Overview:
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. is a tall, perennial grass that is native to Africa. It is a member of the Poaceae family, which includes other economically important crops like maize, wheat, and rice. Sorghum subglabrescens is commonly known by the names kao, guinea corn, and durra.
Appearance:
Sorghum subglabrescens is a tall grass that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has a stout stem, with leaves that are long, narrow, and slightly hairy. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical panicle that can be up to 30 cm long and 10 cm wide. The seeds are small and round, with a hard outer layer and a white to reddish-brown color.
Uses:
Sorghum subglabrescens is an important crop in Africa, particularly in areas with poor soil and limited water resources. The crop is used for food, feed, and fuel. The seeds are ground into flour and used to make porridge, bread, and other baked goods. The leaves and stems are used as livestock feed, while the stalks can be used as fuel for cooking and heating. Sorghum subglabrescens is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria.
hereLight Requirements
The Sorghum subglabrescens requires full sun exposure for proper growth. It is a warm-season plant that is commonly grown in the savannah regions of Africa, where it receives a high level of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best in warm environments. The ideal temperature for its growth and development ranges from 24°C to 32°C. Temperatures below 10°C can result in stunted growth and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Sorghum subglabrescens can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility levels. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for proper growth. The ideal soil type for the plant is sandy loam, which allows for proper root development and nutrient uptake.
The plant is tolerant to drought conditions and can grow in areas with low rainfall. However, it requires adequate moisture levels during germination and establishment. The ideal rainfall range is 600mm-900mm per year. The plant is also tolerant to high salinity levels and can grow in saline soils with a high salt concentration.
Cultivation methods
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. is a hardy plant that grows well in a wide range of climatic conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and requires full sun exposure. Planting should be done during the rainy season when the soil is moist and the temperatures are warm. The seeds should be sowed in rows, with a spacing of about 50 cm between the rows. The seedlings should be thinned to ensure a spacing of about 20 cm between the plants.
Watering needs
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered once in every two days, or when the soil surface is dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth and maximum yield, Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied at the beginning of the growing season and repeated every six weeks. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to supplement the soil nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers., but it can be used to improve the yield and quality of the crop. The plant can be topped by removing the terminal shoot at the early heading stage to increase the number and size of the panicles. Dead or diseased leaves can also be removed to prevent the spread of diseases.
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. Propagation
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and root division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds obtained from a healthy parent plant are germinated in a well-prepared nursery bed. The nursery bed is usually tilled and mixed with compost to improve soil fertility. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-4 cm and covered with a thin layer of soil. Watering is done carefully to maintain soil moisture until germination occurs. The seedlings are transplanted to individual pots or a larger nursery bed for growing before transplantation to the field. Transplantation is done at the beginning of the rainy season.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stems used for cutting should be healthy and disease-free. The cuttings are taken in the rainy season and treated with rooting hormone to fasten root development. The cuttings are planted in a well-prepared nursery bed covered with mulch for moisture retention. Watering is done carefully to maintain soil moisture until sprouting occurs. The sprouted cuttings are transplanted to individual pots or a larger nursery bed for growing before transplantation to the field.
Propagation through Root Division
Propagation through root division involves the separation of parent plant roots into smaller units and planting them in the field or in a nursery bed. The roots used for division should be healthy and disease-free. The roots are carefully dug out and separated into smaller units with well-developed shoots. The separated roots are planted in a well-prepared nursery bed covered with mulch for moisture retention. Watering is done carefully to maintain soil moisture until sprouting occurs. The sprouted roots are transplanted to individual pots or a larger nursery bed for growing before transplantation to the field.
Disease Management for Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers.
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. The most common diseases and their management strategies are discussed below:
Fungal Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, blotches, and blights, stem cankers, and premature death of the plant. The management strategy includes crop rotation, planting healthy and resistant varieties, proper weed control, and timely application of fungicides.
Sorghum Rust: It is a fungus that affects leaves, stems, and grain. The infected plant shows symptoms such as yellow-orange or brown lesions on leaves and jagged lesions on stems. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties, timely application of fungicides, and maintaining proper plant hygiene by removing infected plant debris.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Stripe: This disease causes longitudinal tan to straw-colored stripes on leaves. It eventually results in the complete drying of the leaf. The management strategies include planting resistant varieties, proper weed control, and avoiding over-fertilization as it promotes disease development.
Bacterial Streak: It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. The infected plant shows symptoms such as elongated, water-soaked streaks on leaves and stems. The disease can be managed by planting resistant varieties, avoiding overhead irrigation, proper weed control, and timely application of copper-based fungicides.
Viral Diseases
Mosaic: It is caused by several viruses and affects the color and size of leaves, stem, and seeds. The management strategy includes planting resistant varieties, crop rotation, proper weed control, and controlling aphids – the insects that spread the virus.
Pest Management for Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers.
Sorghum subglabrescens Schweinf. & Aschers. is susceptible to various pests. The most common pests and their management strategies are discussed below:
Insect Pests
Stem Borer: It is a major pest of sorghum and affects yield by cutting stems and disrupting the flow of nutrients. The management strategies include planting early maturing varieties, crop rotation, intercropping, and timely application of chemical insecticides.
Sorghum Midge: It is a small, mosquito-like insect that damages flowers and young seeds and reduces yield. The pest can be managed by planting resistant varieties, seed treatment with neonicotinoid insecticides, and avoiding the use of nitrogenous fertilizers.
Mammalian Pests
Rats and Mice: These pests damage seeds, young plants, and mature plants by nibbling on them. The management strategies include keeping the field clean and free of debris, fencing the field, and using poison baits and traps to control the population.
Deer: Deer feed on sorghum, causing significant yield loss. The management strategies include fencing the field, using repellents, and scaring the deer with noise or visual deterrents.
