Overview of Sorghum roxburghii Stapf
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf, also known as Roxburgh's Durra, is a species of Sorghum native to India and widely cultivated throughout the Indian subcontinent. It belongs to the family Poaceae and is an important cereal crop used for food, feed, fodder, and industrial purposes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names such as Roxburgh's Durra, Indian Millet, and Chari in Hindi. Other names include Jowar (Marathi), Jonnalu (Telugu), Jola (Kannada), and Cholam (Tamil).
Appearance
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf is an annual plant that grows up to 2-3 meters tall with a tillering habit. It has a stout stem with dense foliage of lanceolate leaves. The panicle is a large dense terminal inflorescence with numerous branches and spikelets having 3-4 florets each. The color of the grain varies from white, yellow, brown, to red.
Uses
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf is a versatile crop with a wide range of uses. The grains are a staple food for millions of people in India and other parts of the world. They are ground into flour and used to make porridge, flatbreads, cakes, and other traditional dishes. The plant is also used as animal feed and provides good nutrition for livestock. Sorghum starch and syrup are used as sweeteners in the food industry. The leaves and stalks of the plant are used for fodder and can be fed to cattle and other animals. Sorghum straw is a valuable raw material for the paper and board industry. In addition, the plant has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as diabetes, diarrhea, and inflammation.
Light Requirements
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf thrives in full sunlight conditions. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. In low-light conditions, the plant may become leggy and weak, leading to stunted growth and poor development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best under warm and hot temperature conditions. Sorghum roxburghii Stapf thrives in a temperature range of 25-35°C. Temperatures below 20°C or above 40°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth and can cause stress, leading to stunted growth, and even plant death.
Soil Requirements
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 8.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, provided they are not waterlogged. As the plant grows, the soil must be kept moist, but not too wet, to prevent root rot, which can lead to stunted growth and plant death.
Cultivation
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf is a crop that thrives in warm climates and is drought-resistant. The best time to plant it is at the beginning of the growing season when the temperature is between 20°C to 30°C. Before planting, prepare the soil by plowing and tilling the ground to a depth of 15-20cm. Sorghum requires well-drained soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
Once Sorghum roxburghii Stapf is established, it requires less water and can survive on very little irrigation, making it ideal for arid and semi-arid regions. However, consistent soil moisture is crucial for the crop's establishment and early growth. Maintain sufficient soil moisture by watering the plant regularly until it matures.
Fertilization
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf responds well to organic manure and inorganic fertilizers. Before planting, apply an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fertilizer at the rate of 30-60-30 kg per hectare. Top-dress with nitrogen when the plants are 30-45cm tall and again 60-75cm tall. Organic fertilizers such as composted animal manure can also be used to enhance soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Sorghum roxburghii Stapf. However, it is essential to remove dead or damaged shoots to prevent the spread of disease. The removal of inflorescence or heads is also common in traditional Sorghum farming systems to increase the number of tillers and promote vegetative growth.
Propagation of Sorghum roxburghii Stapf
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf, commonly known as burra-cane or wild sugarcane, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and predominantly grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Propagation is the process of multiplying the plant population by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method for the propagation of Sorghum roxburghii Stapf. The best time for sowing the seeds is in June-July when the temperature is warm and the moisture content in the soil is high. The seeds should be sown in furrows or ridges, and the spacing between the rows should be around 50 to 60 cm. For sowing, seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and about 2 to 3 seeds should be kept at 20 cm intervals to allow for the selection of the best plant. The seeds will take about 10 to 14 days to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Sorghum roxburghii Stapf is also possible through stem cuttings. For this method, the parent plant should be healthy and free from any diseases or pests. Young shoots of around 15 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter can be collected from the parent plant. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in the soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight. The cuttings will develop roots in about 3 to 4 weeks, and once the roots are well-established, they can be transplanted to a permanent site.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagating Sorghum roxburghii Stapf, which involves dividing the parent plant into several parts. This technique is best performed in the spring season when the new growth appears. The parent plant should be carefully dug up, and the roots should be separated with a sharp knife. Each divided section should have a portion of the stem, roots and leaves. The divided sections should be immediately planted in a new location and watered regularly for the first few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Sorghum roxburghii Stapf
Sorghum roxburghii Stapf, also known as wild Sorghum, is an important plant found across many regions of India. Like most plants, this species is prone to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the crop yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Sorghum roxburghii and suggestions for their management:
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that affects the plant during the flowering stage. Symptoms include small brown spots on leaves and stems, eventually leading to the death of the entire plant. To manage this disease, farmers must use resistant varieties of Sorghum roxburghii. They should avoid planting susceptible varieties in areas where the disease has occurred in the past. Application of copper fungicides can reduce the disease spread.
2. Smut: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the Sorghum roxburghii inflorescence. Infected plants show black galls on the floral parts, which release black spores. The best way to manage smut is by using resistant varieties of the plant and crop rotation. Farmers should avoid planting Sorghum roxburghii in fields where infected plants were present in the previous season. Proper sanitation practices like removal of infected plant debris can also reduce the disease spread.
Common Pests
1. Shoot fly: It is a major pest that attacks Sorghum roxburghii in the early stages of growth. The larvae feed on young leaves and shoots, causing stunted growth and ultimately plant death. Farmers should plant early maturing varieties of the plant and use insecticides to control the pest. Crop rotation can also help reduce the number of shoot fly populations in the field.
2. Stem borer: It is a moth that lays its eggs on the stem of Sorghum roxburghii. The larvae tunnel the stem, causing wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage the pest, farmers must avoid planting Sorghum roxburghii in the same field year after year. They should use resistant varieties of the plant and timely application of insecticides. Sanitation methods like removal of crop residue can also help reduce the pest populations.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial for the effective cultivation of Sorghum roxburghii. Using resistant varieties of the plant, crop rotation, and timely application of fungicides and insecticides can help reduce disease and pest damage, ensuring healthy yields.
