Origin of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay, also known as Ethiopian sorghum, is a sub-species of Sorghum bicolor that is native to Africa. The plant is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, where it has been grown for thousands of years. Today, sorghum is widely cultivated in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and it is an important staple food crop in many regions of the world.
Common Names of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay is known by a variety of common names depending on the region. In Ethiopia, where the plant is believed to have originated, it is known as tef, while in other parts of Africa it is called guinea corn, feterita, or kaffir corn. In India and other parts of Asia, it is known as jowar, while in the Americas it is called milo.
Uses of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay is a versatile plant that is used for a variety of purposes. In Africa, it is a staple food crop that is ground into flour and used to make bread, porridge, and other dishes. In India and other parts of Asia, it is used to make a range of foods, including roti, bhakri, and cheela. In addition to its use as a food crop, sorghum is also used for animal feed, biofuel production, and as a raw material for industrial processes.
General Appearance of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay is a tall, grass-like plant that can reach heights of up to two meters. The plant has long, slender leaves and produces large clusters of seeds on the top of its stems. The seeds can be of various colors, including white, red, brown, and black, depending on the variety. Sorghum is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions, including dry and arid environments, making it an important crop for farmers in many regions of the world.
Growth Conditions for Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay, commonly known as Ethiopian sorghum, is a hardy crop that can be cultivated in a wide range of climatic conditions. Here are some typical growth conditions for sorghum bicolor:
Light
Sorghum bicolor requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may result in reduced yield and plant height. Therefore, it is essential to plant the crop in an area with maximum sunlight exposure to get a healthy harvest.
Temperature
Sorghum bicolor is a tough crop that can grow in hot and dry conditions. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 25°C to 35°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C. It is essential to note that the crop does not grow when temperatures drop below 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Sorghum bicolor can grow in diverse soil types ranging from sandy loam to clay soils. However, the crop prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. The crop can tolerate moderate acidity, but it may impact its growth and yield when the soil pH is too low.
The soil must be adequately fertilized before planting. The application of compost or manure before planting sorghum bicolor will help enhance soil fertility. Additionally, the crop requires the application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-based fertilizers to grow optimally.
Lastly, regular weeding of the crop is necessary to minimize competition for nutrients and water in the soil. This will help in achieving higher yields.
Cultivation
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay, commonly known as African sorghum, is a widely grown cereal crop in Africa. It is a drought-resistant plant and can grow in harsh environmental conditions. The best time to plant African sorghum is at the beginning of the rainy season when the soil is moist enough.
African sorghum can grow well in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. The plant is usually grown from seeds, which should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced about 15-20 cm apart. Depending on the variety of the plant, the maturity period ranges from 90-120 days.
Watering Needs
Being a drought-resistant crop, African sorghum requires minimal watering during its growth period. However, during the germination stage, the soil needs to be regularly moist, preferably twice a day, until it establishes and begins to grow. After that, the plant can survive with only rainwater, but if the rainfall amount is insufficient, it is recommended to provide water every other week.
Fertilization
The growth and yield of African sorghum can be significantly increased by applying fertilizers. Depending on the nutrient levels in the soil, the recommended fertilizers to apply are those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers should be applied in the soil before planting or up to three weeks after planting. African sorghum requires at least 50-60kg/ha of nitrogen and 25-40kg/ha of phosphorus to achieve optimum yield.
Pruning
Pruning of African sorghum is not always necessary, and it does not significantly affect the growth of the plant. However, removing the lower leaves from the plant can help to improve ventilation and allow sunlight to reach the lower parts of the plant. Also, pruning of the head at the end of the maturity period can help to reduce the grain loss during the harvesting process.
Propagation of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay
Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay, commonly referred to as Ethiopian sorghum, is propagated through various methods. These methods include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for propating Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay. Seeds are sown directly into well-prepared soil during the rainy season. The seeds are typically sown at a depth of 2-3cm and spaced 10-15cm apart.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay is not commonly used due to the low success rate. However, it can be done through the division of plant suckers, stem cuttings, or through tissue culture techniques.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench var. aethiopicum (Hack.) de Wet & Huckabay involves the use of plant tissues to generate small plantlets in a laboratory. This method is useful for propagating large numbers of plants with desired traits and for producing disease-free plants. However, this method is costly and requires technical expertise.
Disease management for Sorghum bicolor var. aethiopicum
Sorghum bicolor var. aethiopicum, commonly known as African sorghum, is susceptible to various diseases that can harm the plant and reduce yield. The following are some of the common diseases that affect African sorghum:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, round spots on leaves, stems, and seeds. It can reduce yield and quality. Management of anthracnose includes crop rotation, removal of diseased plant debris, and use of fungicides.
- Leaf blight: This fungal disease causes pale green to yellow spots on leaves, which can turn brown and dry out. It can reduce yield and quality. Management of leaf blight includes crop rotation, removal of diseased plant debris, and use of fungicides.
- Mold: This fungal disease can cause moldy growth on the plant's leaves, stems, and inflorescence. Management of mold includes crop rotation, removal of diseased plant debris, and use of fungicides.
- Stalk rot: This fungal disease causes the decline and death of the plant's stalks. Management of stalk rot includes crop rotation and planting disease-resistant cultivars.
Pest management for Sorghum bicolor var. aethiopicum
In addition to diseases, African sorghum is susceptible to pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce yield. The following are some of the common pests that affect African sorghum:
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can transmit plant viruses. Management of aphids includes the use of insecticides and planting resistant cultivars.
- Cutworms: These caterpillar-like larvae feed on the plant's stems and roots, causing stunted growth and plant death. Management of cutworms includes the use of insecticides and planting resistant cultivars.
- Grasshoppers: These insects feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing defoliation and reduced yield. Management of grasshoppers includes the use of insecticides and planting resistant cultivars.
- Stem borers: These larvae feed on the plant's stems, causing wilting and death. Management of stem borers includes the use of insecticides and planting resistant cultivars.
