Pearl sorghum is a mid-early grain variety intended for use as grain-fodder and for food purposes. The period from emergence to full grain maturity is 84-90 days, allowing harvest at optimal times. Plant height reaches 103-112 cm, and the weight of 1000 seeds is 31.1 g, indicating good grain size. The cultivation technology involves sowing in the second or third decade of May using wide-row spacing of 0.70 m with two inter-row treatments; optimal plant density is achieved when sowing 250,000-300,000 plants per hectare, equivalent to 10-13 kg of quality seeds.
The yield of the Pearl variety is sufficiently high: when grown for grain, it ranges from 1.85 to 2.80 tons per hectare, and when used for silage, the green mass yield reaches 9.35-10.50 tons per hectare. The variety is characterized by resistance to lodging and drought resistance at the level of standards, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in the Saratov region and the Lower Volga region. Under field conditions, Pearl is weakly affected by bacterial leaf spot, which helps maintain the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Pearl sorghum is a valuable component in feed mixtures due to its high content of vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining animal health. Its grain contributes to improved condition of plumage, claws, and beak in birds, and provides essential nutrients such as B vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements. Due to these properties, Pearl is widely used in feeding birds and animals, providing them with energy and promoting healthy growth and development.
