Effect of Planting Date on Yield and Yield Components of Grain Sorghum Hybrids

In Kansas, productivity of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is affected by weather conditions at planting and during pollination. Planting date management and selection of hybrid maturity group can help to avoid severe environmental stresses during these sensitive stages. The hypothesis of the study was that late May planting improves grain sorghum yield and yield components compared with late June planting. The objectives of this research were to investigate the influence of planting dates yield and yield components of different grain sorghum hybrids, and to determine the optimal planting date and hybrid combination for maximum biomass and grains production. Three sorghum hybrids (early, medium, and late maturing) were planted in late May and late June without irrigation in Kansas at Manhattan/Ashland Bottom Research Station, and Hutchinson in 2010;and at Manhattan/North Farm and Hutchinson in 2011. Data on dry matter production, yield and yield components were collected. Grain yield and yield components were influenced by planting date depending on environmental conditions. At Manhattan (2010), greater grain yield, number of heads per plant, were obtained with late-June planting compared with late May planting, while at Hutchinson (2010) greater yield was obtained with late May planting for all hybrids. The yield component most affected at Hutchinson was the number of kernels∙panicle−1 and plant density. Late-May planting was favorable for late maturing hybrid (P84G62) in all locations. However, the yield of early maturing hybrid (DKS 28-05) and medium maturing hybrid (DKS 37-07) was less affected by delayed planting. The effects of planting dates on yield and yield components of grain sorghum hybrids were found to be variable among hybrid maturity groups and locations.

Multi Location Field Evaluation of BC1F2 Sorghum Populations for Striga Resistance in Niger

In Niger, a landlocked country, sorghum is the second staple food cultivated over the country by smallholder farmer. The crop is important for human and animal consumption. Despite its importance, the crop is affected by biotic and abiotic constraints. Among those constraints, striga has a high impact on yield. In fact, to survive, farmers are growing their local preferred sorghum varieties wish is highly sensible to the weed. Striga management is a challenge that requires a permanent solution. In addition, the development of high-yielding Striga resistant genotypes will be appreciated by farmers. The development of striga resistance will be based on the breeding population performances under farmer’s diverse environmental conditions adaptation. The main objective of this study is to evaluate two breeding populations for striga resistance in two different environments at Boulke and Dibissou in Tahoua region, to identify the early and high-yielding striga tolerant genotypes under natural infestation.

Determination and Quantification of Proximate and Mineral Composition for 20 Improved Sorghum Varieties Grown in Machache, Lesotho

Twenty varieties of improved sorghum were grown in Machache at the Department of Agricultural Research station, located (29˚22'60"S and 27˚52'0"E) in the central foothills of Lesotho in Maseru district. The varieties were planted in a randomized complete block design. At maturity, they were harvested, dried, threshed, milled and analyzed in the crop science laboratory at the National University of Lesotho. The proximate and mineral contents were analyzed from samples in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The proximate composition parameters measured were crude proteins, crude fiber, crude fat, moisture content, and carbohydrates. The minerals analyzed were, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, and magnesium. The results showed the nutritional contents ranging from (4.7% - 16.16%), (0.35% - 2.10%), (1.25% - 4.00%), (71.60% - 84.06%), (5.53% - 10.18%), for protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrate, and moisture content, respectively. Mineral content ranged from (1342.96 - 3500.34 mg/kg), (25.97 - 185.25 mg/kg), (50.71 - 511.71 mg/kg), (29.35 - 4542.13 mg/kg), (577.19 - 3041.52 mg/kg), (0.25 - 4.07 mg/kg), (1.96 - 18.61 mg/kg), (67.14 - 122.96 mg/kg), (4.73 - 11.39 mg/kg) for phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, and manganese respectively. The following varieties were found to have the highest and appreciable amounts of nutrients and minerals that are crucial in the country diet;protein content was KARI Mtama 1, zinc, IESX 16 2533-SB-SSI-19, and iron IESX 16 2535-SB-SSI-34.

A telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of Hongyingzi,a sorghum cultivar used for Chinese Baijiu production

Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor(L.)Moench)is a world cereal crop used in China for producing Baijiu,a distilled spirit.We report a telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of the Baijiu cultivar Hongyingzi,HYZ-T2T,using ultralong reads.The 10 chromosome pairs contained 33,462 genes,of which 93%were functionally annotated.The 20 telomeres and 10 centromeric regions on the HYZ-T2T chromosomes were predicted and two consecutive large inversions on chromosome 2 were characterized.A 65-gene reconstruction of the metabolic pathway of tannins,the flavor substances in Baijiu,was performed and may advance the breeding of sorghum cultivars for Baijiu production.

Effective Strategies to Encourage the Cultivation of Sorghum and Corn in the African Sahel: An Analysis of Chad

The research explores traditional sorghum and corn cropping systems in the Guera region of the Sahel, focusing on social, economic, and ecological criteria. The region faces challenges due to its tropical climate, droughts, and land characteristics, affecting sorghum and corn cultivation. A comprehensive framework, developed in collaboration with national and international organizations, is needed to improve agricultural production in infertile land. Chad’s smallholders use a low-tech, risk-averse rainfed system, but diversified techniques and new cultivation patterns can increase profits. Modern technologies and innovations can increase diversity and create new cultivation forms, involving scientific, commercial, credit, and industrial organizations. Chad faces severe water stress and crop yield issues, with up to 95% of water resources lost due to evapotranspiration. Proper water management techniques, assisted irrigation, efficient rainwater harvesting, and effective seed selection and crop management are crucial for improving agricultural production, reducing poverty, and ensuring the survival of the region’s agricultural sector. Chemical poverty complicates crop management, but fertilizers and skips can improve soil and provide good cereals. Urea can be added to legumes to increase plant growth and nitrogen fixation, while microorganisms and mycorrhizal fungi can strengthen rhizobia and enhance plant recovery. Handling tradeoffs is crucial, as environmental shocks can lead to social consequences like hunger and unemployment. The Sahel region’s sorghum and corn plant species face food production stagnation and chronic insufficiency due to increasing population and pests. Integrated pest management strategies and market access are crucial for smallholder farmers, but quality standards are weak. Public-private partnerships can improve value chains and market linkages, leading to increased farmer income, traders’ income, and consumer prices.

Sorghum Productivity and Its Farming Feasibility in Dryland Agriculture:Genotypic and Planting Distance Insights

Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor L.Moench)is an essential food crop for more than 750 million people in tropical and sub-tropical dry climates of Africa,India,and Latin America.The domestic sorghum market in Indonesia is still limited to the eastern region(East Nusa Tenggara,West Nusa Tenggara,Java,and South Sulawesi).Therefore,it is crucial to carry out sorghum research on drylands.This research aimed to investigate the effect of sorghum genotype and planting distance and their interaction toward growth and sorghum’s productivity in the Gunungkidul dryland,Yogyakarta,Indonesia.In addition,the farm business analysis,including the feasibility of sorghum farming,was also examined.The research used a randomized complete block design(RCBD),arranged in a 5×4 factorial with 3 replicates.The first treatment consisted of 5 varieties(2 high-yielding varieties(Bioguma 1 and Kawali)and 3 local sorghum varieties(Plonco,Ketan Merah,and Hitam Wareng)).The second treatment consisted of 4 levels of planting distance,namely 50×20 cm,60×20 cm,70×15 cm,and 70×20×20 cm.Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data,where Duncan’s multiple range test(DMRT)was used post hoc.Plant height,panicle height,panicle width,panicle weight,stover weight,grains weight/plot,and productivity were significantly affected by sorghum varieties(p<0.05).However,there was no significant effect from the planting distance treatment and no interaction between planting distance and varietal treatments.Ketan Merah had the highest height,panicle length,and panicle width,while Bioguma 1 had the highest stover weight,panicle weight,grain weight/plot,and productivity.There was a significant linear regression equation,i.e.,productivity=0.0054–0.0003 panicle height+0.4163 grains weight/plot.Our findings on farm business analysis suggested that four out of five tested sorghum varieties were feasible to grow,except for the Ketan Merah variety.The most economically profitable sorghum variety to grow in Gunungkidul dryland was Bioguma 1.

Heterosis Analysis in Endogenous Substances in Root Bleeding Sap of Sorghum

Despite hybrid dominance contributing to the genetic improvement of crops,little is known about heterosis and inheritance patterns of endogenous substances in sorghum(Sorghum bicolor(L.)Moench)root bleeding sap.In this study,six sterile and six restorer lines of sorghum and 36 hybrid sorghum combinations formulated as incomplete double-row crosses were selected as test materials,and heterosis,combining ability,heritability,and their interrelationships of root bleeding sap endogenous substances in different hybrid sorghum combinations and their parents were investigated.The results showed that the root bleeding sap of the F1 generation of hybrid sorghum had a high heterosis in both soluble sugar content and amino acid content at the flowering stage,and the average high-parent heterosis was 129.34%and 74.57%,respectively.Indole-3-acetic acid(IAA),cytokinins(CTK),gibberellic acid(GA_(3)),abscisic acid(ABA),soluble sugar,amino acid,and root bleeding intensity were mainly affected by non-additive genetic effects of the genes.Soluble protein was affected by additive genetic effects of the genes and had a high narrow heritability(75.50%),which could be selected at low generations in breeding.The combining ability analyses showed that the sterile lines 521A and 170A,and the restorer lines Ji318R and 0–30 were promising parents with high general combining ability.Correlation analysis showed that all endogenous substances of root bleeding sap were positively correlated with the sum of parental general combining ability(GCA)at highly significant levels,and IAA,CTK,GA_(3),ABA,soluble sugar,amino acid,and root bleeding intensity were positively correlated with male GCA at significant or highly significant levels.Therefore,the GCA of the restorer lines root bleeding sap endogenous material or the sum of both parents’GCA can be used to predict the performance of wounding endogenous material in the F1 generation of hybrid sorghum.Overall,this study results can help elucidate heterosis mechanisms of root bleeding sap endogenous material and improve sorghum quality.

Optimizing Sorghum Productivity Using Balanced Fertilizers on Dryland

Sorghum is thefifth most required cereal crop globally.Sorghum bicolor has the advantage of being adaptive to both lowland and dryland,with drought-tolerant and wide adaptability.The low nutrient availability in dryland requires additional effective fertilizers to increase sorghum productivity.The research aimed to assess the appli-cation of organic,inorganic,and biofertilizers for sorghum productivity on dryland.Research in Central Java,Indonesia as dryland sorghum areas,from November 2022 to February 2023.The experiment cooperates with the farmers in a split-plot design,the main plot was two varieties and subplots of four fertilizers.The enhanced sorghum yield(21.38%–36.06%)with combined fertilizer was greater than the existing fertilization.Nutrient con-trol does not rely on inorganic fertilizers but also on applying biofertilizers.The sorghum farming economic value farming indicated that combinations of fertilizer treatments and varieties provide benefits of USD 929.81–1955.81 with a revenue-cost ratio(R/C)value>1.Sorghum is an essential food commodity that faces the threat of the global crisis and an unfavorable environment.This study indicated balanced fertilizers could provide suffi-cient nutrients to the soil and increase nutrient absorption availability for sorghum growth and productivity.Balanced fertilization increases the uptake of N,P,and K nutrients correlates with an increase in yield of 21.38%–36.06%.

Molecular mechanisms of stress resistance in sorghum: Implications for crop improvement strategies

Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salt, extreme temperatures, and heavy metal pollution, are the main environmental factors that limit crop growth and yield. Sorghum, a C4 grass plant with high photosynthetic efficiency, can grow in adverse environmental conditions due to its excellent stress resistance characteristics. Therefore, unraveling the stress-resistance mechanism of sorghum could provide a theoretical basis for developing and cultivating various stress-resistant crops. This understanding could also help to create a conducive environment for using marginal soil in agriculture and ensuring food security. In this review, we discuss the adaptation mechanisms of sorghum under drought, salinity, temperature, and soil heavy metal stresses, the specific response to stress, the screening of sorghum-resistant germplasm, and the identification and functional analysis of the relevant genes and quantitative trait loci(QTL). In addition, we discuss the application potential of different stress-tolerant sorghum germplasms reported to date and emphasize the feasibility and potential use in developing and promoting highly stress-tolerant sorghum in marginal soil.

Cu Stress-Induced Transcriptome Alterations in Sorghum and Expression Analysis of the Transcription Factor-Encoding Gene SbWRKY24

Sorghum is not only an important bio-energy crop but also a vital raw material for brewing.Exogenous copper affects the growth and metabolism of crops in specific ways.This study identified 8475 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing in the sorghum cultivar‘Jinnuoliang 2’after 24 h of treatment with 10 mM CuSO4.Using GO analysis,476 genes were functionally annotated,which were mainly related to catabolism and biosynthetic processes.Additionally,90 pathways were annotated by employing the KEGG analysis.Among them,glutathione metabolism and peroxisome were induced,while photosynthesis,photosynthesis-antenna protein,and carbon sequestration of photosynthetic organisms were inhibited.Of the DEGs,399 were identified to encode transcription factors belonging to 49 families.This study also identified a WRKY transcription factor-encoding gene SbWRKY24 from the transcriptome data.For studying its function,the relative expression levels of SbWRKY24 in roots and leaves post-treatment with different growth hormones and exposure to a variety of abiotic stresses were detected by RT-qPCR.SbWRKY24 showed treatment-and tis-sue-specific expression patterns,indicating its unique role in stress tolerance.This study lays a theoretical basis for the functional exploration of SbWRKY24,elucidating the mechanism of copper resistance,and elaborating on the stress responses in sorghum.It also guides the exploration of the molecular mechanism of copper ions inducing intracellular signal transduction pathways.

Effect of Supplementary Irrigation on the Yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in the Context of Climate Change in the Dry Savannahs of Togo

Under the current context of climate change, supplementary irrigation may be needed for crop production resilience. We determined the effects of supplementary irrigation on sorghum grain yield in the dry Savannah region of Togo. A two-year trial was conducted in a controlled environment at AREJ, an agro-ecological center in Cinkassé. The plant material was sorghum variety Sorvato 28. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Block with three replications and three treatments as follows: T0 control plot (rainfed conditions);T1 (supplementary irrigation from flowering to grain filling stage) and T2 (supplementary irrigation from planting to grain filling stage). Two irrigation techniques (furrow and Californian system) were used under each watering treatment. The results showed that irrigation technique significantly affected panicle length with no effect on 1000 grains mass. Panicle length and grain yields varied from 15.59 to 25.71 cm and 0.0 to 2.06 t∙h−1, respectively, with the highest values (25.66 cm and 2.06 t∙h−1, respectively) under the T2 treatment with the California system-based supplementary irrigation. The comparison of results obtained on treatment T0 and T2, shows that supplementary irrigation increased the yields by at least 68.62%. Supplementary irrigation during sowing and growing season (T2) improved sorghum yields in the dry savannahs of Togo, with a better performance of the California irrigation system.

Legume Green Manure and Intercropping for High Biomass Sorghum Production

Before the advent of cheap, synthetic fertilizers, legumes were commonly used as green manure crops for their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N). A three-year study at Overton, TX examined legume integration into high-biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) production systems on a Lilbert loamy fine sand recently cultivated after a fertilized bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture. In this split-split plot design, ‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and ‘Iron and Clay’ cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) were integrated into a high-biomass sorghum production system to evaluate impacts on N concentration, C concentration, and yield of high-biomass sorghum and their impacts on soil total N and soil organic carbon (SOC). Main plots were split into crimson clover green manure (CLGM) and winter fallow (FALL) followed by three sub-plots split into warm-season crop rotations: cowpea green manure (CPGM), cowpea-sorghum intercrop (CPSR), and sorghum monocrop (SORG). Three N fertilizer treatments (0, 45, 90 kg N∙ha−1) were randomized and applied as sub-sub plots. The CLGM increased (P sorghum biomass yield (16.5 t DM∙ha−1) 28% in year three but had no effect in the first two years. The CPSR treatment reduced sorghum yield up to 62% compared to SORG;whereas CPGM increased sorghum yield 56% and 18% the two years following cowpea incorporation. Rate of N fertilizer had no effect on sorghum biomass yield. Decrease in SOC and soil N over time indicated mineralization of organic N and may explain why no N fertilizer response was observed in sorghum biomass yield. Cowpea showed strong potential as a green manure crop but proved to be too competitive for successful intercropping in high-biomass sorghum production systems.

Comparison of CWSI and T_(s)-T_(a)-VIs in moisture monitoring of dryland crops(sorghum and maize)based on UAV remote sensing

Monitoring agricultural drought using remote sensing data is crucial for precision irrigation in modern agriculture.Utilizing unmanned aerial vehicle(UAV)remote sensing,we explored the applicability of an empirical crop water stress index(CWSI)based on canopy temperature and three-dimensional drought indices(TDDI)constructed from surface temperature(T_(s)),air temperature(T_(a))and five vegetation indices(VIs)for monitoring the moisture status of dryland crops.Three machine learning algorithms(random forest regression(RFR),support vector regression,and partial least squares regression)were used to compare the performance of the drought indices for vegetation moisture content(VMC)estimation in sorghum and maize.The main results of the study were as follows:(1)Comparative analysis of the drought indices revealed that T_(s)-T_(a)-normalized difference vegetation index(TDDIn)and T_(s)-T_(a)-enhanced vegetation index(TDDIe)were more strongly correlated with VMC compared with the other indices.The indices exhibited varying sensitivities to VMC under different irrigation regimes;the strongest correlation observed was for the TDDIe index with maize under the fully irrigated treatment(r=-0.93).(2)Regarding spatial and temporal characteristics,the TDDIn,TDDIe and CWSI indices showed minimal differences Over the experimental period,with coefficients of variation were 0.25,0.18 and 0.24,respectively.All three indices were capable of effectively characterizing the moisture distribution in dryland maize and sorghum crops,but the TDDI indices more accurately monitored the spatial distribution of crop moisture after a rainfall or irrigation event.(3)For prediction of the moisture content of single crops,RFR models based on TDDIn and TDDIe estimated VMC most accurately(R^(2)>0.7),and the TDDIn-based model predicted VMC with the highest accuracy when considering multiple-crop samples,with R^(2)and RMSE of 0.62 and 14.26%,respectively.Thus,TDDI proved more effective than the CWSI in estimating crop water content.

Development and Characterization of Particle Boards Based on Sorghum Husk

This study tackles current environmental challenges by developing innovative and eco-friendly particle boards utilizing sorghum husk, combined with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). This dual eco-responsible approach valorizes sorghum husk, often deemed agricultural waste, and repurposes EPS, a plastic waste, thus contributing to CO2 emission reduction and effective waste management. The manufacturing process involves dissolving recycled polystyrene within a solvent to create a binder, which is then mixed with sorghum husk and cold-pressed into composite boards. The study explores the impact of two particle sizes (fine and coarse) and two different concentrations of the recycled EPS binder. Results demonstrate significant variations in the boards’ mechanical properties, displaying a range of Modulus of Rupture (MOR) from 0.84 MPa to 3.85 MPa, and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) spanning from 658.13 MPa to 1313.25 MPa, influenced by the binder concentration and particle size. These characteristics suggest that the boards can be effectively used in various construction applications, including interior decoration, false ceilings, and potentially for furniture and door manufacturing when combined with appropriate coatings. This study not only exemplifies the valorization of plastic and agricultural wastes but also offers a practical, localized solution to global climate change challenges by promoting sustainable construction materials.

Characterization of subunits encoded by Sn RK1 and dissection of combinations among these subunits in sorghum(Sorghum bicolor L.)

Sucrose nonfermenting-related protein kinase 1(SnRK1)is one of the critical serine/threonine protein kinases.It commonly mediates plant growth and development,cross-talks with metabolism processes and physiological responses to biotic or abiotic stresses.It plays a key role in distributing carbohydrates and sugar signal transporting.In the present study,eight SnRK1 coding genes were identified in sorghum(Sorghum bicolor L.)via sequences alignment,with three forαsubunits(SnRK1α1 to SnRK1α3),three forβ(SnRK1β1 to SnRK1β3),and one for bothγ(SnRK1γ)andβγ(SnRK1βγ).These eight corresponding genes located on five chromosomes(Chr)of Chr1–3,Chr7,and Chr9 and presented collinearities to SnRK1s from maize and rice,exhibiting highly conserved domains within the same subunits from the three kinds of cereals.Expression results via qRT-PCR showed that different coding genes of SnRK1s in sorghum possessed similar expression patterns except for SnRK1α3 with a low expression level in grains and SnRK1β2 with a relatively high expression level in inflorescences.Results of subcellular localization in sorghum leaf protoplast showed that SnRK1α1/α2/α3/γmainly located on organelles,while the rest four of SnRK1β1/β2/β3/βγlocated on both membranes and some organelles.Besides,three combinations were discovered among eight SnRK1 subunits in sorghum through yeast two hybrid,includingα1-β2-βγ,α2-β3-γ,andα3-β3-γ.These results provide informative references for the following functional dissection of SnRK1 subunits in sorghum.

A Survey of the Major Sorghum Production Regions for Foliar and Panicle Diseases during the 2022 Growing Season in Senegal, West Africa

Sorghum is a vital commodity and greatly contributes to the daily calorie needs for millions of the inhabitants in Senegal, West Africa. Yet, sorghum productivity and profitability are impacted by diseases. In the 2022 growing season, 122 farmers’ fields across 7 regions, notably Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kolda, Tambacounda, and Thies were surveyed for foliar and panicle diseases. During the survey, stops were made at 30 km intervals and at each stop, 2 - 5 fields were evaluated. In each field, 40 plants mostly at soft to early hard dough stages of development were assessed using a W-shaped pattern to cover the whole field. A total of 13 diseases, including leaf blight, anthracnose, Zonate leaf spot, Sooty stripe, rough leaf spot, oval leaf spot, long smut, grain mold, and covered kernel smut were documented. The most predominant diseases were leaf blight, anthracnose, and zonate leaf spot. The prevalence of leaf blight was 100%, while anthracnose and zonate leaf spot were found in 93 out of the 122 fields surveyed, indicating a 76% prevalence, respectively. Across the regions, the prevalence of rough leaf spot was 47%, covered kernel smut (32%), oval leaf spot (19%) and target leaf spot (19%). Mean incidence of leaf blight was high in all regions, ranging from 94% (Kaolack) to 100% (Fatick and Tambacounda). The highest mean incidence of anthracnose (62%) and covered kernel smut (16%) was noted in Tambacounda region. In the region of Thies, the highest mean incidence of zonate leaf spot (49%) was recorded. The mean severity of leaf blight (37%) was highest on plants assessed in the region of Kaffrine, followed by those in the regions of Kaolack, Tambacounda, and Kolda. Anthracnose infection was most intense on plants evaluated in Kolda, while zonate leaf spot was most severe in the region of Tambacounda. Fields with incidences of 85% and above were considered as “hotspots” to evaluate sorghum germplasm for disease resistance. This survey is significant because the information obtained will be beneficial to plant pathologists, sorghum producers, government officials, and funding agencies to prioritize research projects that ensure productivity and food security.

Reaction of Sorghum Differentials to Grain Mold Infection in Puerto Rico

Grain mold, associated with many fungi, is the most important disease of sorghum, causing both yield and quality losses. In this study, 23 sorghum differentials used in pathotype characterization of anthracnose and head smut pathogens were evaluated for grain mold resistance under favorable conditions in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Lines BTx643 and IS18760 exhibited the lowest grain mold severity, indicating that these two may possess genes for grain mold resistance. These two lines also recorded the highest germination rates 94.7% and 97.6%, respectively, and their seed weight was among the heaviest. In conclusion, these two lines can be utilized in breeding programs to develop grain mold-resistant hybrid lines.

Optical Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy of Cracked Non-Glutinous Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Kernels

In order to study the correlation between the cracking of rice (Oryza sativa L.) kernels and the molecular structure of the amylopectin in them, we attempted optical sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy in the C-H stretching vibration region for normal and cracked japonica non-glutinous rice kernels. The samples were Koshihikari and Nipponbare. In Nipponbare, the width of the SFG spectrum peak at 2915 cm- 1 of the cracked rice kernels was broader than that of the normal ones, while for Koshihikari there was no clear difference. The width of the 2915 cm- 1 peak is suggested to originate from the variety of the higher-order structure of the saccharide chains in amylopectin. Although this is a tentative result, this method is shown to have a potential of serving for preventing the cracking of the rice kernels.

Farmers’ Perception of Phenotypic Variation of Different Types of Sorghum Cultivated in Burkina Faso

Sorghum bicolor is a multi-purpose species adapted to many agroecological zones of Burkina Faso. In the local farming system, different types of sorghum are cultivated together. Such farming conditions could increase gene flow between the different types of sorghum and contribute to the evolution of their main morphological characteristics. Understanding the effect of the farming system on the characteristics of different types of sorghum could contribute to building a strategy for the management of its genetic diversity. A survey and accessions collection was carried out in ten villages selected in two agroclimatic zones of Burkina Faso. A total of 133 accessions were collected and thirty local names were recorded. The results revealed a significant variability within sorghum characteristics based on farmers’ descriptions. Four types of sorghum were identified by farmers based on their uses. These are sweet grain sorghum, grain sorghum, sweet sorghum and dyer sorghum. Most of farmers (54.6%) practised intercropping, and 28.86% of them intercropped several types of sorghum in the same or nearby fields. A high coincidence of the flowering period of the types of sorghum was observed by farmers in both agroclimatic zones. The results also showed that most of the farmers (55.7%) noted changes in the morphological characteristics of different types of sorghum. These variations included the reduction in potential yields and changes in grain taste and colour within the same type. Understanding these variations could help conserve and sustain sorghum genetic resources in Burkina Faso.

Phenotypical and gene co-expression network analyses of seed shattering in divergent sorghum(Sorghum spp.)

Sorghum[Sorghum bicolor(L.)Moench],a multipurpose C4 crop,is also a model species of the Poaceae family for plant research.During the process of domestication,the modification of seed dispersal mode is considered a key event,as the loss of seed shattering caused a significant increase in yield.In order to understand the seed shattering process in sorghum,we further studied eight previously identified divergent sorghum germplasm with different shattering degrees.We described their phenotypes in great detail,analyzed the histology of abscission zone,and conducted a gene co-expression analysis.We observed that the abscission layer of the most strong-shattering varieties began to differentiate before the 5-10 cm panicles development stage and was completely formed at flag leaf unfolding.The protective cells on the pedicels were also fully lignified by flowering.Through the weighted gene correlation network analysis(WGCNA),we mined for candidate genes involved in the abscission process at the heading stage.We found that these genes were mainly associated with such biological processes as hormone signal transmission(SORBI_3003G361300,SORBI_3006G216500,SORBI_3009G027800,SORBI_3007G077200),cell wall modification and degradation(SORBI_3002G205500,SORBI_3004G013800,SORBI_3010G022400,SORBI_3003G251800,SORBI_3003G254700,SORBI_3003G410800,SORBI_3009G162700,SORBI_3001G406700,SORBI_3004G042700,SORBI_3004G244600,SORBI_3001G099100),and lignin synthesis(SORBI_3004G220700,SORBI_3004G062500,SORBI_3010G214900,SORBI_3009G181800).Our study has provided candidate genes required for shedding for further study.We believe that function characterization of these genes may provide insight into our understanding of seed shattering process.