Questions and Answers
What is the origin of Sorghum?
Which variety of Sorghum is known for drought and salinity tolerance?
What is the chromosome number of Sorghum?
At what stage should Sorghum leaves NOT be used for fodder?
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What type of plant is Sorghum classified as?
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What is the optimum temperature range for growing Sorghum?
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What is the pH range in which Sorghum thrives?
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What is Sorghum sickness related to?
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Which medicinal plant is known for its antibiotic and antitumor activities found highest in its leaves?
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What is the chief medicinal compound present in the roots of Safed Musli?
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Which plant is primarily used to treat arthritis and heart problems?
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What is the primary economic part of the Indian Ginseng plant?
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Which of the following plants is propagated by seeds?
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Which plant is used as a biogenic stimulator and wound healing hormone?
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What is the optimum depth for sowing sorghum seeds?
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What is the recommended seed rate for fodder purpose sorghum cultivation per hectare?
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Which pathogen causes Downy Mildew in sorghum?
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What is the appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer to be applied per hectare in sorghum cultivation?
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Which of the following insects is a major pest in sorghum cultivation?
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What is the ideal moisture content in sorghum grains at the time of harvesting?
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How many plants per hectare is the approximate plant population for sorghum?
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What is the yield of hybrid sorghum (Grain) per hectare?
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Study Notes
Sorghum Overview
- Commonly known as Sorghum or Jowar, scientifically identified as Sorghum bicolor.
- Belongs to the Gramineae family, with origins tracing back to East Central Africa.
- Known as the "Camel crop" due to exceptional drought tolerance.
- Chromosome configuration is 2n=20, n=10.
- Sorghum exhibits hypogeal germination and is primarily cross-pollinated.
Nutritional Information
- Sorghum grains are low in Lysine but high in Leucine, making them a valuable source of energy.
- Contains Hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in leaves, which is toxic to livestock if consumed before 50% flowering.
Cultivation and Climate Requirements
- Thrives in warm climates with a temperature range of 8-10°C (minimum) to 32-35°C (optimum), and can withstand up to 38°C (maximum).
- Requires a total water input of around 350 mm throughout its growth.
- Prefers clay loam or loam textures and tolerates pH levels from 6.0 to 8.5.
Soil Management
- Black cotton soil of central India is particularly suitable for sorghum cultivation.
- Sorghum residues can lead to nitrogen immobilization in soil due to a high C:N ratio, potentially requiring additional nitrogen for succeeding crops.
Seed Rate, Spacing & Sowing
- Recommended seed rate ranges from 12-15 kg/ha for normal conditions and up to 30-35 kg/ha for hybrid varieties.
- Sowing depth should be maintained at 3-4 cm with a plant spacing of 45x12 cm.
- Ideal planting time is from late June to early July.
Fertilization
- Requires 10-15 tonnes of farmyard manure (FYM) per hectare.
- Fertilizer recommendations include nitrogen: 100 kg/ha, phosphorus: 50 kg/ha, potassium: 40 kg/ha.
Diseases and Pests
- Major diseases include Downy Mildew (Peronosclerospora sorghi), Anthracnose (Colletotrichum graminicolum), and Grain Smut (Sphacelotheca sorghi).
- Key insect pests are Shoot Fly (Atherigona varia soccata), Sorghum Midge (Contarinia sorghicola), and Shoot Bug (Peregrinus maidis).
Harvesting and Yield
- Best harvesting time is when grains are hard and moisture content is below 25%.
- Average yields are 25-30 q/ha under rainfed conditions, 300-400 q/ha for fodder, and 40-50 quintals per hectare for hybrid grain varieties.
Medicinal Plants Overview
- Aloe Vera: Perennial succulent in the Liliaceae family, known for its healing properties and contains the compound Glucomannan.
- Indian Ginseng: Adaptogenic herb from the Solanaceae family, roots are utilized for multiple health benefits, rich in withanine and somniferine.
- King of Bitters: Herbaceous plant from the Acanthaceae family, its leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine for treating snake bites and jaundice, rich in andrographolide.
- Safed Musli: Also belongs to the Liliaceae family, used as an aphrodisiac and for its saponin content.
- Guggal/Indian Bdellium Tree: Originating from Africa and Asia, its gum resin treats various health issues like arthritis and heart problems.
- Medicinal Yam: Tubers from the Dioscoreaceae family known for their economic significance.
- Foxgloves: Leaves of this Scrophularaceae family member are utilized for heart diseases, containing digoxin, propagated by seeds.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Sorghum, its origins, and its unique characteristics. This quiz covers essential facts about Sorghum, including its drought tolerance and uses. Perfect for agricultural students and enthusiasts!
