Overview
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd., also known as Durra, is a type of grain-producing plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is widely cultivated in Africa, especially in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, as well as in other parts of the world.
Common Names
Durra is commonly known by different names in various regions, including Milo, Shallu, Sudan grass, and Guinea corn in some parts of Africa.
Appearance
The plant grows to a height of 2 to 4 meters and has broad leaves that are 30 to 50 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide. The stems are thick and erect, with multiple branches that bear clusters of grain on the top. The seeds are small and have a hard outer layer that can be white, yellow, brown, or red depending on the variety.
Uses
Durra is a staple food crop in many African countries, where it is ground into flour and used to make porridge, bread, and various traditional dishes. It is also used as animal feed, especially for cattle and poultry. In addition, durra is used for brewing beer and making some alcoholic beverages. The plant has several potential applications, including biofuel production, soil erosion control, and as a source of industrial cellulose.
hereGrowth Conditions of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd.
Light: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra requires full sun to develop and grow properly. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may lead to decreased growth and lower yield. Therefore, it is important to plant the crop in an area where it receives full sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature: The optimum temperature range for Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra is between 25°C to 35°C. The crop can tolerate moderate cold and heat stress, but it may impact its growth and yield. The minimum temperature required for the successful growth of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra is around 18°C, and it can withstand temperatures as high as 40°C for brief periods.
Soil Requirements: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra can grow in a wide range of soils, but it performs best in well-draining soils with high organic matter content. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.5 for optimum growth. Additionally, Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra can tolerate slightly saline and alkaline soils, making it a suitable crop for arid and semi-arid regions.
The plant requires moderate levels of nitrogen and phosphorous for its growth and development. However, excessive application of these nutrients may lead to lodging and reduced yield. Adequate potassium levels are also necessary for Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra growth.
Cultivation Methods
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. is a hardy plant that thrives in warm and dry conditions. It can be grown in a variety of soil types but prefers well-drained, loamy soils. The plant can be propagated through either seeds or stem cuttings. Sowing is usually done during the rainy season. The seeds or cuttings are placed in rows about two feet apart from each other and around 0.5 to 1 inch deep in the soil. After the seeds have germinated, the weaker plants should be removed or plucked off, allowing the healthier ones to grow unobstructed.
Watering Needs
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. requires moderate watering as it is naturally drought-resistant. Overwatering may lead to rot and disease, so it is recommended to water the plant only when the top layer of soil has dried out. During the rainy season, additional watering may not be necessary. It is advisable to water the plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation losses.
Fertilization
The plant does not require high levels of fertilization but would benefit from a balanced fertilizer with micronutrients. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil before the seeds or cuttings are sown. After germination, a light application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be given to promote growth. Some organic fertilizers like compost can also be used, especially during the dry season to help retain moisture in the soil.
Pruning
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. does not require regular pruning, but it's advisable to remove any infected, damaged, or dead stems or leaves immediately to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Pruning can also be done to regulate plant growth and maintain the desired shape and size. It's essential to use proper pruning tools and techniques to avoid injuring the plant.
Propagation of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd.
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. can be propagated through two primary methods: seeds and vegetative propagation.
Propagation through Seeds:
Seeds are the most common and easy method of propagating Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. Seeds should be sown during the growing season, and the soil should be kept moist, but not overwatered. Sowing the seeds at a depth of about 2-3 cm and spacing them about 10-15 cm apart, results in better seedlings and improved coverage of the land.
Propagation through Vegetative Methods:
Vegetative propagation can be achieved through different methods such as stem cuttings and rhizomes. Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) can be propagated from the basal stems of young plants that have not flowered by cutting large pieces of them. These cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until roots develop. Rhizomes can also be divided and transplanted in spring or fall to propagate Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.)
Disease Management
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly reduce plant growth and yield. Below are some common diseases affecting this crop and suggestions on how to manage them.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem lesions, and premature plant death. It thrives in hot and humid environments. The disease can be managed by using disease-resistant cultivars, practicing crop rotation and sanitation, and applying fungicides during the early stages of infection.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellowing of leaves, stunting of plant growth, and premature plant death. It thrives in cool and moist environments. To manage this disease, use resistant cultivars, practice crop rotation and sanitation, and apply fungicides early before infection.
Gray Leaf Spot
Gray leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes leaf spotting, stem blight, and yield loss. It thrives in hot and humid environments. To manage this disease, plant resistant cultivars and practice crop rotation. Fungicides can be applied early before infection.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may attack Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. durra (Forsk.) Hubbard & Rehd. below are some common pests affecting this crop and suggestions on how to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduction in yield. To control aphids, promote natural predators such as ladybugs, plant resistant cultivars, use reflective mulches and spray insecticides early, and regularly for severe infestations.
Flea Beetle
Flea beetles feed on the leaves of the plants, creating small holes and reducing the surface area for photosynthesis. The infected plants may suffer from stunted growth and yield reduction. To control flea beetles, practice crop rotation, use resistant cultivars, and apply insecticidal sprays. Neem oil and plant-based sprays can also help manage the pests.
Cutworms
Cutworms are moth larvae that cut down young seedlings at the base, leading to plant death. To control cutworms, practice crop rotation, clean up crop residue, use collars around the base of seedlings, and apply insecticides early to prevent caterpillars from damaging the plant.
