for poultry

Recently, many farms are increasingly using such a reserve of intensification of feed production as the cultivation of new low-spread varieties of feed crops. In this regard, sorghum, a widespread crop of southern latitudes, is attracting more and more attention. Sorghum crops due to their high heat and drought resistance, unpretentiousness to soils and low demands on nutrients, can replace cereal crops such as wheat, barley, corn, etc. The article is devoted to the study of the chemical composition and nutritional value of 15 sorghum varieties grown in the Stavropol Territory. The originator and patent holder of all these varieties is Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “North Caucasian Federal Scientifi c Agrarian Center”. The results of the study of these sorghum varieties in the laboratory of physiology and biochemical analysis in the Siberian Scientifi c and Research Institute of Poultry showed that the nutritional value of sorghum grain has diff erences both in varieties and in comparison with the average data specifi ed in the reference manual for poultry feeding. The varieties Zersta-38A, Knyazhna, A-63, Pharaoh, KiM, Ayushka, Athlete, Stavropol-63 and Krusta turned out to be the richest in crude protein content, but at the same time crude fat content and metabolic energy in them are less than those indicated in the methodological guide. Based on the results obtained, experimental compound feed recipes for broiler chickens and laying hens have been developed with the inclusion of varieties of different nutritional values and doses of sorghum grain with the possibility of partial or complete replacement of wheat. The conducted research is of interest because poultry is a competitor of humans in wheat consumption in order to save the traditional widely used grain crop.

Diversity and spatial distribution of sorghum on farmers’ fields in Uganda

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a food security crop in sub-Saharan Africa, which requires constant breeding in response to changes in the fragility of agricultural production environments. Hence, understanding and tenacious use of genetic variation in sorghum germplasm is essential for improving the crop to cope with environmental changes. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of diversity and spatial distribution of sorghum on farmers’ fields in major sorghum growing regions in Uganda. A survey involving 180 fields was conducted in three districts, namely Agago and Apac (northern) and Serere (eastern) all in Uganda. Diversity was measured in terms of number of accessions per field, the Shannon-Weaver and Simpson diversity indices. In order to assess spatial distribution of sorghum diversity on the fields, correlation analysis was carried out between diversity and geographical distances between fields. Overall, Agago district had the highest number of accessions per unit area (4.47); while Apac had the lowest (1.62). The spatial distribution of sorghum diversity showed a positive correlation (r = 0.381 for Agago, 0.124 for Apac and 0.081 for Serere), between geographical distances and diversity across the three districts; implying that fields close together share similar sorghum varieties. This can be due to sharing seeds between farmers within a given location. Sorghum diversity was spatially distributed in the fields, with fields close to each other shared most sorghum types. The levels of sorghum diversity on fields were highest in Agago and lowest in Apac district. The existing on-farm sorghum diversity offers the opportunity for improving sorghum through natural breeding against biotic and abiotic stresses.

Sorghum Production in Northern Namibia: Farmers’ Perceived Constraints and Trait Preferences

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is a valuable crop in the dry regions of the world, including Namibia. Due to the intensity and recurrence of drought and heat stress in the traditional sorghum growing areas, there is a need to breed and deploy new generation farmer-preferred and climate-smart cultivars to serve the diverse value chains. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the present state of sorghum production in northern Namibia and document farmers’ perceived production constraints and trait preferences in new varieties to guide drought-tolerance breeding. A survey was conducted using a participatory rural appraisal in the following six selected sorghum-growing constituencies in Namibia: Kapako and Mpungu (Kavango West Region), Eenhana and Endola (Ohangwena Region), and Katima Mulilo Rural and Kongola (Zambezi Region). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire involving 198 farmers in 14 sampled villages across the regions. Results revealed variable trends in sorghum production among respondent farmers when disaggregated by gender, age, number of households, education level, cropping systems, types of varieties grown, and perceived production constraints. An equal proportion of male and female respondent farmers cultivate sorghum, suggesting the value of the crop to both genders in Namibia. Most respondent farmers (63.6%) were in productive age groups of <40 years old. In the study areas, low-yielding landrace varieties, namely Ekoko, Okambete, Makonga, Kamburo, Nkutji, Katoma, Fuba, Dommy, Kawumbe, and Okatombo, were widely cultivated, and most of the farmers did not use chemical fertilizers to cultivate sorghum. Farmers’ perceived sorghum production constraints in the study areas included recurrent drought, declining soil fertility, insect pest damage, high cost of production inputs, unavailability of improved seed, lack of alternative improved varieties with farmers’ preferred traits, lack of organic manure, limited access to market and limited extension service. The key farmers’ preferred traits in a new sorghum variety included high grain yield, early maturity, and tolerance to drought, in the field and storage insect pests. The study recommends genetic improvement and new variety deployment of sorghum with the described farmers-preferred traits to increase the sustainable production of the crop in Namibia.

ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНА ЯКІСТЬ КРОХМАЛЮ РІЗНИХ ГІБРИДІВ КУКУРУДЗИ І СОРТІВ СОРГО ЗЕРНОВОГО ЗА ЙОГО БІОХІМІЧНОЮ СКЛАДОВОЮ

The technological quality of starch of different hybrids of corn and varieties of grain sorghum according to its biochemical component is determined. It was founding that the product contains 81.5–83.7% of starch + dextrin. In addition, it contains protein at the level of 1.0–1.1%, dietary fiber – 1.5–1.7%, depending on the maize hybrid. Cornstarch contains vitamins B3 and B4. The technological quality of grain sorghum starch was similar to that of corn. However, sorghum starch contains a higher content of protein and dietary fiber. In terms of moisture and ash content, cornstarch and grain sorghum meet the current requirements. Studies have shown that cornstarch contained polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), saturated fatty acids (PFA), ash, protein, dietary fiber, water. The main part of it consisted of carbohydrates, represented by starch and dextrin – 82.5–83.7%. The lowest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) – 0.02–0.03%, depending on the hybrid. In addition, the protein content of starch was in the range of 1.0–1.1%, and the content of dietary fiber was 1.5–1.7%, depending on the maize hybrid. The moisture content of starch was 12.1–13.4%, and the ash content was 0.2%, which met the requirements of the standard SSTU 3976–2000 Dry cornstarch. Specifications. Cornstarch contained two B vitamins and 11 mineral elements. Among the vitamins of corn grain in starch, the content of B4 and B3 was determined – 0.4–0.7 mg/kg. Of the mineral elements, sodium contained the most – 25–30 mg/kg of starch. Selenium was the least – 0.002–0.003 mg/kg. The content of copper, zinc and manganese varied from 0.048 to 0.07 mg/kg of starch. Iron content – from 0.43 to 0.48 mg/kg. The content of magnesium and sulfur was in the range of 1.0–2.6 mg/kg. The content of potassium, calcium and phosphorus is 13–20 mg/kg, depending on the maize hybrid. The biochemical component of grain sorghum starch was similar to that of corn. Thus, the starch + dextrin content was at the level of 81.0–83.8% depending on the variety. The content of PUFA was in the range of 0.03–0.04, and the content of NFA was 0.2%. In terms of moisture and ash content, sorghum starch complied with the standards of SSTU 4380: 2005. The starch is modifying. The fat content was 0.8–1.5%; the protein content was 1.8–2.7%, depending on the variety of grain sorghum. It should be noted that the origin of sorghum varieties did not affect the formation of technological quality of starch. Only the content of vitamin B3 – 0.67–1.00 mg/kg was founding in grain sorghum starch. Only nine minerals have been identified. The highest content of phosphorus was 20–28 mg/kg of starch. The content of potassium and sodium was in the range of 20.0–25.0 mg/kg of starch. The copper content was the lowest – 0.003–0.005 mg/kg of product. The manganese content was 0.084–0.098 mg/kg. The content of iron varied from 0.18 to 0.25 mg/kg, magnesium, sulfur and calcium – from two to 6 mg/kg of grain sorghum starch.

AUSAF; A HIGH FODDER YIELDING SORGHUM VARIETY WITH BETTER NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND SILAGE QUALITY

The demand of high fodder yielding varieties of sorghum with better nutritional quality is increasing by the livestock farmers. The cultivation of high yielding fodder crops is compulsory need of the era for livestock industry development, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Development of high fodder yielding varieties which have better nutritional value is a dire need for this region. In this regard, Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha, Pakistan has developed a new sorghum variety ‘Ausaf’ having high green fodder yield and better nutritional value. This variety is an outcome of the selection from local germplasm line S-145 during 2009-2017. It has proved its worth in all the yield trials and its performance is better than the existing Sorghum-2011 variety. It produced 11.60% and 8.25% higher green fodder yield as compared to check variety sorghum-2011 in National Uniform Fodder Yield Trials. Moreover, its green fodder contains 20.88% dry matter, 8.75% protein, 26.94% crude fiber and 3.18% crude fat. The new variety showed that it was moderately resistant to red leaf spot and long smut. Agronomic studies revealed that it is fit in a better way with the existing agronomic practices.

Rapid and accurate detection of starch content in mixed sorghum by hyperspectral imaging combined with data fusion technology

AbstractSorghum is a type of brewing material. The starch content of different kinds of mixed sorghum affect the quality and yield of liquor. Therefore, an accurate and efficient detection of its starch content is of great significance to obtain high‐quality and high‐yield of liquor. Based on the data of single visible light (Vis), near‐infrared (NIR), and Vis and NIR fusion, this study develops a genetic algorithm optimization BP neural network (GA‐BPNN) model and a particle swarm optimization support vector machine model. It is deduced that the model based on the data from the Vis and NIR fusion has the highest performance in predicting the starch content of mixed sorghum. For the prediction of amylose, the GA‐BPNN model developed after using the Pearson correlation coefficient to select the characteristic wavelength for fusion, has the highest performance (RMSEP = .0298 and = .9948). For the prediction of amylopectin, the GA‐BPNN model developed after fusion of spectral features extracted by principal component analysis, has the highest performance (RMSEP = .0213 and = .9985). In conclusion, the hyperspectral imaging combined with data fusion can rapidly and accurately detect the starch content of mixed sorghum.Practical ApplicationsAs the single raw material of Maotai‐flavor liquor and the main raw material of Luzhou‐flavor liquor, the amylopectin content of sorghum directly affects the quality of liquor. Its amylose content also affects the yield of liquor. Because the different varieties of sorghum have different amylose and amylopectin content, liquor manufacturers often use several mixed varieties of sorghum as a brewing material. In order to ensure the quality and yield of liquor, it is particularly crucial to detect the amylose and amylopectin content variables of blended sorghum. The traditional sorghum starch content determination methods, such as the chemical detection methods and near infrared spectroscopy, have the disadvantages of destructiveness, low efficiency, and low detection accuracy. In the process of liquor brewing, the traditional detection methods cannot guide the timely adjustment of brewing process parameters. The hyperspectral imaging technology is widely used in food material detection, due to its fast and nondestructive advantages. The data fusion technology can fuse data from different sources of the same object to be detected, in order to obtain more comprehensive data for the development of accurate prediction models. This study uses the hyperspectral imaging combined with data fusion in order to quickly and accurately predicts the starch content (amylose, amylopectin) of mixed sorghum, which has a guiding significance for the timely adjustment of process parameters in the brewing process of liquor. In addition, it provides an accurate method for the component detection of other grains.

Evaluation of seed soaking insecticides against insect pests of sorghum

In this study, seed soaking insecticide treatments i.e., thiamethoxam 25%WG @ 2.0 g/ l, clothianidin 50%WG @ 2.0 g/ l, dinotefuron 20%SG @ 1.0 g/ l, fipronil 5%SC@ 1.0 ml/ l, flonicamid 50%SG @ 0.50 g/ l + CaCl2 @ 2% were evaluated in sorghum variety M 35-1 during 2018 and 2019. The pooled data in terms of deadhearts (DH) showed significant reduction in damage, with least % deadhearts by the shoot fly (Atherigona soccata Rondani) (17.96%), and stem borer (Chilo partellus Swinhoe) (4.32%); while shoot bugs (Peregrinus maidis Ashmead)/ plant (5.88) and number of aphids- Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch.)/ 3 cm2 leaf area (23.57) were significantly reduced, along with maximum grain yield (1810 q/ ha) being with thiamethoxam.

Evaluation of plant profile of Japanese Super Sorghum variety and its physicochemical and microbiological properties of fresh juice and concentrated syrup

Sweet sorghum with various varieties in Indonesia is a high potential source of sugar. The innovation of sweet sorghum variety to improve the quality attributes needs to evaluate for plant’s profiles for optimal utilization prospects. The objective of this study was to examine the profiles of Japanese Super Sorghum cultivated in Indonesia that comparisons of several other varieties of sweet sorghum and characterize the physicochemical and microbiological properties of fresh juice and concentrated syrup. Japanese Super Sorghum had the highest plant size, the highest number of leaves, and the highest yield of fresh juice compared to other varieties. Japanese Super Sorghum’s fresh juice had a pH of 5.28, Total Dissolve Solid (TDS) 12.5 ± 0.1 °Brix, dextran content of 421.25 ± 3.93 ppm, color ICUMSA 862.15 ± 10.79 IU, viscosity 2.11 ± 0.02 cP, and yield of fresh juice 56.76% from stems or 42.42% from the whole plant. The concentrated syrup had a higher pH, ICUMSA color, dextran content, and viscosity than fresh juice, but it had a lower microbial growth rate. Microbial growth in concentrated syrup decreased due to defecation and evaporation. Bacterial growth in fresh juice was 1.8x103 CFU/ml and only 0.5x103 CFU/ml in concentrated syrup. The total microbial growth in fresh juice was 22.0x103 CFU/ml and only 5.5x103 CFU/ml in thick syrup. In conclusion, concentrated syrup from Japanese Super Sorghum juice has good properties and high storability.

Performance of Multicut Fodder Sorghum Under Rainfed Conditions of Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka

ICAR-KVK, Chamarajanagar has conducted 170 (17 ha) demonstrations on multicut fodder sorghum during 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 in 8 villages. The critical inputs were identifi ed in existing production technology through farmers meeting and group discussions with the farmers. The study revealed that the demonstrated technology recorded signifi cantly a mean yield of 28.14 t/ha which was 133.14 % higher than farmers’ practice (12.07 t/ha). The palatability was also signifi cantly higher with CoFs-29 (92.8 %) as compared to local variety (80.5 %) and similar trend was followed with respect to number of cuttings. Average extension gap, technology gap and technology index were found 16.07 t/ha, 7.86 t/ha and 21.83% respectively. Higher mean gross and net returns and Benefi t: Cost ratio of Rs. 46435/ha, Rs.31489/ha and 3.11 was obtained with multicut fodder sorghum in comparison to farmers’ variety (Rs.19924/ha, Rs.7778/ha and 1.64). Therefore, there is a need to disseminate the improved technologies among the farmers with eff ective extension methods like training and demonstrations. The farmers should be encouraged to grow multicut fodder sorghum varieties under rainfed conditions to get higher green fodder yield and to realize higher returns.

Augmenting Leucaena leucocephala biomass with mineral fertiliser on rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency and yields on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [(L.) Moench]) under rainwater harvesting techniques in semi-arid region of Zimbabwe

Food security in semi-arid regions is threatened by declining soil fertility, soil moisture stress and long frequent droughts as a result of erratic rainfall. Therefore we assessed the effects of augmenting Leucaena leucocephala biomass (organic manure) with mineral fertiliser on rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, grain and stover yields for two sorghum varieties (Macia and SV1) under rainwater harvesting techniques. The experiment was laid in split-split plot arrangement with rainwater harvesting method as main plot factor, with Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser as subplot factor and sorghum variety as sub-sub plot factor over three cropping seasons. Data collected include rainwater use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, grain and stover yields. Results show that tied contours have significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher grain and stover yields from all varieties and seasons. Irregardless of sorghum variety, tied contours had significant (p ≤ 0.05) sorghum grain and stover yield followed by infiltration pits and lastly standard contours. Grain and stover yields improved with increasing levels of Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser combination. Highest grain yields observed were 1.146 t ha−1 (Macia) and 1.1 t ha−1 (SV1) from tied contour +15 t ha−1 biomass +150 kg ha−1 NPK fertiliser treatments. Rainwater use efficiency was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher from tied contours compared to infiltration pits and standard contour. Rainwater use efficiency was statistically (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by increasing application levels of Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser in all seasons. Agronomic efficiencies were considerably (p ≤ 0.05) affected by rainwater harvesting, Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser and interaction of all factors. It can therefore be concluded that Leucaena biomass + NPK fertiliser, tied contours and infiltration pits improve sorghum yields. Augmenting 2.5 t ha−1 biomass with 25 kg ha−1 NPK fertiliser under tied contours and Macia have better agronomic efficiency.

Apparent metabolizable energy, growth performance and carcass traits of Japanese quail fed select modern grain sorghum varieties.

This study was performed to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) content of tannin-free red/bronze, white/tan and U.S. No. 2 varieties of grain sorghum for feeding Japanese quail and validate their nutrient profile by evaluating effects on performance and carcass traits with full-substitution of corn. Experiment 1 determined the AMEn content of red/bronze, white/tan, and U.S. No. 2 grain sorghum varieties fed to mixed-sex Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) (n = 314) at 3 and 6-weeks of age. Analyses were based on a 2×4 factorial treatment design with age and grain types defining the treatments, and a randomized complete block experiment design with cage and trials defining the block. AMEn values were validated by evaluating the performance and carcass traits of Japanese quail (n = 644) from 1 to 40 days of age in Experiment 2 with birds were fed 1 of 4 complete diets. Statistical analyses were conducted on performance data and select individual carcass trait measurements. Determined AMEn values at 3-weeks of age were 3,524±122.03 (red/bronze), 3,252±122.03 (white/tan), and 3,039±123.44 (U.S. No. 2) kcal/kg. At 6-weeks of age, determined AMEn were 3,373±297.35 (red/bronze), 3,279±297.35 (white/tan), and 2,966±298.64 (U.S. No. 2) kcal/kg. Carcass traits showed live body weight (p = 0.0409) and hot carcass weight (p = 0.0234) were greatest in U.S. No. 2; however, carcass yield (p<0.0001) was lowest. No significant differences were observed among treatments for feed intake, feed conversion ratio, breast weight and breast yield (p>0.05). These studies demonstrated that tannin-free grain sorghum varieties may be a potential alternative to corn in quail diets while maintaining growth performance and carcass parameters.

Comparative Analyses of Impact of Varying Germination Periods on Malt Quality and Wort Characteristics of Sorghum Bicolor (L) Moench and Sorghum Vulgare Varieties

Three Sorghum bicolor [L] Moench and two Sorghum vulgare varieties were steeped for 20 h at 30 ℃ and germinated for 2 to 6 d. The varieties differed in 1000-grain weight, germination energy, germination capacity, water sensitivity, nitrogen, protein, tannin and moisture contents. Sprouts length increased with germination days and varied with sorghum varieties. Malting loss increased with germination days and differed with cultivars. Cold water extract and hot water extract increased from 2-day to 4-day malts and thereafter decreased. Tannin content varied among cultivars, grains&gt;malts&gt;worts. Diastatic power (DP) and amylase activities increased in both sweet and non-sweet sorghum cultivars from day-2 to day-4 malts and then declined. Sweet sorghum malts revealed higher DP (ca 142.1 ºL) than the non-sweet malts (ca 119.6 ºL). Malts of sweet sorghum varieties had -, β- and γ-amylase activities while non-sweet cultivars indicated only - and β-amylase activities. Sweet sorghum worts had more reducing sugars than non-sweet sorghum varieties. Wort-yields (43.9-68.7%) and reducing sugars differed and increased from day-2 to day-4 malts and then decreased. Worts pH (5.1-6.7) varied with cultivars and the sweet generally had higher pH than non-sweet sorghum cultivars. Generally, the 4-day sweet sorghum malts yielded the best quality malts.

Characterisation of Polishing Frequency for Three Varieties of Sorghum Grain in Java, Indonesia.

To determine the suitability of different sorghum cultivars (grown in Indonesia) for the manufacturing of acceptable food products, their properties must first be characterised. During sorghum processing, polishing may affect the final nutritional value and quality of the product. This study is aimed at determining the effects of sorghum variety and polishing frequency on nutritional value. This was achieved by using a factorial randomised block design with two factors: sorghum variety (Bioguma, Numbu, and Super) and polishing frequency (once, twice, or thrice). Tannin content, antioxidant capacity, levels of dietary fibre and resistant starch, and fat, ash, and carbohydrate content varied according to sorghum cultivar. Compared to other sorghum varieties, the Super cultivar contained the highest levels of antioxidants, dietary fibre, fat content, protein, resistant starch, and tannins (although high tannin content could be lowered by polishing grains up to three times). The frequency of polishing affected tannin and ash levels in all three sorghum varieties. Polishing frequency also affected the antioxidant capacity of polished sorghum grains. The findings from this study should be considered when determining appropriate applications for various sorghum-based food products.

Image classification of sugarcane aphid density using deep convolutional neural networks

Sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), has caused significant yield loss across the sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) production region in the U.S. Adequate management of sugarcane aphid depends on pest monitoring and economic threshold levels to spray insecticides. However, scouting this pest under field conditions is time-consuming and inefficient. To assist pest monitoring, we propose the use of deep learning models to automatically classify sugarcane aphid infestation on leaves according to different density levels in images. We used a total of 5,048 images collected during field scouting events and evaluated the performance of four deep learning classification models: Inception v3, DenseNet 121, Resnet 50, and Xception. We trained the models to classify aphid densities into 6 classes based on established standard threshold levels for spraying: no aphids present (0 sugarcane aphids/leaf), no threat or below an action/treatment threshold (1–10, and 11–39 sugarcane aphids/leaf), and infested above an economic threshold where an insecticide should be applied (40–125, 126–500, and > 500 sugarcane aphids/leaf) to manage sugarcane aphid in field conditions. Among these models, Inception v3 and Xception performed best with an overall accuracy score of 86% and a lower number of misclassified images. Importantly, the models correctly classified aphids as above or below threshold spray density over 97% of the time. The methodology developed and the models tested in this study can be used in sampling protocols and further mobile applications or remote sensing technologies. These technologies can assist sorghum growers and researchers to scout and screen sugarcane aphid in susceptible and resistant sorghum varieties automatically and provide accurate recommendations on whether or not to apply pesticides.

VIEWS OF SORGHUM GROWERS ABOUT CoFS 29 VARIETY REGARDING ITS USEFULNESS

In Gujarat, sorghum is mainly cultivated for fodder purpose. Out of various zones of Gujarat, middle Gujarat is one of the remarkable zones of livestock population and farmers of this area grow various fodder crops to feed their animals. In middle Gujarat, farmers of Kheda district mainly grow sorghum, pearl millet and maize as a fodder crop. Due to nature of unavailability in some seasons of single cut variety of fodder sorghum and pearl millet, main forage research station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand recommended an improved multi cut variety CoFS 29 of sorghum. After understanding the importance of this variety, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kheda conducted the front line demonstrations of this variety in Kheda district from year 2017 with a view to long term fodder availability and to increase the area of production by increase the number of its adopters. To understand the actual usefulness of this variety among the users of it, the study on views of sorghum growers about CoFS 29 variety regarding its usefulness in Kheda district was conducted on those sorghum growers where KVK Kheda conducted FLD of CoFS 29 of fodder sorghum. A total of 200 CoFS 29 variety users were selected for the study. Ex-post-facto research design was used and interview schedule was prepared in light with objective. Usefulness in crop production, usefulness in animal husbandry and economic usefulness were three key indicators to measure the overall usefulness of this variety. Less number of ploughing is needed than other varieties of fodder sorghum, more number of cuttings and less seeds are needed were major perceived usefulness in crop production. Animal likes to feed and no poisoning effect after feeding of immature fodder were major perceived usefulness in animal husbandry. Less cost of cultivation and more profitable were major economic usefulness perceived by the users. Majority of the users had high perceived overall usefulness of this variety.

FACTORS AFFECTING PERCEIVED USEFULNESS OF THE SORGHUM GROWERS ABOUT CoFS 29 VARIETY

Sorghum is one of the most important fodder crops. In middle Gujarat, farmers of Kheda district mainly grow single cut variety sorghum, pearl millet and maize as a fodder crop as this district possesses good number of livestock population. After understanding the importance of multi cut variety of sorghum, KVK Kheda conducted FLDs on CoFS 29 variety from year 2017. To understand the factors responsible behind perceived usefulness of this variety and to understand the problems realized among its users as well as to get the suggestions from them to overcome the problems, this study was conducted on 200 CoFS 29 user sorghum growers whom KVK Kheda selected as FLD farmers. The profile characteristics were also studied of the selected CoFS 29 users. Ex-post-facto research design was used and interview schedule was prepared in light with the objective. Frequency, percentage, arbitrary method, mean score and coefficient of correlation were major statistical tools used for analysis of the study. From the study, it was observed that more number of CoFS 29 users were from middle age group with secondary level of education, 1 to 2 ha land, 4 to 6 animals and up to 1 lakh rupee annual income. Majority of them were getting yield from CoFS 29 variety was 120 to 130t, very low level of social participation, and medium level of extension contact. More number of farmers had high level of mass media exposure, medium level of scientific orientation and innovativeness and using bore well for irrigation. Profile characteristics like land holding, annual income, yield and scientific orientation were positive and significantly associated with perceived usefulness about CoFS 29 variety for their users. Major problems realized by the CoFS 29 variety user sorghum growers were high price of seeds; difficulty in availability of seeds and more irrigation are required. Major suggestions offered by the sorghum growers to overcome the problems realized by them while utilizing CoFS 29 variety were price of seeds of CoFS 29 variety should be less and seeds of CoFS 29 variety should be made available easily.