Sorghum Bicolor (l.) Moench Subsp. Drummondii (nees Ex Steud.) De Wet

Origin

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet, commonly known as drummond's red sorghum, is a species of cereal plant in the family Poaceae. It is originally from Africa and is widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Common Names

The plant is known by many common names such as red-seeded sorghum, red durra, and African sorghum.

General Appearance

Drummond's red sorghum is a tall, erect annual grass that can reach up to 4 meters in height. The plant has a strong root system and broad leaves that range in color from light green to deep red, depending on the variety. The seedheads of the plant are compact and erect, and the seeds themselves are small and round.

Uses

The plant has many uses, including as a food source for humans and livestock. The seeds can be milled and used to make flour, or they can be cooked like rice. In some African countries, sorghum beer is brewed from the grains. The plant is also used for its high-quality forage and as a biofuel.

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Growth Conditions for Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet

Light: The plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade for short periods, but extended periods in shaded conditions can result in weak and spindly growth.

Temperature: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet prefers warm temperatures between 25°C and 32°C. The plant can tolerate moderately high temperatures but will not perform well in extremely hot conditions or frequent temperature fluctuations. Temperatures below 15°C can cause stunted growth or even death of the plant.

Soil: The plant thrives in a well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter with good fertility and moisture retention capacity. Sandy-loam soil with moderate to high fertility is ideal, but the plant can also grow in clay soil. Ensure that the soil has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Water: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet requires moderate water levels during its growth phases but can tolerate drought stress. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which damages the roots, while underwatering can cause stunted growth and poor yield. It is advisable to water the plant when the soil is dry to a depth of 5 cm or when the plant shows signs of wilting.

Nutrition: Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet requires adequate nutrients for optimal growth and yield. The plant requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in significant amounts. Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth, while phosphorus promotes strong root growth. Potassium enhances overall plant health and disease resistance. Sufficient organic matter in the soil can provide these essential nutrients, but additional fertilization may be necessary for optimum growth and yield.

Cultivation Methods

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet is a warm-season crop and is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal attention, making it an ideal option for small-scale farmers. It is recommended to plant sorghum seeds in well-drained soils in an area with full sun exposure. The optimal soil pH for growing sorghum is between 6 and 7. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2-3 cm and about 15-20 cm apart.

Watering Needs

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet requires consistent watering during its growth and development stages. The plant should be irrigated regularly during the dry season. However, overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot and other diseases. The frequency of watering depends on various factors such as the soil type, weather conditions, and growth stage of the plant. It is recommended to water sorghum when the soil moisture drops to about 50% of the available water capacity.

Fertilization

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet requires adequate nutrients for optimal growth and yield. Before planting, it is recommended to apply a basal application of fertilizer, which includes phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. During the growing season, additional applications of nitrogen and potassium can be applied to ensure the plant's continued growth. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize as it may lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced yields.

Pruning

Pruning is not essential for Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet as it is primarily grown for its grain. However, removing dead leaves and stems can improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. If the plant is grown for forage production, it may be pruned to encourage branching and increased foliage production. However, timing is essential as pruning too early or too late can impact forage quality and yield.

Propagation Methods of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet is an annual plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant is commonly known as wild sorghum, and its natural habitat is in African countries like Nigeria and Sudan. Propagation of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet can be done through different methods.

Seed Propagation

The most common method of propagating Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from matured plants and stored until the next planting season. The seeds should be properly cleaned, dried, and stored in airtight containers to maintain their viability. Sowing of the seeds can be done in nurseries or directly on the field.

Cutting Propagation

Propagation of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet can also be done through cuttings. The cuttings of the plant should be taken from matured plants. The cuttings should be at least 20 cm long and should have at least four nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly to maintain the moisture level.

Tissue Culture Propagation

Tissue culture propagation is another method of propagating Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet. This method involves the use of plant tissue culture techniques to grow plantlets from small plant parts like shoot tips, nodal segments, or leaves. The plantlets produced through tissue culture are free from diseases and can be used to raise healthy plants.

Overall, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. drummondii (Nees ex Steud.) de Wet can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and tissue culture propagation. The propagation method chosen depends on the desired result and availability of resources.

Pest and Disease Management for Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii

Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii is a member of the grass family and is widely grown as a forage for livestock. It is also used for food, fuel, and the production of syrup. However, like all crops, it is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can cause significant yield losses.

Common Diseases

The most common diseases that can affect Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii include:

• Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause significant yield losses, particularly in warm and humid conditions. Symptoms include circular lesions on leaves, stems and panicles. Management involves planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and the application of fungicides.
• Leaf blight: A fungal disease that can cause yellowing and death of leaves. Management involves planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and the application of fungicides.
• Stalk rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the stem of the plant, causing wilting and lodging. Management involves planting resistant varieties and crop rotation.
• Head smut: A fungal disease that can cause deformity and destruction of the grain head. Management involves planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and the application of fungicides.

Common Pests

Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii can also be attacked by a range of pests, including:

• Sorghum midge: A small fly that can lay its eggs on the flowering head of the plant, causing significant yield losses. Management involves planting early maturing varieties, crop rotation, and the application of insecticides.
• Fall armyworm: A caterpillar that can cause significant damage to leaves and stems. Management involves the application of insecticides.
• Sorghum webworm: A caterpillar that can cause defoliation and yield losses. Management involves the application of insecticides.
• Sorghum shoot fly: A pest that attacks the shoot of the plant, causing stunting and yield losses. Management involves planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, and the application of insecticides.

Effective pest and disease management for Sorghum bicolor subsp. drummondii involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods.