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Sorghum
Kinds of Sorghum Terms modified by Sorghum Selected AbstractsDOMESTICATION OF MAIZE, SORGHUM, AND SUGARCANE DID NOT DRIVE THE DIVERGENCE OF THEIR SMUT PATHOGENSEVOLUTION, Issue 2 2007Andrew B. Munkacsi We investigated two alternative hypotheses for the origin of crop pathogen species: that human-mediated agricultural practices drove the divergence of many crop plant pathogen species or that coevolutionary processes in natural populations of the crops' ancestors drove divergence of pathogen species. We distinguished between these two hypotheses by constructing a robust multigene phylogeny and estimating the dates of divergence among four, monophyletic species of smut fungi (Ustilago maydis, U. scitaminea, Sporisorium reilianum, S. sorghi) known to specifically infect maize, sorghum, sugarcane, and their wild ancestors. Without a fossil record for smut fungi, we calibrated the pathogen species' divergence times to their plant host divergence times. Specifically, a calibration date of 10,000 years was employed to test the hypothesis that the fungal species originated at the time of domestication of their current hosts and a calibration date of 50 million years was employed to test the hypothesis that the fungal species originated on wild ancestors of their domesticated hosts. Substitution rates at five protein coding genes were calculated and rates obtained for the 10,000 year calibration date were orders of magnitude faster than those commonly reported for eukaryotes, thus rejecting the hypothesis that these smut pathogen species diverged at the time of domestication. In contrast, substitution rates obtained for the 50 million year calibration were comparable to eukaryotic substitution rates. We used the 50 million year calibration to estimate divergence times of taxa in two datasets, one comprised solely the focal species and one comprised the focal species and additional related taxa. Both datasets indicate that all taxa diverged millions of years ago, strongly supporting the hypothesis that smut species diverged before the time of domestication and modern agriculture. Thus, smut species diverged in the ecological context of natural host plant and fungal populations. [source] Relay Cropping of Sorghum and Legume Shrubs for Crop Yield Improvement and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005F. Reda Abstract Striga hermonthica is a major constraint in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia. Low soil fertility and overall environmental degradation has contributed to the build up of the parasitic weed infestation. Improved cropping systems have to be introduced to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. Thus, relay cropping of sorghum with legume shrubs was investigated at two locations representing different environments. Results showed that the output of the improved cropping system was dependent on ecological endowments. Relay cropping led to significant improvement in yield at Sheraro, at the site with relatively better weather and soil conditions. The legume shrubs resulted in significantly lower sorghum yield in a dryland location (Adibakel). Overall Striga infestation declined over the 3-year period; however, treatment differences were not apparent. Among the two legume shrubs, Sesbania sesban was better adapted to the dryland areas. Relay cropping could provide a viable option for farmers in both types of environments that are characterized by accelerated decline in natural resource base. However, it could mean compromising the yield of non-fertilized sorghum in the interest of long-term benefits of low incidence of Striga and more rewarding crop enterprise in dry areas. [source] Effect of Nitrogen Rate and Stubble Height on Dry Matter Yield, Crude Protein Content and Crude Protein Yield of a Sorghum,Sudangrass Hybrid[Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.] in the Three-Cutting SystemJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 4 2003S. Iptas Abstract In this study, the effects of nitrogen (N) rate (60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha,1 applied in three equal dressings at seeding and after the first and second cuttings) and stubble height (7, 14 and 21 cm) on the dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) content, and CP yield of a sorghum,sudangrass hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf., cv. Pioneer 988] in the three-cut system was investigated. The N rate had no significant effect in the first and third cuttings, but in the second cutting DM yields increased significantly with increase in N rate. The highest yield of 9.1 t ha,1 was obtained with 80 kg N ha,1 for the average of 2 years at the second cutting, but no significant difference was found among the 40, 60 and 80 kg N ha,1 rates. CP content and yield were not significantly affected by N rate at the first and third cuttings, but CP content and yield were significantly affected by application of N at the second cutting. Stubble height had a significant effect on CP content at the third cutting. However, it had no significant effect on CP content at the first and second cuttings. Stubble height had a significant effect on the CP yield at the first cutting, but no significant effect on CP yield at the second and third cuttings. [source] Effects of Nitrogen on Dry Matter Accumulation and Productivity of Three Cropping Systems and Residual Effects on Wheat in Deep Vertisols of Central IndiaJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 2 2002P. Ramesh A field experiment was conducted on deep vertisols of Bhopal, India to study the effects of three levels of nitrogen (N), namely 0, 75 and 100 % of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and productivity of three cropping systems (sole soybean, sole sorghum and soybean + sorghum intercropping) during the rainy season and their residual effect on the subsequent wheat crop during the post-rainy season. During the rainy season, sole sorghum was found to have significantly higher DMA and productivity in terms of soybean equivalent yield (SEY) than sole soybean or soybean + sorghum intercropping. Increasing the N dose from 0 to 100 % RDN significantly improved the DMA and SEY. At a low fertility level (N0), soybean + sorghum intercropping was found to be more productive, while at a high fertility level (100 % RDN), sole sorghum was more productive than the other two cropping systems. However, during the post-rainy season, sole soybean as the preceding crop gave the highest DMA and seed yield of wheat, which were similar to those found with soybean + sorghum intercropping. Sorghum followed by wheat gave the lowest DMA and seed yield of wheat. Application of 100 % RDN irrespective of cropping system during the preceding crop improved the DMA of wheat but not its seed yield. However, N applied to the wheat crop significantly increased its DMA and seed yield. Einfluss von Stickstoff auf Trockenmasseakkumulation und Produktivität von drei Anbausystemen und deren Rückstandswirkung auf Weizen in einem tiefen Vertisol Zentralindiens Ein Feldexperiment wurde durchgeführt auf einem tiefen Vertisol bei Bhopal, Indien, um den Einfluss von drei Stickstoffkonzentrationen 0, 75 und 100 % der empfohlenen Stickstoffmenge (RDN) auf die Trockenmasseakkumulation (DMA) und Produktivität von drei Anbausystemen (Reinanbau Sojabohne, Reinanbau Sorghum und Sojabohne + Sorghum Mischanbau) während der Regensaison und deren Nachwirkungen auf den folgenden Anbau von Weizen während der Nachregensaison zu untersuchen. Während der Regensaison war der Reinanbau von Sorghum signifikant höher in DMA und in der Produktivität in Form von Ertragsäquivalenten für Sojabohnen (SEY) im Vergleich zu einem Reinanbau von Sojabohne oder einem Mischanbau von Sojabohne + Sorghum. Eine Erhöhung der N-Anwendung von 0 bis 100 % RDN erhöhte Signifikanz DMA und SEY. Unter der niedrigen Düngung (N0) erwies sich Sojabohne + Sorghum Mischanbau als produktiver im Vergleich zu einer hohen Düngungeranwendung (100 % RDN), Reinanbau war produktiver als die anderen beiden Anbausysteme. Allerdings während der Nachregensaison erwies sich der Reinanbau von Sojabohnen vor Weizen als die höchste DMA und Ertragsmenge, was mit dem Sojabohnen + Sorghum Mischanbau vergleichbar war. Sorghum gefolgt von Weizen ergab den geringsten DMA und niedrigsten Weizenertrag. Die Anwendung von 100 % RDN erhöhte unabhängig von dem Anbausystem der vorhergehenden Kulturpflanzen DMA von Weizen aber nicht den Kornertrag. Allerdings erhöhte N im Weizenanbau signifikant sowohl DMA als auch Kornertrag. [source] Silicification in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars with different drought tolerancePHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 1 2002Alexander Lux Sorghum belongs to a group of economically important, silicon accumulating plants. X-ray microanalysis coupled with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) of fresh root endodermal and leaf epidermal samples confirms histological and cultivar specificity of silicification. In sorghum roots, silicon is accumulated mostly in endodermal cells. Specialized silica aggregates are formed predominantly in a single row in the form of wall outgrowths on the inner tangential endodermal walls. The density of silica aggregates per square mm of inner tangential endodermal cell wall is around 2700 and there is no significant difference in the cultivars with different content of silicon in roots. In the leaf epidermis, silicon deposits were present in the outer walls of all cells, with the highest concentration in specialized idioblasts termed ,silica cells'. These cells are dumb-bell shaped in sorghum. In both the root endodermis and leaf epidermis, silicification was higher in a drought tolerant cultivar Gadambalia compared with drought sensitive cultivar Tabat. Silicon content per dry mass was higher in leaves than in roots in both cultivars. The values for cv. Gadambalia in roots and leaves are 3.5 and 4.1% Si, respectively, and for cv. Tabat 2.2 and 3.3%. However, based on X-ray microanalysis the amount of Si deposited in endodermal cell walls in drought tolerant cultivar (unlike the drought susceptible cultivar) is higher than that deposited in the leaf epidermis. The high root endodermal silicification might be related to a higher drought resistance. [source] The Need to Look Beyond the Production and Provision of Relief Seed: Experiences from Southern SudanDISASTERS, Issue 4 2002Richard B. Jones Free distribution of seeds in selected areas of southern Sudan has been widespread as a way of increasing food security. Field research in areas targeted for seed relief found that farmer seed systems continue to meet the crop and varietal needs of farmers even following the 1998 famine. Donor investments in seed multiplication of improved sorghum have not been sustained due to a lack of effective demand for the improved seed beyond that created by the relief agencies. The article argues that rather than imposing outside solutions, whether through seed provisioning or seed production enterprises, greater attention needs to be given to building on the strengths of existing farmer systems and designing interventions to alleviate the weaknesses. The case is made to support dynamically the process of farmer experimentation through the informed introduction of new crops and varieties that can potentially reinforce the strength and diversity of local cropping systems. [source] DOMESTICATION OF MAIZE, SORGHUM, AND SUGARCANE DID NOT DRIVE THE DIVERGENCE OF THEIR SMUT PATHOGENSEVOLUTION, Issue 2 2007Andrew B. Munkacsi We investigated two alternative hypotheses for the origin of crop pathogen species: that human-mediated agricultural practices drove the divergence of many crop plant pathogen species or that coevolutionary processes in natural populations of the crops' ancestors drove divergence of pathogen species. We distinguished between these two hypotheses by constructing a robust multigene phylogeny and estimating the dates of divergence among four, monophyletic species of smut fungi (Ustilago maydis, U. scitaminea, Sporisorium reilianum, S. sorghi) known to specifically infect maize, sorghum, sugarcane, and their wild ancestors. Without a fossil record for smut fungi, we calibrated the pathogen species' divergence times to their plant host divergence times. Specifically, a calibration date of 10,000 years was employed to test the hypothesis that the fungal species originated at the time of domestication of their current hosts and a calibration date of 50 million years was employed to test the hypothesis that the fungal species originated on wild ancestors of their domesticated hosts. Substitution rates at five protein coding genes were calculated and rates obtained for the 10,000 year calibration date were orders of magnitude faster than those commonly reported for eukaryotes, thus rejecting the hypothesis that these smut pathogen species diverged at the time of domestication. In contrast, substitution rates obtained for the 50 million year calibration were comparable to eukaryotic substitution rates. We used the 50 million year calibration to estimate divergence times of taxa in two datasets, one comprised solely the focal species and one comprised the focal species and additional related taxa. Both datasets indicate that all taxa diverged millions of years ago, strongly supporting the hypothesis that smut species diverged before the time of domestication and modern agriculture. Thus, smut species diverged in the ecological context of natural host plant and fungal populations. [source] Regional water resource implications of bioethanol production in the Southeastern United StatesGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 9 2009JASON M. EVANS Abstract The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 mandates US production of 136 billion L of biofuel by 2022. This target implies an appropriation of regional primary production for dedicated feedstocks at scales that may dramatically affect water supply, exacerbate existing water quality challenges, and force undesirable environmental resource trade offs. Using a comparative life cycle approach, we assess energy balances and water resource implications for four dedicated ethanol feedstocks , corn, sugarcane, sweet sorghum, and southern pine , in two southeastern states, Florida and Georgia, which are a presumed epicenter for future biofuel production. Net energy benefit ratios for ethanol and coproducts range were 1.26 for corn, 1.94 for sweet sorghum, 2.51 for sugarcane, and 2.97 for southern pine. Corn also has high nitrogen (N) and water demand (11.2 kg GJnet,1 and 188 m3 GJnet,1, respectively) compared with other feedstocks, making it a poor choice for regional ethanol production. Southern pine, in contrast, has relatively low N demand (0.4 kg GJnet,1) and negligible irrigation needs. However, it has comparatively low gross productivity, which results in large land area per unit ethanol production (208 m2 GJnet,1), and, by association, substantial indirect and incremental water use (51 m3 GJnet,1). Ultimately, all four feedstocks require substantial land (10.1, 3.1, 2.5, and 6.1 million ha for corn, sugarcane, sweet sorghum, and pine, respectively), annual N fertilization (3230, 574, 396, 109 million kg N) and annual total water (54 400, 20 840, 8840, and 14 970 million m3) resources when scaled up to meet EISA renewable fuel standards production goals. This production would, in turn, offset only 17.5% of regional gasoline consumption on a gross basis, and substantially less when evaluated on a net basis. Utilization of existing waste biomass sources may ameliorate these effects, but does not obviate the need for dedicated primary feedstock production. Careful scrutiny of environmental trade-offs is necessary before embracing aggressive ethanol production mandates. [source] Elevated atmospheric CO2 effects on biomass production and soil carbon in conventional and conservation cropping systemsGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2005Stephen A. Prior Abstract Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration has led to concerns about potential effects on production agriculture as well as agriculture's role in sequestering C. In the fall of 1997, a study was initiated to compare the response of two crop management systems (conventional and conservation) to elevated CO2. The study used a split-plot design replicated three times with two management systems as main plots and two CO2 levels (ambient=375 ,L L,1 and elevated CO2=683 ,L L,1) as split-plots using open-top chambers on a Decatur silt loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Paleudults). The conventional system was a grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation with winter fallow and spring tillage practices. In the conservation system, sorghum and soybean were rotated and three cover crops were used (crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)) under no-tillage practices. The effect of management on soil C and biomass responses over two cropping cycles (4 years) were evaluated. In the conservation system, cover crop residue (clover, sunn hemp, and wheat) was increased by elevated CO2, but CO2 effects on weed residue were variable in the conventional system. Elevated CO2 had a greater effect on increasing soybean residue as compared with sorghum, and grain yield increases were greater for soybean followed by wheat and sorghum. Differences in sorghum and soybean residue production within the different management systems were small and variable. Cumulative residue inputs were increased by elevated CO2 and conservation management. Greater inputs resulted in a substantial increase in soil C concentration at the 0,5 cm depth increment in the conservation system under CO2 -enriched conditions. Smaller shifts in soil C were noted at greater depths (5,10 and 15,30 cm) because of management or CO2 level. Results suggest that with conservation management in an elevated CO2 environment, greater residue amounts could increase soil C storage as well as increase ground cover. [source] Above- and below-ground responses of C3,C4 species mixtures to elevated CO2 and soil water availabilityGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003JUSTIN D. DERNER Abstract We evaluated the influences of CO2[Control, , 370 µmol mol,1; 200 µmol mol,1 above ambient applied by free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE)] and soil water (Wet, Dry) on above- and below-ground responses of C3 (cotton, Gossypium hirsutum) and C4 (sorghum, Sorghum bicolor) plants in monocultures and two density mixtures. In monocultures, CO2 enrichment increased height, leaf area, above-ground biomass and reproductive output of cotton, but not sorghum, and was independent of soil water treatment. In mixtures, cotton, but not sorghum, above-ground biomass and height were generally reduced compared to monocultures, across both CO2 and soil water treatments. Density did not affect individual plant responses of either cotton or sorghum across the other treatments. Total (cotton + sorghum) leaf area and above-ground biomass in low-density mixtures were similar between CO2 treatments, but increased by 17,21% with FACE in high-density mixtures, due to a 121% enhancement of cotton leaf area and a 276% increase in biomass under the FACE treatment. Total root biomass in the upper 1.2 m of the soil was not influenced by CO2 or by soil water in monoculture or mixtures; however, under dry conditions we observed significantly more roots at lower soil depths (> 45 cm). Sorghum roots comprised 81,85% of the total roots in the low-density mixture and 58,73% in the high-density mixture. CO2 -enrichment partly offset negative effects of interspecific competition on cotton in both low- and high-density mixtures by increasing above-ground biomass, with a greater relative increase in the high-density mixture. As a consequence, CO2 -enrichment increased total above-ground yield of the mixture at high density. Individual plant responses to CO2 enrichment in global change models that evaluate mixed plant communities should be adjusted to incorporate feedbacks for interspecific competition. Future field studies in natural ecosystems should address the role that a CO2 -mediated increase in C3 growth may have on subsequent vegetation change. [source] Elevated carbon dioxide and irrigation effects on water stable aggregates in a Sorghum field: a possible role for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Matthias C. Rillig Summary While soil biota and processes are becoming increasingly appreciated as important parameters for consideration in global change studies, the fundamental characteristic of soil structure is a neglected area of research. In a sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] field experiment in which CO2[supplied using free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) technology] was crossed factorially with an irrigation treatment, soil aggregate (1,2 mm) water stability increased in response to elevated CO2. Aggregate water stability was increased by 40% and 20% in response to CO2, at ample and limited water supply treatments, respectively. Soil hyphal lengths of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increased strongly (with a threefold increase in the dry treatment) in response to CO2, and the concentrations of one fraction (easily extractable glomalin, EEG) of the AMF-produced protein glomalin were also increased. Two fractions of glomalin, and AMF hyphal lengths were all positively correlated with soil aggregate water stability. The present results further support the hypothesis that AMF can become important in global change scenarios. Although in this field study a causal relationship between hyphal length, glomalin and aggregate stability cannot be demonstrated, the present data do suggest that AMF could mediate changes in soil structure under elevated CO2. This could be of great importance in agricultural systems threatened by erosional soil loss. [source] Forage and biomass feedstock production from hybrid forage sorghum and sorghum,sudangrass hybridsGRASSLAND SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Brad Venuto Abstract As the bioenergy industry expands, producers choosing to shift current forage crop production to dedicated biomass crops can benefit from growing lower risk multipurpose crops that maximize management options. Hybrid forage sorghums (HFS) and sorghum,sudangrass hybrids (SSG) are capable of impressive biomass yields and tolerance to environmental stress. Multiple vegetative harvests (ratoon harvests) of sorghum are possible and there are photoperiod-sensitive sorghums that remain vegetative. However, the response of newer HFS and SSG cultivars to harvest management practices designed for forage or cellulosic feedstock production has not been fully investigated in all environments. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine biomass production and quality characteristics of a genetically diverse range of HFS, SSG and sudangrass cultivars and evaluate their interaction with harvest system; and (ii) provide data to aid selection of sorghum cultivars for both forage and biofuel uses. Mean yield across all entries and years for a single late season harvest was 27.1 Mg ha,1 of dry matter per year. Mean total yield for a first harvest plus a ratoon crop was 25.5 Mg ha,1 of dry matter per year. However, entries varied for yield and interacted with harvest system. Mean caloric value was 16.5 Gj Mg,1 and modest differences were observed among cultivars evaluated. The best performing entry (cv. Tentaka) yielded 40.3 Mg ha,1 of dry matter for a single late season harvest, demonstrating the biomass potential of existing sorghum cultivars, specifically those possessing photoperiod- and/or thermosensitive genotypes. [source] Globalization vs. localization: global food challenges and local solutionsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 3 2010Quaye Wilhelmina Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effect of global,local interactions on food production and consumption in Ghana, and identify possible local solutions. Primary data were collected using a combination of quantitative-qualitative methods, which included focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews. Approximately 450 household heads were randomly selected and interviewed between August 2007 and August 2008 in Eastern, Central, Upper East and Northern Regions of Ghana. Findings revealed increasing consumption of foreign rice as opposed to decreasing consumption of local rice and other staples like millet, sorghum and yam because of global,local interactions. However, opportunities exist to re-localize production-consumption patterns through the use of ,glocal foods' like improved ,koose and waakye'. Referencing the situation in Ghana, the study recommends improved production and processing practices backed with appropriate technologies that reflect changing consumption dynamics in order to take full advantage of opportunities created as a result of global,local interactions. [source] Creep-recovery parameters of gluten-free batter and crumb properties of bread prepared from pregelatinised cassava starch, sorghum and selected proteinsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Calvin Onyango Summary The effect of egg white, skim milk powder, soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate on creep-recovery parameters of gluten-free batter made from sorghum and pregelatinised cassava starch was studied. Batter treated with egg white had the highest deformation and compliance parameters and lowest zero shear viscosities and differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the other treatments. However, this batter recovered its elasticity sufficiently and its elastic portion of maximum creep compliance did not differ significantly (P < 0.05) from the other treatments. Unlike the other treatments, egg white did not decrease bread volume and exhibited the lowest crumb firmness and staling rate. Optimisation of the amount of egg white with diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides (DATEM) showed that creep-recovery parameters and crumb hardness were affected by the linear, quadratic and interaction effects of the input variables. Treatment with 6% and 0.1% w/w fwb egg white and DATEM, respectively, gave gluten-free batter with the least elastic portion of maximum creep compliance (Je/Jmax = 11.65%) which corresponded to the lowest crumb firmness (790.8 g). [source] Effect of malt pretreatment on phytate and tannin level of two sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivarsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2006Wisal H. Idris Summary The seeds of two cultivars of Sudanese sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), namely Wad Ahmed and Tabat, were germinated for 4 days to obtain 1-, 2- and 4-day-old malts. Sorghum malt (5% and 10%) was added to sorghum flour. The mixtures were incubated at 30 °C with shaking for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Malting loss was very slight for both cultivars and for all incubation periods. Phytic acid and tannin contents were assayed for all treatments. The results revealed that phytate and tannin contents were significantly (P , 0.05) reduced when sorghum flour was pretreated with malt. When a mixture containing 10%, 4-day-old malt and sorghum flour was incubated for 120 min, it significantly (P , 0.05) reduced phytate and tannin contents by 92% and 98%, respectively, for Wad Ahmed cultivar, while for Tabat they were reduced by 93% and 96%, respectively. The rate of reduction of phytate and tannin content increased with incubation time and malt age and concentration. [source] Alleviation of the adverse effect of cooking on sorghum protein digestibility through fermentation in traditional African porridgesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2002Janet Taylor Cooking sorghum is well known to reduce its protein digestibility. In southern Africa fermented sorghum porridges are commonly consumed. Knowledge is lacking as to how their preparation affects sorghum protein digestibility. Five sorghum varieties of varied origin were fermented using traditional semi-solid state fermentation. In vitro protein digestibility and a new index, in vitro insoluble protein digestibility, were measured. Both increased during fermentation, generally within the first day, coinciding with a strong decrease in pH. The increase in insoluble protein digestibility suggests fermentation causes structural changes in the sorghum storage proteins (prolamins and glutelins), making them more accessible to pepsin attack. Wet cooking during porridge-making greatly reduced protein digestibility. Combining fermentation with cooking, either fermenting then cooking or cooking then fermenting, significantly improved protein digestibility over wet cooking alone. Thus natural fermentation, as applied in traditional African porridge preparation is an effective method of improving the protein digestibility of cooked sorghum. [source] Effect of Drought Stress on Yield and Quality of Maize/Sunflower and Maize/Sorghum Intercrops for Biogas ProductionJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 4 2010S. SchittenhelmArticle first published online: 16 FEB 2010 Abstract Intercropping represents an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture to provide substrate for agricultural biogas production. Maize was intercropped with either sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) or forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] to determine the effect of seasonal water supply on yield and quality of the above-ground biomass as a fermentation substrate. The two intercrop partners were grown in alternating double rows at plant available soil water levels of 60,80 %, 40,50 % and 15,30 % under a foil tunnel during the years 2006 and 2007 at Braunschweig, Germany. Although the intercrop dry matter yields in each year increased with increasing soil moisture, the partner crops responded quite differently. While maize produced significantly greater biomass under high rather than low water supply in each year, forage sorghum exhibited a significant yield response only in 2006, and sunflower in none of the 2 years. Despite greatly different soil moisture contents, the contribution of sorghum to the intercrop dry matter yield was similar, averaging 43 % in 2006 and 40 % in 2007. Under conditions of moderate and no drought stress, sunflower had a dry matter yield proportion of roughly one-third in both years. In the severe drought treatment, however, sunflower contributed 37 % in 2006 and 54 % in 2007 to the total intercrop dry matter yield. The comparatively good performance of sunflower under conditions of low water supply is attributable to a fast early growth, which allows this crop to exploit the residual winter soil moisture. While the calculated methane-producing potential of the maize/sorghum intercrop was not affected by the level of water supply, the maize/sunflower intercrop in 2006 had a higher theoretically attainable specific methane yield under low and medium than under high water supply. Nevertheless, the effect of water regime on substrate composition within the intercrops was small in comparison with the large differences between the intercrops. [source] Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium Removal by Brown Midrib Sorghum Sudangrass in the Northeastern USAJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 6 2006Q. M. Ketterings Abstract For the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry in the Northeastern USA, manure nutrient application rates should not exceed crop nutrient removal once above-optimum soil fertility levels are reached. Dairy producers have shown a growing interest in brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) × sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense Piper) hybrids (S × S) as a more environmentally sound alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) but data on S × S nutrient removal rates are scant. Our objectives were to determine N, P, K, Ca and Mg removal with harvest as impacted by N application rate, using six N rate studies in New York. One of the six sites had a recent manure history. Although site-to-site differences existed, N application tended to decrease P and K and increase N, Ca and Mg concentrations in BMR S × S forage. Nutrient removal and yield were highly correlated for all sites except one location that showed a K deficiency. The crop removed large amounts of P and K in the manured site, suggesting that BMR S × S is an excellent scavenger of these nutrients. If manure is applied mid-season, forage K levels are likely too high for feeding to non-lactating cows. [source] The Exploitation of Crop Allelopathy in Sustainable Agricultural ProductionJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 3 2005T. D. Khanh Abstract Crop allelopathy may be useful to minimize serious problems in the present agricultural production such as environmental pollution, unsafe products, human health concerns, depletion of crop diversity, soil sickness and reduction of crop productivity. Several crops including alfalfa, buckwheat, maize, rice, rye, sorghum, sunflower, wheat, etc. are affected either by their own toxicity or phytotoxin exudates when their residues decompose in the soil, that show strong suppression on weed emergences. Allelopathic crops when used as cover crop, mulch, smother crops, green manures, or grown in rotational sequences are helpful in reducing noxious weeds and plant pathogen, improve soil quality and crop yield. Those crop plants, particularly the legumes, incorporated at 1,2 tons ha,1 (alfalfa, buckwheat, rice by-products), which can give weed reduction and increase of rice yield by 70 and 20 %, respectively, are suggested for use as natural herbicides. Allelochemicals from allelopathic crops may aid in the development of biological herbicides and pesticides. Cultivating a system with allelopathic crops plays an important role in the establishment of sustainable agriculture. The introduction of allelopathic traits from accessions with strong allelopathic potential to the target crops will enhance the efficacy of crop allelopathy in future agricultural production. [source] Intercropping for the Improvement of Sorghum Yield, Soil Fertility and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005F. Reda Abstract Striga hermonthica is a major biotic constraint in the dry and less fertile areas of northern Ethiopia. Emphasis is being placed on improved cropping systems to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. The potential benefits of intercropping were investigated at two sites representing different environments for crop yield improvement, soil fertility maintenance and Striga control. Ten food legume and oilseed crop species were compared in inter-row arrangement with sorghum under non-fertilized conditions. In most cases, there was no significant negative impact of intercropping on sorghum growth and development. Among the intercrops, two cowpea varieties , cv. TVU 1977 OD and cv. Blackeye bean , produced the highest supplemental yield of up to 329 and 623 kg ha,1 grain and 608 and 1173 kg ha,1 biomass at Adibakel and Sheraro respectively. Treatment differences on Striga infestation and measured soil fertility indicators were not significant. Nevertheless, valuable grain and biomass obtained from the legume intercrops, without seriously compromising sorghum yield, could offer multiple benefits as a source of protein, additional income, feeds for animals and manure in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia. [source] Relay Cropping of Sorghum and Legume Shrubs for Crop Yield Improvement and Striga Control in the Subsistence Agriculture Region of Tigray (Northern Ethiopia)JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005F. Reda Abstract Striga hermonthica is a major constraint in the subsistence agriculture regions of northern Ethiopia. Low soil fertility and overall environmental degradation has contributed to the build up of the parasitic weed infestation. Improved cropping systems have to be introduced to address the interrelated problems of Striga and soil fertility decline. Thus, relay cropping of sorghum with legume shrubs was investigated at two locations representing different environments. Results showed that the output of the improved cropping system was dependent on ecological endowments. Relay cropping led to significant improvement in yield at Sheraro, at the site with relatively better weather and soil conditions. The legume shrubs resulted in significantly lower sorghum yield in a dryland location (Adibakel). Overall Striga infestation declined over the 3-year period; however, treatment differences were not apparent. Among the two legume shrubs, Sesbania sesban was better adapted to the dryland areas. Relay cropping could provide a viable option for farmers in both types of environments that are characterized by accelerated decline in natural resource base. However, it could mean compromising the yield of non-fertilized sorghum in the interest of long-term benefits of low incidence of Striga and more rewarding crop enterprise in dry areas. [source] Effect of Nitrogen Rate and Stubble Height on Dry Matter Yield, Crude Protein Content and Crude Protein Yield of a Sorghum,Sudangrass Hybrid[Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf.] in the Three-Cutting SystemJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 4 2003S. Iptas Abstract In this study, the effects of nitrogen (N) rate (60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha,1 applied in three equal dressings at seeding and after the first and second cuttings) and stubble height (7, 14 and 21 cm) on the dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP) content, and CP yield of a sorghum,sudangrass hybrid [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf., cv. Pioneer 988] in the three-cut system was investigated. The N rate had no significant effect in the first and third cuttings, but in the second cutting DM yields increased significantly with increase in N rate. The highest yield of 9.1 t ha,1 was obtained with 80 kg N ha,1 for the average of 2 years at the second cutting, but no significant difference was found among the 40, 60 and 80 kg N ha,1 rates. CP content and yield were not significantly affected by N rate at the first and third cuttings, but CP content and yield were significantly affected by application of N at the second cutting. Stubble height had a significant effect on CP content at the third cutting. However, it had no significant effect on CP content at the first and second cuttings. Stubble height had a significant effect on the CP yield at the first cutting, but no significant effect on CP yield at the second and third cuttings. [source] Effects of Nitrogen on Dry Matter Accumulation and Productivity of Three Cropping Systems and Residual Effects on Wheat in Deep Vertisols of Central IndiaJOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 2 2002P. Ramesh A field experiment was conducted on deep vertisols of Bhopal, India to study the effects of three levels of nitrogen (N), namely 0, 75 and 100 % of the recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and productivity of three cropping systems (sole soybean, sole sorghum and soybean + sorghum intercropping) during the rainy season and their residual effect on the subsequent wheat crop during the post-rainy season. During the rainy season, sole sorghum was found to have significantly higher DMA and productivity in terms of soybean equivalent yield (SEY) than sole soybean or soybean + sorghum intercropping. Increasing the N dose from 0 to 100 % RDN significantly improved the DMA and SEY. At a low fertility level (N0), soybean + sorghum intercropping was found to be more productive, while at a high fertility level (100 % RDN), sole sorghum was more productive than the other two cropping systems. However, during the post-rainy season, sole soybean as the preceding crop gave the highest DMA and seed yield of wheat, which were similar to those found with soybean + sorghum intercropping. Sorghum followed by wheat gave the lowest DMA and seed yield of wheat. Application of 100 % RDN irrespective of cropping system during the preceding crop improved the DMA of wheat but not its seed yield. However, N applied to the wheat crop significantly increased its DMA and seed yield. Einfluss von Stickstoff auf Trockenmasseakkumulation und Produktivität von drei Anbausystemen und deren Rückstandswirkung auf Weizen in einem tiefen Vertisol Zentralindiens Ein Feldexperiment wurde durchgeführt auf einem tiefen Vertisol bei Bhopal, Indien, um den Einfluss von drei Stickstoffkonzentrationen 0, 75 und 100 % der empfohlenen Stickstoffmenge (RDN) auf die Trockenmasseakkumulation (DMA) und Produktivität von drei Anbausystemen (Reinanbau Sojabohne, Reinanbau Sorghum und Sojabohne + Sorghum Mischanbau) während der Regensaison und deren Nachwirkungen auf den folgenden Anbau von Weizen während der Nachregensaison zu untersuchen. Während der Regensaison war der Reinanbau von Sorghum signifikant höher in DMA und in der Produktivität in Form von Ertragsäquivalenten für Sojabohnen (SEY) im Vergleich zu einem Reinanbau von Sojabohne oder einem Mischanbau von Sojabohne + Sorghum. Eine Erhöhung der N-Anwendung von 0 bis 100 % RDN erhöhte Signifikanz DMA und SEY. Unter der niedrigen Düngung (N0) erwies sich Sojabohne + Sorghum Mischanbau als produktiver im Vergleich zu einer hohen Düngungeranwendung (100 % RDN), Reinanbau war produktiver als die anderen beiden Anbausysteme. Allerdings während der Nachregensaison erwies sich der Reinanbau von Sojabohnen vor Weizen als die höchste DMA und Ertragsmenge, was mit dem Sojabohnen + Sorghum Mischanbau vergleichbar war. Sorghum gefolgt von Weizen ergab den geringsten DMA und niedrigsten Weizenertrag. Die Anwendung von 100 % RDN erhöhte unabhängig von dem Anbausystem der vorhergehenden Kulturpflanzen DMA von Weizen aber nicht den Kornertrag. Allerdings erhöhte N im Weizenanbau signifikant sowohl DMA als auch Kornertrag. [source] Intestinal function and gut microflora of broiler chickens as influenced by cereal grains and microbial enzyme supplementationJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 5 2009M. D. Shakouri Summary A study was conducted to investigate the effect of the key cereal grains and a microbial enzyme supplement on broiler chicken performance, gut microflora and intestinal function. Ingestion of the barley-based diet was associated with low 28-day body weight, decreased feed intake and high FCR. The supplemental enzyme increased feed intake and weight gain of the chickens on a wheat-based diet. The pH of the gizzard and caecal contents varied with the grain type. Enzyme supplementation reduced ileal viscosity, particularly in birds that received the diet based on wheat. The birds on the barley-based diet had lower ileal digestibility of dry matter, protein and energy than those given maize and sorghum-based diets. The ileal digestibility of starch was increased by enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementation increased the number of total anaerobic bacteria in the gizzard of birds fed on sorghum and increased lactobacilli in the gizzard of those fed both sorghum and wheat. The birds fed the sorghum-based diet had the lowest counts of caecal total anaerobic bacteria and lactobacilli. Jejunal villus height and villus:crypt ratio of birds fed the barley-based diet were the lowest when compared with those fed the other diets. Enzyme application induced an increase in villus height and villus:crypt ratio of birds on wheat, crypt depth on barley and a reduction in crypt depth of chickens on the sorghum-based diets. The highest activity of maltase and the lowest activity of sucrase were observed in tissue from birds fed on maize and sorghum-based diets respectively. The differences in the performance of broilers on cereal grains could be explained by changes in intestinal morphology, enzyme activities and gut microflora as well as nutrient digestibility. The improved performance by supplemental enzyme in wheat-fed chickens was associated with beneficial changes in intestinal morphology and digesta viscosity. [source] Host-plant preference and oviposition responses of the sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis sorghicola (Coquillett) (Dipt., Cecidomyiidae) towards wild relatives of sorghumJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 3 2001Sharma Sorghum midge, Stenodiplosis (Contarinia) sorghicola (Coquillett) is an important pest of grain sorghum world-wide. Considerable progress has been made in screening and breeding for resistance to sorghum midge. However, some of the sources of resistance have become susceptible to sorghum midge in Kenya, in eastern Africa. Therefore, the wild relatives of Sorghum bicolor were studied as a possible source of new genes conferring resistance to sorghum midge. Midge females did not lay eggs in the spikelets of Sorghum amplum, Sorghum bulbosum, and Sorghum angustum compared to 30% spikelets with eggs in Sorghum halepense when infested with five midge females per panicle under no-choice conditions. However, one egg was laid in S. amplum when infested with 50 midges per panicle. A larger number of midges were attracted to the odours from the panicles of S. halepense than to the panicles of Sorghum stipoideum, Sorghum brachypodum, S.angustum, Sorghum macrospermum, Sorghum nitidium, Sorghum laxiflorum, and S. amplum in dual-choice olfactometer tests. The differences in midge response to the odours from S. halepense and Sorghum intrans were not significant. Under multi-choice conditions, when the females were also allowed a contact with the host, more sorghum midge females were attracted to the panicles of S. bicolor compared with S. amplum, S. angustum, and S. halepense. In another test, numerically more midges responded to the panicles of IS 10712 compared with S. halepense, whereas the differences in midge response to the panicles of ICSV 197 (S. bicolor) and S. halepense were not apparent, indicating that S. halepense is as attractive to sorghum midge females as S. bicolor. The wild relatives of sorghum (except S. halepense) were not preferred for oviposition, and they were also less attractive to the sorghum midge females. Thus, wild relatives of sorghum can prove to be an alternative source of genes for resistance to sorghum midge. [source] ALCOHOLIC BANANA BEVERAGE , ASPECTS IN FERMENTATIVE PRODUCTIONJOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 3 2009SUNITA SINGH ABSTRACT This study quantified fermentative changes in processing alcoholic banana beverage as a result of two factors, namely, sorghum as an ingredient in mix and time period of fermentation, affecting the process in two scales (375 g and 2,900 g) of ingredients mix used. Diluted pulp (with water) from overripe bananas (Musa robusta) mixed with sprouted sorghum grains as ingredients were compared with ingredients without sorghum. The total sugars (reducing and total carbohydrates) were higher when sorghum was not added as an ingredient in initial mix to be fermented. Nevertheless, there was higher utilization of fermentable sugars and carbohydrates in the mix when sorghum was present in both scales of mix studied. The fermentative activities of inoculate as a result of interactive effect of sorghum and time period in the process was attributed to these utilizations. The time factor in fermentation allowed for significant increase in alcohol in the beverage (48 h with 375 g and 68 h with 2,900 g). The beverage obtained with sorghum contained 9.8 g% alcohol at 48 h from 375 g mix and 24.3 g% alcohol at 68 h from the 2,900 g mix of ingredients. These contents were higher as compared to beverage prepared without sorghum: 18.3 g% alcohol at 48 h from 375 g mix and 13.1 g% at 68 h from 2,900 g ingredient mix. The average yields of beverage (with added sorghum) were 54.6% and 57.9%, from 375 g mix batch and 2,900 g mix larger scales, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Banana has a short shelf life after it enters the retail market. The domestic supply in India in 2002 accounted for 20% wastage of bananas as a postharvest loss. The total losses in banana transactions were of the order 13,18% in a single wholesale market of the local city. It was possible to add value of ~48% if these overripe bananas processed into alcoholic beverage. The wasted bananas in domestic supply chain may be source of raw material present in the cycle of marketing itself. Using overripe bananas as the raw material in this study, we could ascertain the product characteristics so obtained after fermentation. These wasted bananas can thus be utilized using modified process detailed herein, if such a technology is readily available. This can replace spurious/illicit drinks in local pockets by using these cheap raw materials available in local abundance. [source] An error corrected almost ideal demand system for major cereals in KenyaAGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 1 2010Jonathan M. Nzuma Error correction model; AIDS; Cereal consumption; Kenya Abstract Despite significant progress in theory and empirical methods, the analysis of food consumption patterns in developing countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), has received very limited attention. An attempt is made in this article to estimate an Error Corrected Almost Ideal Demand System for four major cereals consumed in Kenya employing annual data from 1963 to 2005. This demand system performs well on both theoretical and empirical grounds. The symmetry and homogeneity conditions are supported by the data and the,Le Chatelier,principle holds. Empirically, all own-price elasticities are negative and significant at 5% level and irrespective of the time horizon, maize, wheat, rice, and sorghum may be considered as necessities in Kenya. While the expenditure elasticities of all four cereals are positive, they are inelastic both in the short run and in the long run. Finally, wheat and rice complement maize consumption in Kenya while sorghum acts as a substitute. Since cereal consumers have price and income inelastic responses, a combination of income and price-oriented policies could improve cereal consumption in Kenya. [source] Estimating the supply response of cotton and cereal crops in smallholder production systems: recent evidence from MaliAGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 5 2009Jeffrey D. Vitale Cotton; Supply response; Rotation; Mali Abstract Cotton is one of the most important crops in West Africa and is a major catalyst of economic development in rural areas, but the sector has suffered from a decline in the world cotton price after 1999. This article exploits an unusual data set following 82 farmers over 14 years, from 1994 through 2007, to estimate a Nerlovian supply response model for cotton, maize, sorghum, and millet in long-term rotation. The resulting system of equations is estimated with two-stage least squares (2SLS), showing that this sample of Malian cotton producers have responded to prices in a relatively inelastic manner, with supply elasticities only about one-half of those estimated for producers in developed countries. Policy reforms could help producers respond more easily to prices changes, as well as to raise average productivity levels. [source] Use of Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Analysis for Economically Important Food CropsJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2007Halima Hassan Salem Abstract The objective of this review is to summarize numerous studies on the use of the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique on rice, corn, wheat, sorghum, barley, rye, and oats to examine its feasibility and validity for assessment of genetic variation, population genetics, mapping, linkage and marker assisted selection, phylogenetic analysis, and the detection of somaclonal variation. Also we discuss the advantages and limitations of RAPD. Molecular markers have entered the scene of genetic improvement in different fields of agricultural research. The simplicity of the RAPD technique made it ideal for genetic mapping, plant and animal breeding programs, and DNA fingerprinting, with particular utility in the field of population genetics. [source] Cultural Characterization and Conidial Dimorphism in Colletotrichum sublineolumJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 7-8 2003E. A. Souza-Paccola Abstract Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum, is one of the most important diseases of sorghum in Brazil. This fungus showed conidial dimorphism when cultivated on solid or in liquid media. In solid media only falcate conidia were produced, whereas in liquid media the conidia were of variable size, but mostly oval. Wild strains, differentiated by their , and , esterase electrophoretic profiles, were assessed. The effect of different culture media on the production of both conidial types was evaluated. Unlike that of oval conidia, the production of falcate conidia was light-dependent. Some strains failed to produce falcate conidia in solid media, but all produced oval conidia in all the liquid media. The falcate conidia were uninucleate, but oval conidia contained one to three nuclei, although most were uninucleate. Both types of conidia induced symptoms in inoculable sorghum plants under controlled conditions. Both oval and falcate conidia produced mutants after exposure to UV light, and hyphal anastomoses occurred in crosses between mutant conidia carriers of complementary markers. The production of these oval conidia in C. sublineolum is an alternative to pathogenicity tests and genetic studies, especially for strains that sporulate poorly in solid culture media. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||