Sorghum (Sorghum) is a genus of grasses comprising more than 25 species, predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This crop is widely used as a grain, forage, and industrial crop, thanks to its versatility and high adaptability. Sorghum has a strong root system, which ensures its drought resistance and allows cultivation on various soil types. In agriculture, sorghum is used to produce food, animal feed, biofuel, alcoholic beverages, and other industrial products.
In Russia, cultivated sorghum includes several species, such as common sorghum, jowar, gaolan, and Sudan grass. Common sorghum includes various subspecies and forms that differ in inflorescence structure, plant height, and cultivation purposes. One recommended variety is the perennial sorghum (Sorghum x derzhavinii Tzvel.), used as a forage crop and for soil erosion protection.
This sorghum variety has a vegetation period of 95-110 days, moderate cold tolerance, and high drought resistance. Plants reach a height of 235-250 cm, have an upright bush with high branching and medium stem thickness. Leaves are linear, dark green, 65-85 cm long and 4.0-5.2 cm wide. The inflorescence is spreading, loose, straw-yellow, 33-43 cm long. Seeds are oval-shaped, black, with a 1000-seed mass of 7-8 g. Dry matter yield reaches 295 centners/ha, and seed yield — 3.7 centners/ha. This variety is included in the State Register of the Russian Federation, confirming its significance and adaptation to local conditions.
