Origin and Common Names
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv., commonly known as sweet sorghum or sorgo dulce, originated in Africa and is now grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its sweet stalks and grain.
Appearance
The plant grows up to 3 meters tall with thin, erect stems and long, narrow leaves that are green or purple in color. The flowers are grouped into dense, terminal panicles and range in color from white to purple.
Uses
Sweet sorghum is primarily grown for its syrup, which is made by pressing the juice from the stalks and boiling it down to a thick, sweet syrup. The syrup is used as a sweetener in foods and beverages, and also has potential as a biofuel. The grain is used to make flour, porridge, and in some cultures, is fermented to make beer. The plant's leaves are a good source of forage for livestock.
hereGrowth conditions of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv.
Light Requirements: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is a crop that requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in areas that receive abundant sunlight.
Temperature Requirements: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The optimal temperature range for the growth of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is between 20°C and 30°C. At temperatures above 35°C, the plants cease to grow, and development is severely affected.
Soil Requirements: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. The optimal pH range for Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is between 6.0 and 7.5. The crop is sensitive to waterlogging and soil compaction, which can limit its growth and development.
Water Requirements: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. requires adequate moisture to grow and produce yields. The crop can tolerate drought conditions to some extent, but a regular supply of water is necessary for optimal growth and development. The amount of water required by Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. varies depending on the growth stage and environmental conditions.
Fertilizer Requirements: Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is a heavy feeder and requires adequate nutrients to produce high yields. Before planting, it is advisable to conduct a soil test to determine the fertility status of the soil. Based on the results, appropriate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers should be added to the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is a versatile crop that can be grown in a wide range of soils and climates. It requires warm temperatures, full sunlight exposure, and well-draining soil. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil at a depth of about 1 inch. Alternatively, they can be started indoors and transplanted outside after the last frost date.
Planting can be done in rows or broadcasted. The recommended row spacing is 30 to 36 inches, with a seeding rate of about 5 pounds per acre. In addition, proper weed control is essential in the early stages of growth to prevent competition with the crop.
Watering Needs
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering. Adequate moisture is especially essential during the early growth stage, which requires about 1 inch of water per week.
Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. It's recommended to water in the morning or evening when the temperature is low to avoid water evaporation.
Fertilization
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. responds well to fertilizers. A soil test can be conducted to determine the appropriate nutrient requirements for the crop. The recommended fertilizer application is about 60 pounds of N, 40 pounds of P2O5, and 20 pounds of K2O per acre.
In addition, it's advised to apply organic matter to the soil during planting to improve soil fertility and increase yields.
Pruning
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. doesn't require pruning as it can affect the plant's yield negatively. Instead, it's recommended to remove any damaged or diseased plant parts, which can inhibit plant growth.
Adequate spacing between the plants should be maintained to allow for proper growth and development. In addition, removing weeds around the plant's base can prevent competition for nutrients.
Propagation Methods for Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv.
The Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv., also known as the forage sorghum, is propagated for its high yield and biomass that can feed and sustain livestock. It is essential to understand the propagation methods that can be used to promote efficient growth and yield of Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv.
Seed Propagation
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is usually propagated by seeds. The seeds are directly sown in the field or raised in nurseries. Seed propagation occurs in two ways: broadcast sowing and line sowing. Broadcasting is suitable for large areas, whereas line sowing is preferred for smaller fields. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and spaced 30-40 cm apart in rows.
Vegetative Propagation
Although seed propagation is the preferred method, Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. can also be propagated vegetatively. Planting stem cuttings is the most common method of vegetative propagation of Sorghum. The stem cuttings are obtained from the parent plant and planted in a suitable rooting medium. After the roots have developed, the stem cuttings are transplanted into the main field. Vegetative propagation is suitable for places that have a short growing season or harsh environments.
Disease Management
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum graminicola, this disease usually appears as small, dark spots on the leaves, stems, and panicles. Anthracnose can cause significant yield losses. To manage anthracnose, plant resistant varieties, avoid plant stress, and apply fungicides when necessary.
- Sorghum downy mildew: Caused by the fungi Peronosclerospora sorghi, this disease starts as gray or yellow spots on the leaves, which later develop into a fluffy white growth on the underside of the leaves. Downy mildew can cause yield losses of up to 50%. To manage this disease, plant resistant varieties and use fungicides.
- Charcoal rot: Caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina, this disease affects the roots and can lead to wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. Charcoal rot is common in hot, dry conditions. To manage this disease, avoid water stress, minimize plant damage during cultivation, and use crop rotation with non-host plants.
Pest Management
Sorghum vulgare Pers. var. technicum (Koern.) Jáv. is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Sorghum midge: This pest, Contarinia sorghicola, is a small fly that lays its eggs in the developing panicles. The larvae then feed on the developing seeds, causing significant yield losses. To manage sorghum midge, plant early maturing varieties, use monitoring traps, and apply insecticides when necessary.
- Fall armyworm: This pest, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a migratory moth that feeds on the leaves and developing panicles of the plant. Fall armyworm infestations can cause significant yield losses. To manage this pest, use insecticides and plant early maturing varieties.
- Stem borer: This pest, Chilo partellus, is a moth whose larvae bore into and feed on the stem and leaves of the plant, causing wilting and stunting. To manage this pest, plant resistant varieties, use pheromone traps to monitor for infestations, and apply insecticides when necessary.
