Overview of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is a stout, erect, and annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant is commonly known as Roxburgh's durra, which refers to the Hindi name for sorghum.
Origin and Distribution
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is believed to have originated from northeastern Africa but is now widely distributed worldwide, including Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. In India, the plant is extensively cultivated in the northern states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 2-3 meters tall, with a diameter of 2-3 cm at the base. The leaves are narrow, alternate, and grow up to 140 cm long and 6 cm wide. The inflorescence is a terminal panicle, which produces the seeds, known as grains. They are small and round, measuring about 2-3 mm in diameter and come in various colors, such as white, yellow, brown, and red.
Uses
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is primarily used as a cereal grain for food, feed, and the production of ethanol. In India, the grain is used to make roti, bhakri, and porridge. The plant is also utilized as a forage for livestock and used in the production of silage. Additionally, the plant has medicinal purposes and is used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, fever, and liver disorders.
Furthermore, the plant is utilized in biofuel production. Due to its fast growth, drought tolerance, and high yields, it has been recognized as a potential bioenergy crop.
Light Requirements:
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but will be stunted in growth and produce fewer seeds.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 32 °C for optimum growth. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 18°C and as high as 42°C. Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is a drought-tolerant plant and can withstand high temperatures and low rainfall during its growth stages.
Soil Requirements:
The ideal soil for growing Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is well-draining soil. It should be fertile, loose, and rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in soils with poor fertility and low organic matter content but will produce lower yields. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines, also known as Roxburgh's durra, is an annual grass crop that can be grown in a variety of soil types. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The best time to plant is during the wet season when the soil is moist and warm. Planting can be done by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings. The recommended plant spacing is 20–25 cm between plants and 40–50 cm between rows. It is essential to keep the field weed-free during the first few weeks of planting.
Watering Needs
As a crop that originated in Africa, Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines is relatively drought-tolerant. However, consistent watering is required for the plant during the growth period. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The crop requires approximately 500 to 700 mm of water during the growing season. In areas with inadequate rainfall, supplemental irrigation may be necessary.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to obtain high yields in Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines cultivation. It is recommended to apply fertilizer before planting or during the early days of planting. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) ratio of 2:1:1 is ideal. The recommended dosage is 50–60 kg ha?1 of N, 25–30 kg ha?1 of P2O5 and K2O. Organic matter can also be used as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary in Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines cultivation. However, for improving its performance and yield, it is recommended to remove side branches that show no signs of flowering. The pruning of plants with overcrowded canopies can also improve air circulation and light penetration, leading to better photosynthesis.
Propagation of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines, also known as Roxburgh's durra, is a widely cultivated cereal plant that belongs to the Poaceae family. The plant is propagated through various methods, including:
1. Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines. The seeds can be directly sown in the field or raised in nurseries. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 to 3 cm and a spacing of 20 cm between rows and 10 cm within rows. The best time to sow the seeds is at the start of the monsoon season when the soil is moist and warm.
2. Stem cuttings
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it into pieces of about 15 to 20 cm long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and plant it in a nursery bed. Keep the soil moist, and cuttings will root in about 2 to 3 weeks.
3. Root division
Propagating Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines through root division involves digging up the established plants and dividing their roots into smaller sections. Each section should have an equal number of shoots and roots. Plant the divided roots in a well-prepared field or pot and keep the soil moist.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the newly propagated plants have access to sufficient water and nutrients and are grown in a favorable environment to promote successful establishment and growth.
Common Diseases and Pests of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. roxburghii (Stapf) Haines, commonly known as Cholam, is a nutritious cereal crop grown extensively in tropical and subtropical regions. While the crop is nutritious, it is also prone to several diseases and pests that can lead to significant yield losses. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Cholam and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Cholam, causing yellowing, wilting, and the eventual death of the plant. The disease is prevalent during periods of high humidity and temperature. One way to manage Anthracnose is by planting resistant cultivars. Another way is by applying fungicides containing active ingredients such as azoxystrobin and tebuconazole.
Head Smut: This is a fungal disease that affects the inflorescence of Cholam, leading to the formation of black, powdery galls that are filled with dark spores. The disease is transmitted through contaminated seeds, soil, and wind. One way to manage head smut is by planting certified disease-free seeds. Another way is by treating the seeds with hot water at a temperature of 52°C for 15 minutes or thiram and carbendazim fungicides.
Sorghum Downy Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Cholam, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunting. The disease is prevalent during cool and humid conditions. One way to manage sorghum downy mildew is by planting resistant cultivars. Another way is by applying copper-based fungicides or metalaxyl fungicides.
Pests
Chilo Worm: This is a pest that affects the leaves and stems of Cholam. The worm bores into the stem, leading to wilting and eventually death of the plant. One way to manage chilo worms is by planting resistant cultivars. Another way is by applying biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Trichogramma japonicum.
Armyworm: This is a pest that affects the leaves and ears of Cholam, leading to defoliation and loss of yield. One way to manage armyworm is by early detection and destruction of the infected plants. Another way is by applying insecticides containing active ingredients such as chlorpyrifos, carbaryl or cypermethrin.
Midge: This is a pest that affects the florets of Cholam, leading to damage and reduction in yield. One way to manage midge is by planting resistant cultivars. Another way is by applying insecticides containing active ingredients such as malathion and pyrethroids.
In conclusion, while Cholam is a nutritious cereal crop, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management strategies such as planting resistant cultivars, timely detection, and application of appropriate control measures can help maximize yield and minimize losses.
