FIOLETA is a mid-season Sudan grass (Sorghum xdrummondii) variety, an annual grass plant. It is tall, reaching up to 250 cm, with a deep root system that recovers quickly after mowing, allowing for two to four cuts per season under favorable growing conditions.
The forage value of Sudan grass surpasses most other grasses. Green mass contains about 11% protein, 70% carbohydrates, and is rich in vitamins A, B (B1, B2, B6), carotene, as well as trace elements Fe, Mg, Zn, Mn, K. Hay of Sudan grass ranks first among grasses in protein and energy content: 100 kg of hay equals 17 FE, and one hundredweight equals 52 FE. Due to these properties, the grass is suitable for feeding cattle, sheep, horses, and pigs.
Sudan grass is characterized by high drought resistance, adaptability to weather conditions, and resistance to pests, including aphids and bacterial blight. With proper sowing (positive temperatures, soil warming to 9–11 °C), the vegetation period can reach 120 days, and green mass yield can reach up to 40 t/ha, while hay yield ranges from 5 to 9 t/ha. This makes the variety particularly valuable for southern and southeastern regions, where it ranks first among forage grasses in terms of yield.
Sudan grass is widely used not only as green feed but also for preparing high-quality hay and silage. Sudan grass silage is comparable to corn silage harvested at the milky-waxy maturity stage, making it a versatile solution for farmers seeking to provide livestock with balanced nutrition at minimal processing and storage costs.
