Origin and Common Names
Sorghum dochna, also known as Forssk. or Sudan grass, is a species of grass in the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa and found in countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan. It is commonly known as "dochna" or "dochna grass" and also goes by the names "sorghum Sudanense", "Sudangrass", or "Sorghum almum".
Uses
Sorghum dochna has a variety of uses, including as animal feed, cover crops, and even for human consumption. As animal feed, it is high in protein, making it a good source for grazing animals such as cattle or horses. As a cover crop, it has the ability to improve soil health and suppress weed growth. In certain cultures, the seeds can be made into flour for human consumption, though it is not as commonly utilized in this manner.
General Appearance
The plant can reach heights up to 2 meters and has a robust stem with long, narrow leaves. The leaves can grow up to 60 cm in length. The seedheads form on the tops of the stems and can grow up to 50 cm in length. The seeds are small and brown in color. As it is a grass, its root system is extensive and typically grows deep into the soil. Overall, Sorghum dochna is a resilient and hardy plant, capable of thriving in different climates and soil conditions.
Light Requirements
The Sorghum dochna plant requires a significant amount of sunlight for growth. Therefore, it thrives best in an area with full sunlight exposure. The plant needs approximately 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow properly. However, it can also tolerate partial shading but not for extended periods. Any significant periods of shade will affect the growth rate of the plant, which will ultimately affect its overall performance.
Temperature Requirements
The Sorghum dochna plant grows best in a warm climate. The growth rate is optimal in temperatures that range between 20-35 °C (68-95°F). The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 °C (59°F) and will cause stunting or death. Sorghum dochna plants are heat tolerant and can withstand high temperatures up to 40 °C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
Sorghum dochna thrives well in well-draining soil, which contains loam, clay, or sandy soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. However, it prefers soils that have high organic matter content. The plant has a deep root system and can grow well in soils that have good water-holding capacity, especially during its early growth stages. However, the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils as it will cause root rot and hinder the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Sorghum dochna (Forssk.) Snowden, also known as Sudan grass, is a warm-season grass that is commonly grown for forage and hay. The plant is tolerant of drought and heat and is relatively easy to grow. It is best grown in warm and dry areas.
The first step in cultivating Sorghum dochna is to prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. It is recommended to add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve soil fertility. The plant requires adequate sunlight, so it should be planted in an area with a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Planting can be done by direct seedling or by transplanting. If direct seedling is chosen, seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1 inch and spaced 6-12 inches apart. If transplanting is chosen, seedlings should be spaced 12-18 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Sorghum dochna requires moderate watering to ensure optimal plant growth. During the early stages of growth, the plant requires consistent watering to establish root growth. Once established, the plant can withstand moderate drought and can be watered less frequently. However, in periods of extended drought, the plant may suffer and require increased watering.
It is recommended to water Sorghum dochna deeply and infrequently rather than frequent shallow watering. This promotes stronger root growth and helps the plant withstand drought conditions.
Fertilization
Sorghum dochna requires adequate soil fertility to ensure optimal plant growth. The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K) at the beginning of the growing season. It is also recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve soil fertility.
During the growing season, it is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizer to promote plant growth. Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in the form of urea or ammonium nitrate. However, over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to lodging and reduced plant quality.
Pruning
Sorghum dochna does not require extensive pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or diseased plant material to promote plant health. If the plant is grown for forage or hay, it should be cut at the optimal maturity stage to ensure high-quality feed. This is typically when the plant has reached the soft-dough stage.
If Sorghum dochna is grown for decorative purposes, some growers may choose to prune the plant to maintain a desired shape or size. However, pruning should be done with care to avoid damaging the plant and reducing its quality.
Propagation of Sorghum dochna
Sorghum dochna, commonly known as Dochna or Shoemaker's floodplain grass, is a warm-season grass that is native to Africa. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and is mostly used as a forage plant. There are several methods of propagating Sorghum dochna, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Sorghum dochna is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground, or they can be started indoors and then transplanted after the last frost. When sowing directly in the ground, make sure the soil is well-drained and free from weeds. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and spaced 12 to 24 inches apart. Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until they germinate.
When starting indoors, use a seed starting tray and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep them moist. Once the seeds germinate, move them to a sunny location and continue to water them regularly. After the last frost, transplant the seedlings to their permanent location.
Vegetative propagation
Another method of propagating Sorghum dochna is through vegetative propagation. This can be done through root division or rhizome cuttings. To propagate through root division, dig up a mature plant and cut the roots into sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and some roots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil and water well. To propagate through rhizome cuttings, cut a section of the rhizome that is at least 6 inches long and has several nodes. Plant the rhizome section in a well-draining soil and water well.
Cuttings
Sorghum dochna can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting that is at least 6 inches long and has several nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil and water well. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a sunny location until it roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Sorghum dochna (Forssk.) Snowden
Sorghum dochna (Forssk.) Snowden is a grain crop that is known to be relatively tolerant of drought and heat. Although it has fewer pest and disease problems compared to other cereal crops, there are still some diseases and pests that can affect the plant and potentially lower yields. Here are some common diseases and pests affecting Sorghum dochna and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola, and it affects the leaves, stems, and grain of Sorghum dochna. Lesions on the leaves are circular or oval and have distinct red or purple borders. The fungus can also cause seed rot and seedling blight. To manage anthracnose, practice crop rotation, avoid planting infected seeds, and use fungicides.
Downy Mildew: This fungal disease is caused by Peronosclerospora spp. and affects the plant's leaves, stalks, and flowers. The first sign of the disease is light green or yellow patches on the leaves' upper surface, which later develop a grayish-purple mold on their lower surface. To manage downy mildew, plant resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, and use fungicides.
Grain Mold: This fungal disease is caused by Curvularia spp. and affects the Sorghum dochna seeds. The infected seeds have a pinkish to reddish-brown discoloration, and a musty odor. The mold can be toxic to livestock if ingested. To manage grain mold, avoid planting infected seeds, harvest plants before they are overripe, and dry harvested seeds properly.
Common Pests
Stem Borers: The larvae of several moth species, including the sugar cane borer, can attack Sorghum dochna. Infested plants show symptoms such as wilting and yellowing leaves and stems with reddish-brown scars. To manage stem borers, plant early-maturing varieties, destroy crop residues, and use pesticides.
Aphids: These small insects suck on plant sap and leave behind honeydew, which can attract sooty mold that can decrease photosynthesis. Infested plants show stunted growth and misshapen leaves. To manage aphids, introduce predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, use insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
Armyworms: These caterpillars are a common pest of sorghum dochna, as they feed on the foliage and can cause significant yield losses. Signs of armyworm damage include chewed leaves and stems, and piles of green or black feces. To manage armyworms, use natural predators such as birds and parasitoids, use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticides, or remove plant residues after harvest.
By adopting these pest and disease management practices, farmers can preserve healthy Sorghum dochna crops and increase yields while minimizing the use of pesticides and other costly inputs.
