| A dual-purpose
sorghum hybrid for Kharif
Sorghum breeders at the main research station of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS). Dharwad, Karnataka, have developed a dual-purpose sorghum hybrid for raising in kharif season. It has been released for commercial cultivation by the farmers recently by the UAS, Dharwad. Named "DSH-3", the new hybrid is a derivative of a cross between ‘SB 401 A’ and ‘SB 7001’. It has a grain yield potential of 6.0 tonnes per hectare. Its grain yield is 25% more than CSH-5, the ruling hybrid sorghum, and the fodder yield is 75 % higher, according to the breeders, the hybrid matures in 130 to 135 days, and the plants grow to an average height of 225 cm. It is free from foliar diseases, and the stalks remain green even during the harvest. The non-lodging hybrid has good ratooning ability. The gains are medium-bold, round and creamy yellow with good cooking quality. The earheads are cylindrical, robust and semi-compact. Glumes are straw coloured, short and awned. Thousand grains will weigh about 28.6g. The plant has tan coloured pigmentation. The stem is thick and juicy, and the leaves are very broad, dark-green and semi-drooping, the mid rib of the leaves are dull green, and the leaf sheath encloses the stem. This medium –late hybrid is tolerant to downy mildew and moderately resistant to rust. The ideal time for sowing this hybrid is June. An espacement of 45 cm by 15 is recommended, and a seed rate of 7.5 kg will be needed to cover a hectare. A nutrient dose of 80 kg nitrogen, and 40 kg each of phosphorus and potash are prescribed for getting high yields. However, the nutrient dose is determined by the soil fertility as revealed by the soil test results. Liberal quantities of farmyard manure should be applied to raise a healthy and robust crop. This hybrid is recommended for cultivation in rainfed kharif sorghum areas of Zone 8 of Karnataka, and irrigated areas of other zones, according to them. |
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