Sorghum is a rare food and fodder crop in our country. It is grown for various purposes: in the food and feed industry, the production of biofuels, paper, etc.
Sorghum is widely distributed in African countries, Asia, USA, Mexico and Argentina. Stems grow on average 2-3,5 m in height. The degree of bushiness depends on the variety: fodder branches more than cereals.
Sorghum reaches 3,5 m in height
The inflorescence is a panicle. The plant has 2-3 spikelets. One of them is fertile, the rest are sterile. The scales of the spikelets are dense and leathery, usually drooping.
The fruit is a caryopsis, which is covered with a flower film of white, yellow or red colors. The shape of the weevil is round or oval. One panicle contains from 1000 to 3500 seeds. About 60 varieties of the plant are known.
There are two subspecies of the plant:
- effusum – spreading sorghum. Has a loose panicle and long branches;
- contractum – crowded or lumpy sorghum. Has a dense panicle and short vertical branches.
Both subspecies are widely used for economic purposes.
Depending on how the culture is used, it is divided into several types: grain, sugar, lemon, herbal and technical.
Cereal is a low-growing and slightly bushy plant. Its core is semi-dry or dry. Open grains. The color of the seeds is from yellow to dark brown. It is used for the production of cereals, flour and alcohol.
Lemon sorghum is widely used in cooking
Sugar sorghum is used for the production of molasses and sweet syrup, feed, biofuel. The plant is tall and bushy. The heart is sweet and juicy: the juice contains up to 20% sugar. Filmy grains.
Herbaceous is a forage crop. It is cultivated in various climatic zones.
Lemon sorghum is a delicious condiment. It is added to dishes as cereals, spices in main courses, in sauces and brewed in the form of tea. It is effective for bloating, coughing, runny nose. Used in anti-mosquito cream. An essential oil is also obtained from it.
All varieties are rich in protein and fat, vitamins, macro- and microelements. They contain up to 82% carbohydrates
Wickerwork and paper are made from the stems and leaves of a technical or broom plant. The plant has a dry core and a long panicle. Filmy grains. There are East Eurasian and West Eurasian varieties.
Grain crops are most often grown in Russia. The following varieties are most common:
- “Kaoliang”. Early ripening variety. Drought tolerant.
- “Semiramis”. A mid-season, disease-resistant variety. Coarse grain with low tannin content.
- “Samurai”. Consistently high yield. Resistant to disease. Gives a high alcohol yield.
- “Komsomol”. Possesses high productivity, resistance to diseases, drought and shedding.
- Prime. The yield is high. Resistant to smut.
- Swift. The yield is average. Elliptical caryopsis. Ideal for the middle lane.
Varieties are selected specifically for each growing region.
Sorghum does not require any special care. It is easily adaptable and grows in different climates.