The grain sorghum variety ZernoGradskoe 88 is an early-maturing, dwarf, white-grained variety intended for cultivation in the North Caucasian region of Russia. The plants are approximately 95-100 cm tall, which ensures resistance to lodging. Early tasseling and a period from emergence to full grain maturity of 95-98 days allow for efficient use of the variety under regional conditions. The panicle is symmetrical, of medium density, with a long neck, while the leaves are lanceolate, green, 56-59 cm long and 7-8 cm wide. The grain of the variety is white, round from the back and elliptical in profile, with fully starchy endosperm and no tannins, making it suitable for food purposes, including starch and alcohol production, as well as for feed needs. Protein content in the grain varies from 11.6 to 13.4%, starch from 72.4 to 78%, and fat from 3.5 to 4.3%. In 100 kg of grain, there are 123-125 feed units, confirming its high nutritional value. Average protein yield per unit area exceeds the standard by 0.6 c/ha. Yield of the variety is high and stable: average yield in the region is about 29 c/ha, which is 2.8 c/ha above the average standard, and according to the originator's data, it reaches 54-58 c/ha, with maximum indicators up to 84 c/ha. The variety is distinguished by resistance to lodging, drought, and damage from smut fungus, ensuring reliability and quality of the harvest. Thanks to its characteristics and universal purpose, ZernoGradskoe 88 is an effective choice for the production of food products, feeds, and bioethanol.
