High yielding sorghum hybrid

By Our Agriculture Correspondent

SORGHUM (JOWAR or cholam) is an important staple in the semi-arid tropics, and this nutritious grain is cultivated as irrigated conditions in areas endowed with adequate water potential. Hybrid sorghum has high yield potentials and they are also grown as commercial crop in several regions of India. In the kharif soghum belts of Andhra Pradesh, farmers are enthusiastically taking up a hybrid sorghum released by the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Hyderabad, a couple of years ago.

Developed by the scientists at the Regional Agricultural Research Station of ANGRAU at Palem in Mahaboobnagar district of Andhra Pradesh, the hybrid named PSH-1 is doing well in the red soils as well as in medium heavy soils having good drainage. The hybrid does well in regions of low to moderate rainfall, according to the scientists.

The hybrid was developed by crossing two parent lines obtained from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, with an objective of developing a high yielding hybrid with tolerance to pests and diseases. The work and supply of seed material by ICRISAT and the cooperation of its scientists at the different stages of development of this hybrid is gratefully acknowledged by the ANGRAU scientists. ``It is a product of fruitful collaboration between ICRISAT and National Agricultural Research System,'' reckoned ICRISAT scientists. It is also developed with a view to replace the ruling hybrid CSH-9 in the State, according to the ANGRAU scientists.

The plants of this hybrid grow to a height of 210 to 240 cm, and put out dark green leaves with drooping canopy. They produce elliptical, semi-compact panicles. The medium-sized cream grains are slightly flat. The hundred seed weight is 3 to 3.2 g. The hybrid with a duration of 105 to 110 days is tolerant to common insect pests of sorghum such as shootfly, stem borer and earhead bug. It is also tolerant to diseases such as grain moulds and leaf spots.

This non-lodging hybrid has a potential to yield 4 to 5 tonnes of grains in normal growing conditions. It recorded 32.5 per cent higher grain yield and 29.1 per cent more of dry fodder than CSH- 9 in the experimental fields and significantly higher yields in the All India trials. It did well in the minikit trails and in farmers' fields in Andhra Pradesh when compared to all other varieties tested, according to the scientists. The high grain and fodder yields make it attractive as a dual- purpose sorghum hybrid. The hybrid is earlier and taller than both the parents and its yield is also much higher. It does well under sound agronomic practices and good nutrient and water management. Farmers have found its performance good, and have expressed willingness to take it up on a large-scale. There is a great demand for this hybrid from the Andhra Pradesh farmers. This hybric is also suitable for growing in other sorghum belts of the country as well, according to the scientists.

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