Pre-emergence herbicides mixture in soybeans: Amaranthus hybridus control and crop selectivity on cover crops soil.

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides mixture applied to the soil with and without dead cover crops (Sorghum bicolor) for the control of Amaranthus hybridus L. (smooth pigweed) and its selectivity in soybeans. This study was structured in split plot (2 × 6 + 2), where factor A plots (with and without dead cover) and factor B six herbicides mixture: flumioxazin + S-metolachlor (50.4 + 1,008 g a.i. ha-1), flumioxazin + imazethapyr (60 + 127.2 g a.i. ha-1), pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone (137.6 + 160 g a.i. ha-1), diuron + sulfentrazone (400 + 200 g a.i. ha-1), metribuzin + S-metolachlor (326.4 + 1,344 g a.i. ha-1) and sulfentrazone + imazethapyr (200 + 100 g a.i. ha-1) and two untreated control plots. As for the results, the herbicides flumioxazin + S-metolachlor, flumioxazin + imazethapyr and pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone showed excellent control (97-99%) and were not influenced by the plot with and without dead cover. They also showed higher yield soybeans (<2,244 kg ha-1). All herbicides were selective to the soybeans. Overall, pre-emergence herbicides and cover crops were efficient methods for the control of A. hybridus, which farmers should use to avoid losses in yield soybeans due to weed competition.

A Symbiotic Meal Containing Extruded Sorghum and Probiotic (Bifidobacterium longum) Ameliorated Intestinal Health Markers in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Secondary Analysis of a Subsample from a Previous Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease increases uremic toxins concentrations, which have been associated with intestinal dysbiosis. Sorghum bicolor L. Moench has dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, while Bifidobacterium longum can promote beneficial health effects. METHODS: It is a controlled, randomized, and single-blind clinical trial. Thirty-nine subjects were randomly separated into two groups: symbiotic group (SG), which received 100 mL of unfermented probiotic milk with Bifidobacterium longum strain and 40 g of extruded sorghum flakes; and the control group (CG), which received 100 mL of pasteurized milk and 40 g of extruded corn flakes for seven weeks. RESULTS: The uremic toxins decreased, and gastrointestinal symptoms improved intragroup in the SG group. The acetic, propionic, and butyric acid production increased intragroup in the SG group. Regarding α-diversity, the Chao1 index was enhanced in the SG intragroup. The KEGG analysis revealed that symbiotic meal increased the intragroup energy and amino sugar metabolism, in addition to enabling essential amino acid production and metabolism, sucrose degradation, and the biosynthesis of ribonucleotide metabolic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of symbiotic meal reduced BMI, improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) synthesis and gastrointestinal symptoms, increased diversity according to the Chao1 index, and reduced uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease patients.

Does sorghum phenolic extract have antifungal effect?

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effect of SC319 sorghum phenolic extract (SPE) on the Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Stenocarpella, Colletotrichum, and Macrophomina genera. SPE was extracted by 20% ethanol and used in four assays: (1) against Fusarium verticillioides in solid (PDA) and liquid (PD) potato dextrose media; (2) Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay with 16 fungi isolates; (3) Conidial Germination Rate (CGR) with 14 fungi isolates and (4) Growth Curve (GC) with 11 fungi isolates. There was no reduction in the mycelial growth (colony diameter and dry weight) and in the number of Fusarium verticillioides spores in assay 1 (PDA and PD). The colony's dry weight was almost six times higher in the presence than in the absence of SPE. All SPE samples presented MIC (assay 1) above the maximum concentration tested (5000 µg.mL-1) for the 16 isolates. Also, there was no inhibitory effect of SPE on conidia germination rate (CGR). Oppositely, in GC assay, the control had a higher CFU count than the samples with SPE in 24 h. This result suggests that SPE can delay the fungal growth in the first hours of incubation, which is an important finding that may help reduce the severity of fungal diseases in plants. However, further studies are needed to confirm these results, including sorghum genotypes with different profiles of phenolic compounds. Although the SC319 SPE was not effective as an antifungal agent, it may have potential as a growth promoter of beneficial fungi in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Nickel sources affect soil biological properties but do not affect sorghum growth.

Nickel (Ni) is an essential element, but it can be phytotoxic in high concentration, which may be caused by high availability in soil solution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sources and doses of Ni applied to a dystrophic Red Latosol cultivated with sorghum on i) the availability of the metal in the soil; ii) the impact on biological and biochemical properties of the soil; iii) the absorption and distribution in sorghum plants; and iv) crop productivity. The experiment was carried out within a completely randomized design with two nickel sources [nickel(II) nitrate, Ni(NO3)2 and nickel(III) oxide, Ni2O3], three doses (35, 70, and 140 mg Ni kg-1 soil), plus controls without Ni, with 3 replications. The concentrations of Ni in the soil, soil microbial biomass (SMB), basal soil respiration (BSR), metabolic quotient (qCO2), fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis, and urease activity were determined. The concentrations of Ni in the leaf diagnostic and in the plant (shoot, root, and grains) were also measured. In the soil, the concentrations of available Ni remained between 0.21 and 54.01 mg Ni kg-1. Ni2O3 contributed very little to the increase in available Ni. SMB and the FDA hydrolysis were not affected by the Ni source or Ni dose, but BSR and qCO2 had significant increase with Ni application rates, suggesting the soil microorganisms faced stress. Soil urease activity was affected by Ni dose but not by Ni source. The dose of Ni as Ni(NO3)2 decreased the metal concentration in the plant, while that of Ni2O3 increased it. Nickel source did not affect dry mass production of the plants, but grain yield was affected in a dose-dependent manner when Ni2O3 was the source of Ni.

Spatiotemporal distribution of Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) and its natural enemy Coccinella septempunctata (Linnaeus) in graniferous sorghum crops / Distribuição espaço-temporal de Schizaphis graminum e seu inimigo natural Coccinela septempunctata em lavoura de sorgo granífero

At the global level, Sorghum bicolor (L.), is one of the most important crops, which ranks fifth among all cereals. It is cultivated in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, where it serves as a source of food and feed for humans and animals, respectively. However, production is constrained by several factors including pests and diseases. Among the pests that are known to attack Sorghum, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), commonly called the green cereal aphid, is the most destructive pest of sorghum. S. graminum damage to sorghum is worsen by water deficit which favors its occurrence. Limited information on the spatial distribution of the pest and its natural enemies impedes the development of ecologically friendly management strategies. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum and its natural enemy Coccinella septempunctata (L.) during the vegetative and reproductive stage of the crop using geostatistical analysis. The spatiotemporal distribution of S. graminum was influenced by Sorghum development stage, surrounding landscape, and presence of its main predator C. septempunctata. Moreover, the abundance of C. septempunctata was influenced by the density of S. graminum. The findings from this study are required for developing sustainable pest management strategies against S. graminum.

Em uma escala global o Sorghum bicolor (L.) é uma das culturas mais importantes, ocupando o quinto lugar entre todos os cereais. É cultivada na África, Ásia, Oceania e Américas, onde serve como fonte de alimento e ração para humanos e animais, respectivamente. No entanto, a produção é limitada por vários fatores, incluindo pragas e doenças. Entre as pragas que atacam o sorgo, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), comumente chamado de pulgão verde dos cereais, é a praga mais destrutiva do sorgo. O dano de S. graminum ao sorgo é agravado pelo déficit hídrico que favorece sua ocorrência. Informações limitadas sobre a distribuição espacial da praga e seus inimigos naturais impedem o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo ecologicamente corretas. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar a distribuição espaço-temporal de S. graminum e seu inimigo natural Coccinella septempunctata (L.) durante a fase vegetativa e reprodutiva da cultura por meio de análise geoestatística. A distribuição espaço-temporal de S. graminum foi influenciada pelo estágio de desenvolvimento do sorgo, paisagem circundante e presença de seu principal predador C. septempunctata. Além disso, a abundância de C. septempunctata foi influenciada pela densidade de S. graminum. Os resultados deste estudo são necessários para o desenvolvimento de estratégias sustentáveis de manejo de pragas contra S. graminum.

Sorghum hybrids grown in hydroponics contrast for phosphorus use efficiency / Híbridos de sorgo crescidos em hidroponia contrastam para eficiência de uso de fósforo

Phosphorus (P) use efficiency is crucial for sorghum production. P acquisition efficiency is the most important component of P use efficiency. The early-stage evaluation of plant development is a useful tool for identifying P-efficient genotypes. This study aimed to identify sorghum hybrids that are efficient in P use efficiency and assess the genetic diversity among hybrids based on traits related to P acquisition efficiency. Thus, 38 sorghum hybrids and two inbred lines (checks) were evaluated under low and high P in a paper pouch system with nutrient solution. Biomass and root traits related to P efficiency were measured. There was no interaction between genotypes and P levels concerning all evaluated traits. The biomass and root traits, except root diameter, presented smaller means under low P than high P. Efficient and inefficient hybrids under each P level were identified. The genetic diversity assessment grouped these genotypes in different clusters. The hybrids AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540, and DKB 590 were superior under low-P and high-P. Hybrids SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 presented the lowest means than all other hybrids, under both conditions. The evaluated hybrids showed phenotypic diversity for traits related to P acquisition, such as root length and root surface area, which can be useful for establishing selection strategies for sorghum breeding programs and increasing P use efficiency.

A eficiência do uso do fósforo (P) é fundamental para a produção de sorgo. A avaliação no estágio inicial do desenvolvimento da planta é uma ferramenta útil para a identificação de genótipos eficientes de P. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar híbridos de sorgo que sejam eficientes ao uso de P e avaliar a diversidade genética entre os híbridos com base em características relacionadas à eficiência de aquisição de P. Assim, 38 híbridos de sorgo e duas linhagens (testemunhas) foram avaliados sob baixo e alto P em sistema de pastas de papel com solução nutritiva. Características de biomassa e de raiz relacionadas à eficiência de P foram mensuradas. Não houve interação entre genótipos e níveis de P em todas as características avaliadas. As características de biomassa e raiz, exceto o diâmetro da raiz, apresentaram médias menores sob baixo P em comparação com alto P. Híbridos eficientes e ineficientes sob cada nível de P foram identificados e agrupados quanto à diversidade genética. Os híbridos AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540 e DKB 590 foram superiores sob baixo-P e alto-P. Os híbridos SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 apresentaram as menores médias que todos os outros híbridos, em ambas condições. Os híbridos avaliados apresentaram diversidade fenotípica para características relacionadas à aquisição de P, como comprimento e área superficial da raiz, o que pode ser útil para estabelecer estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento de sorgo e aumentar a eficiência de uso do P.

Sorghum hybrids grown in hydroponics contrast for phosphorus use efficiency

Abstract Phosphorus (P) use efficiency is crucial for sorghum production. P acquisition efficiency is the most important component of P use efficiency. The early-stage evaluation of plant development is a useful tool for identifying P-efficient genotypes. This study aimed to identify sorghum hybrids that are efficient in P use efficiency and assess the genetic diversity among hybrids based on traits related to P acquisition efficiency. Thus, 38 sorghum hybrids and two inbred lines (checks) were evaluated under low and high P in a paper pouch system with nutrient solution. Biomass and root traits related to P efficiency were measured. There was no interaction between genotypes and P levels concerning all evaluated traits. The biomass and root traits, except root diameter, presented smaller means under low P than high P. Efficient and inefficient hybrids under each P level were identified. The genetic diversity assessment grouped these genotypes in different clusters. The hybrids AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540, and DKB 590 were superior under low-P and high-P. Hybrids SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 presented the lowest means than all other hybrids, under both conditions. The evaluated hybrids showed phenotypic diversity for traits related to P acquisition, such as root length and root surface area, which can be useful for establishing selection strategies for sorghum breeding programs and increasing P use efficiency.

Resumo A eficiência do uso do fósforo (P) é fundamental para a produção de sorgo. A avaliação no estágio inicial do desenvolvimento da planta é uma ferramenta útil para a identificação de genótipos eficientes de P. Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar híbridos de sorgo que sejam eficientes ao uso de P e avaliar a diversidade genética entre os híbridos com base em características relacionadas à eficiência de aquisição de P. Assim, 38 híbridos de sorgo e duas linhagens (testemunhas) foram avaliados sob baixo e alto P em sistema de pastas de papel com solução nutritiva. Características de biomassa e de raiz relacionadas à eficiência de P foram mensuradas. Não houve interação entre genótipos e níveis de P em todas as características avaliadas. As características de biomassa e raiz, exceto o diâmetro da raiz, apresentaram médias menores sob baixo P em comparação com alto P. Híbridos eficientes e ineficientes sob cada nível de P foram identificados e agrupados quanto à diversidade genética. Os híbridos AG1090, MSK326, AG1060, 1G100, AS 4639, DKB 540 e DKB 590 foram superiores sob baixo-P e alto-P. Os híbridos SC121, 1236020 e 1167017 apresentaram as menores médias que todos os outros híbridos, em ambas condições. Os híbridos avaliados apresentaram diversidade fenotípica para características relacionadas à aquisição de P, como comprimento e área superficial da raiz, o que pode ser útil para estabelecer estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento de sorgo e aumentar a eficiência de uso do P.

Genetic diversity, population structure and anthracnose resistance response in a novel sweet sorghum diversity panel.

Sweet sorghum is an attractive feedstock for the production of renewable chemicals and fuels due to the readily available fermentable sugars that can be extracted from the juice, and the additional stream of fermentable sugars that can be obtained from the cell wall polysaccharides in the bagasse. An important selection criterion for new sweet sorghum germplasm is resistance to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum. The identification of novel anthracnose-resistance sources present in sweet sorghum germplasm offers a fast track towards the development of new resistant sweet sorghum germplasm. We established a sweet sorghum diversity panel (SWDP) of 272 accessions from the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm (NPGS) collection that includes landraces from 22 countries and advanced breeding material, and that represents ~15% of the NPGS sweet sorghum collection. Genomic characterization of the SWDP identified 171,954 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with an average of one SNP per 4,071 kb. Population structure analysis revealed that the SWDP could be stratified into four populations and one admixed group, and that this population structure could be aligned to sorghum's racial classification. Results from a two-year replicated trial of the SWDP for anthracnose resistance response in Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico showed 27 accessions to be resistant across locations, while 145 accessions showed variable resistance response against local pathotypes. A genome-wide association study identified 16 novel genomic regions associated with anthracnose resistance. Four resistance loci on chromosomes 3, 6, 8 and 9 were identified against pathotypes from Puerto Rico, and two resistance loci on chromosomes 3 and 8 against pathotypes from Texas. In Georgia and Florida, three resistance loci were detected on chromosomes 4, 5, 6 and four on chromosomes 4, 5 (two loci) and 7, respectively. One resistance locus on chromosome 2 was effective against pathotypes from Texas and Puerto Rico and a genomic region of 41.6 kb at the tip of chromosome 8 was associated with resistance response observed in Georgia, Texas, and Puerto Rico. This publicly available SWDP and the extensive evaluation of anthracnose resistance represent a valuable genomic resource for the improvement of sorghum.

Dry heat whole Sorghum BRS 305 flour modulate satiety and improves antioxidant response in brain of Wistar rats fed with high-fat high-fructose diet.

Sorghum BRS 305 (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a cereal with high tannins and anthocyanins content and keep better the resistant starch when submitted to dry heat treatment. Our objective was to investigate the effects of BRS 305 dry heat treatment whole sorghum flour on satiety and antioxidant response in brain and adipose tissue of Wistar rats fed with a high fat high fructose diet (HFHF). Male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: control (n = 8) and HFHF (n = 16) for eight weeks. After, animals of HFHF group were divided: HFHF (n = 8) and HFHF + BRS 305 sorghum whole flour (n = 8), for 10 weeks. Sorghum consumption reduced gene expression of leptin, resistin, and endocannabinoid receptor 1 type (CB1) in adipose and brain tissues compared to HFHF group. In brain, sorghum consumption also promotes reduction in neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene expression. BRS305 sorghum consumption improved gene expression of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in adipose tissue, and in the brain increased heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), erythroid-derived nuclear factor 2 (NRF2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity compared to HFHF. In silicoanalysis showed interaction with PPARα, CB1, and leptin receptors. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) concentrations in group HFHF + sorghum did not differ from HFHF group. Advanced glycation end products receptors (RAGEs) concentrations did not differ among experimental groups. Then, BRS 305 sorghum submitted to dry treatment was able to modulate gene expression of markers related to satiety and improve antioxidant capacity of rats fed with HFHF diet.

A Decade of Evidence of Sorghum Potential in the Development of Novel Food Products: Insights from a Bibliometric Analysis.

Due to the increasing interest in sorghum for human nutrition, recent literature reviews highlight its nutrient and bioactive contents, potential health benefits and its 'gluten-free' feature. Moreover, a current view of research advances on sorghum-based food products is needed to help both food scientists and industry identify current trends and forward-looking approaches. Studies on homemade processing are still scarce. Thus, this review aimed to provide the latest information regarding the use of sorghum to develop ready-to-eat products or food ingredients based on studies published in the last decade (2012-2022), which then guided discussions on recent advances and prospects. The articles were identified by searching the Elsevier Scopus database. Sorghum has great potential as a functional and sustainable food that can be used in daily meals as a substitute for common cereals like wheat, rice and corn. The studies in the review show that it is possible to process sorghum in a wide variety of ways to obtain ready-to-eat products and ingredients for food products and preparations, such as popping, lamination, extrusion and wet cooking. The studies also show promising approaches to use sorghum in acceptable and nutrient-dense bakery and pasta products, highlighting their gluten-free versions. However, more efforts to make these novel food products available to consumers should be made.

Consumption of Extruded Sorghum SC319 Improved Gut Microbiota at Genus Level and Reduced Anthropometric Markers in Men with Overweight: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Sorghum is a cereal source of energy, carbohydrates, resistant starch, proanthocyanidins, and 3-deoxyanthocyanins; it promotes satiety by slowing digestion and benefits intestinal health. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of extruded sorghum SC319 consumption on intestinal health, weight loss, and inflammatory markers in men with overweight. METHODS: This was a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. Twenty-one men were randomly allocated into one of two groups: the sorghum group (test), which received 40 g of extruded SC319 whole sorghum (n = 10), or the wheat group (control), which received 38 g of extruded whole wheat (n = 11) for eight weeks. RESULTS: The sorghum consumption increased the weight loss intragroup, decreased the body fat percentage intergroup, and did not change inflammatory markers, while the wheat group had increased IL-6 levels compared to baseline. Short-chain fatty acid production, fecal pH, and α and ß diversity indexes did not differ intra- and intergroup after interventions. However, sorghum consumption decreased genus levels of Clostridium_sensu_stricto 1, Dorea, and Odoribacter and increased CAG-873 and Turicibacter compared to baseline. Further, sorghum showed a tendency (p = 0.07) to decrease the proteobacteria phyla compared to wheat. CONCLUSION: Extruded sorghum SC319 improved intestinal microbiota and body composition and promoted weight loss, demonstrating its prebiotic potential.

Soybean Yield and Nutrition Grown on the Straw of Grain Sorghum Inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and Intercropped with BRS Paiaguás Grass.

The adoption of diversified agricultural systems that employ integrated cultural practices appears to be the way to sustainably intensify tropical agriculture. Our objectives were to evaluate the dry matter (DM) accumulation of sorghum inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense, with or without a nitrogen fertilization split, intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás), and how these practices influenced the nutrition and development of soybean in succession. The design was a randomized complete block in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial, consisting of sorghum monoculture cropped or intercropped with palisade grass, sorghum either inoculated or not with A. brasilense, and nitrogen applied at 120 kg ha-1 N only at sowing, only at topdressing, or split-30% at sowing and 70% at topdressing at the beginning of the panicle initiation stage. The residual impacts of these treatments on the following soybean crop were also evaluated. Higher DM yield occurred in sorghum inoculated with A. brasilense, however, this result varied by year. The sorghum-palisade grass intercrop produced a higher amount of straw than sorghum monoculture. The nutrition of soybean was adequate regardless of treatments, but grain yield was higher when the sorghum residue was inoculated. The inoculation of A. brasilense in sorghum intercropped with palisade grass increased yield. The nutrition of soybean was adequate regardless of the treatments, while grain yield was higher on the inoculated sorghum residues. The inoculation of A. brasilense in sorghum intercropped with palisade grass increased DM yield. The intercropping increased the production of biomass for animal grazing and DM for soil coverage. The inoculation of sorghum by A. brasilense and its intercropping with palisade grass contributed to higher soybean yield in succession.

Sorghum flour BRS 305 hybrid has the potential to modulate the intestinal microbiota of rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dry heated whole sorghum BRS 305 hybrid flour on the gut microbiota modulation and gut health of rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF). METHODS: In phase I (8 weeks), 45-50 days, male Wistar rats, were separated into the AIN93-M group (n = 10; fed with normal diet) and HFHF group (n = 20; fed with diet rich in saturated and simple carbohydrate). In phase II (10 weeks), we maintained the AIN-93-M group, and the HFHF group was divided into the HFHF group (n = 10) and HFHF plus sorghum flour group (n = 10). RESULTS: The consumption of sorghum flour increased the circular muscle layer and propionic acid when compared to the HFHF group. The sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene of the cecal microbiota presented no changes in the α-diversity and ß-diversity between. However, the sorghum group exhibited higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the other experimental groups, and lower abundance of Bacteroidetes, compared to the HFHF group. Despite, sorghum increased the abundance of the genera Roseburia and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group compared to the HFHF group. No differences were observed in total goblet cell number, crypt thickness and height, circular muscle layer, secretory IgA, and butyric acid between all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of sorghum flour can modulate the gut microbiota composition, abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, and intestinal morphology even with consumption of an HFHF diet.

Whole and ground sorghum replacing corn on the performance of carcass parts and relative weight of 28-day-old turkey offal / Sorgo integral e moído em substituição ao milho no desempenho, de partes da carcaça e peso relativo de vísceras de perus de 28 dias

The study evaluated the effects of replacing corn with whole and ground sorghum on the zootechnical performance of turkeys fed from one to 28 days of age. A total of 3,960 male Nicholas turkeys were used, divided into six treatments: A) Whole sorghum (100%Sw); B) Ground corn (100%Cg); C) 75% Ground Corn + 25% Ground Sorghum (75%Cg/25%Sg); D) 50% Ground Corn + 50% Ground Sorghum (50%Cg/50%Sg); E) 25% Ground Corn + 75% Ground Sorghum (25%Cg/75%SG) and F) Ground Sorghum (100%Sg). At seven days, live weight was the same between treatments (164 g per bird). At 28 days, the percentage of breast, thigh-drumstick, and wings remained constant in the corn-based diet or partial and total replacements by ground or whole sorghum grain. The length of the small intestine was shorter in treatments B and C. The digestibility of the lipid fraction of the diet (DEE) was significantly higher in the diet with ground sorghum. The treatment based on ground sorghum grain showed the same result for ground corn in the dry matter (DM) and mineral matter (MM DM%) composition of the turkey carcass at 28 days. Ground sorghum influenced the lipid portion of the carcasses (EE DM%). Thus, it is concluded that whole sorghum grain presented the same results as ground sorghum and ground corn for zootechnical performance, carcass muscle mass, and viscera morphometry in turkeys at 28 days of age.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da substituição do milho pelo sorgo inteiro e moído sobre o desempenho zootécnico de perus fornecido no período de um a 28 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 3.960 perus machos da linhagem Nicholas, divididos em seis tratamentos: A) Sorgo inteiro (100%Si); B) Milho moído (100%M); C) 75% Milho moído + 25% Sorgo moído (75%M25%S); D) 50% Milho moído + 50% Sorgo moído (50%MS); E) 25% Milho moído + 75% Sorgo moído (25%M/75%S) e F) Sorgo moído (100%Sm). Aos sete dias de idade o peso vivo foi igual entre os tratamentos (média de 164 g por ave). Aos 28 dias a percentagem de peito, coxa-sobrecoxa e asas mantiveram-se constantes na dieta a base de milho, ou substituições parciais e totais pelo sorgo grão moído ou inteiro. O comprimento do intestino delgado foi menor no tratamento B e C. A digestibilidade da fração lipídica da ração (DEE) foi significativamente maior na ração com o sorgo moído. O tratamento base sorgo grão moído mostrou o mesmo resultado para milho moído na composição de matéria seca (MS) e de matéria mineral (MM MS) da carcaça dos perus aos 28 dias. O sorgo grão moído influenciou a parcela lipídica das carcaças (EE MS). Desta forma, conclui-se que o grão de sorgo inteiro apresentou os mesmos resultados do que sorgo moído e milho moído para desempenho zootécnico, massa muscular da carcaça e morfometria das vísceras em peruzinhos do alojamento a 28 dias de idade.

Production and quality of sorghum silage intercropped with marandu grass and pigeonpea / Produção e qualidade de silagem de sorgo consorciado com capim marandu e feijão guandu

Lack of forage in the winter dry season is a concern for cattle production in tropical Brazil. Pasture renovation with silage production might solve an immediate concern for forage production and help develop an improved pasture condition after cropping. The present study was focused to compare the production and quality of monocropped sorghum and sorghum intercropped with Marandu grass and/or pigeonpea in two row spacings. The experiment was carried out on a sandy Oxisol in São Paulo state in Brazil with an experimental design of a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement with four replications. Treatments were: monocropped sorghum,sorghum intercropped with Urochloa brizantha, sorghum intercropped with Cajanus cajan(cv. BRS Mandarim), and sorghum intercropped with Urochloa+ pigeonpea with 0.45 and 0.90 m row spacings. Greatest forage production was with 0.45-m spacing for monocropped sorghum and dual-species intercropping. With 0.90-m spacing, greatest production was for Sorghum+Urochloa. Sorghum+Urochloa+Cajanusintercropping provided the highest concentrations of crude protein in silage, regardless of row spacing. An increase in ensiling time reduced quality of the silage due to a decline in crude protein and TDN and an increase in fibers. However, the reduced spacing between lines with the inclusion of legumes resulted in a greater amount of silage with a higher concentration of protein.(AU)

A falta de forragem na estação seca é uma preocupação para os produtores de carne bovina no Brasil. A renovação de pastagens com produção de silagem pode se constituir emuma alternativa para a produção de alimento para o período seco do ano e, ao mesmo tempo, porporcionar a formação de pastagem de melhorar qualidade. O presente estudo teve como objetivo comparar a produção e a qualidade da silage de sorgo em monocultivo e consorciado com capim-marandu e/ou feijão-guandu em dois espaçamentos entre linhas. O experimento foi conduzido em Latossolo arenoso no estado de São Paulo com delineamento experimental em arranjo fatorial 2 x 4, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram: sorgo em monocultivo, sorgo consorciado com Urochloa brizantha, sorgo consorciado com Cajanus cajan(cv. BRS Mandarim) e sorgo consorciadocom U. brizantha +C. cajancom espaçamento de 0,45 e 0,90 m. A maior produção de forragem foi obtida com espaçamento de 0,45 m para sorgo monocultivo eno consórico de duas espécies. Com espaçamento de 0,90 m, a maior produção foi para sorgo+U. brizantha. O consórcio sorgoU. brizantha+C. cajanproporcionou as maiores concentrações de proteína bruta na silagem, independentemente do espaçamento entre linhas. O aumento do tempo de ensilagem reduziu a qualidade da silagem devido à queda de proteína bruta e NDT e aumento de fibras. Oespaçamento reduzido entre linhas,com a inclusão de leguminosas resultou em maior quantidade de silage,e maior concentração de proteína.(AU)

Multiple resistance to primary pests of grain sorghum hybrids: Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), and Diceraeus melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

ABSTRACT Plant resistance is an important tactic within the precepts of Integrated Pest Management, and the existence of grain sorghum hybrids with multiple insect resistance could benefit crop management and sustainability. This study evaluated the susceptibility of 30 grain-sorghum hybrids to three major pests, namely, fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, sugarcane borer (SCB) Diatraea saccharalis, and green-belly stink bug (GBS) Diceraeus melacanthus. The hybrids were cultivated and experiments with each insect species were conducted separately in a greenhouse. For FAW, visual injury assessments were performed on plants 7 and 14 days after infestation (DAI). For SCB, insect presence and injury were assessed 40 DAI. For GBS, the plants were evaluated using a damage rating scale 12, 19, and 26 DAI. Cluster analysis allowed separating the grain sorghum hybrids into groups regarding the levels of resistance to each pest. Hybrid BRS373 stood out as moderately resistant to FAW; AG1090, 80G20, BRAVO, BRS373, AG1615, and IG220 were the most promising for SCB; and for GBS, hybrids 50A40, A9735R, JADE, ENFORCER, BUSTER, 50A10, and IG244 were the most nominated. This information will significantly aid sorghum breeding programs focused on developing commercial hybrids that comprise both insect-resistance and high-yield characteristics. However, further research should evaluate potential chemical and morphological plant traits underlying the lower levels of susceptibility to FAW, SCB, and GBS found in the selected sorghum hybrids.

Promotion of Plant Growth in Arid Zones by Selected Trichoderma spp. Strains with Adaptation Plasticity to Alkaline pH.

Trichoderma species are filamentous fungi that support plant health and confer improved growth, disease resistance, and abiotic stress tolerance. The objective of this study is to describe the physiological characteristics of the abundance and structure of Trichoderma model strains from arid zones and evaluate and describe their possible adaptation and modulation in alkaline pH. The presence of biotic factors such as phytopathogens forces farmers to take more actions such as using pesticides. In addition, factors such as the lack of water worldwide lead to losses in agricultural production. Therefore, the search for biocontrol microorganisms that support drought opens the door to the search for variations in the molecular mechanisms involved in these phenomena. In our case, we isolated 11 tested Trichoderma fungal strains from samples collected both from the rhizosphere and roots from two endemic plants. We probed their molecular markers to obtain their identity and assessed their resistance to alkaline conditions, as well as their response to mycoparasitism, plant growth promotion, and drought stress. The findings were worthy of being analyzed in depth. Three fungal taxa/species were grouped by phylogenetic/phenotypic characteristics; three T. harzianum strains showed outstanding capabilities to adapt to alkalinity stress. They also showed antagonistic activity against three phytopathogenic fungi. Additionally, we provided evidence of significant growth promotion in Sorghum bicolor seedlings under endemic agriculture conditions and a reduction in drought damage with Trichoderma infection. Finally, beneficial fungi adapted to specific ambient niches use various molecular mechanisms to survive and modulate their metabolism.

Optimal plot size in forage sorghum with comparison of the methods of modified maximum curvature, linear response and plateau model and quadratic response and plateau model / Tamanho ótimo de parcela em sorgo forrageiro com comparação dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, modelo linear de resposta com platô e modelo quadrático de resposta com platô

The objective of this study was to compare three methods for estimating the optimal plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) sown in rows, evaluated in three cuts. Two uniformity trials (repetitions) were carried out. In each trial, three plant cuts were performed, totaling six uniformity trials (2 trials per cut × 3 cuts). The first cut was performed at 41 days after sowing (DAS), the second at 82 DAS and the third at 133 DAS. Fresh matter productivity was evaluated in 216 basic experimental units (BEU) of 1 m × 1 m (36 BEU per trial). The BEU was formed by two rows of 1.0 m in length, spaced 0.50 m apart, totaling 1.0 m2. The optimal plot size was determined using the methods of modified maximum curvature, linear response and plateau model and quadratic response and plateau model. The optimal plot size differs between the methods and decreases in the following order: quadratic response and plateau model (9.10 m2), linear response and plateau model (7.16 m2) and modified maximum curvature (4.13 m2). The optimal plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of forage sorghum, sown in rows, evaluated in three cuts, is 7.16 m2and the experimental precision stabilizes from this size on.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar três métodos de estimação do tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) semeado em fileiras, avaliada em três cortes. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios de uniformidade (repetições). Em cada ensaio foram realizados três cortes das plantas, totalizando seis ensaios de uniformidade (2 ensaios por corte × 3 cortes). O primeiro corte foi realizado aos 41 dias após a semeadura (DAS), o segundo aos 82 DAS e o terceiro aos 133 DAS. Foi avaliada a produtividade de matéria fresca em 216 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1 m × 1 m (36 UEB por ensaio). A UEB foi formada por duas fileiras de 1,0 m de comprimento, espaçadas 0,50m entre fileiras, totalizando 1,0 m2. Foi determinado o tamanho ótimo de parcela por meio dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, do modelo linear de resposta com platô e do modelo quadrático de resposta com platô. O tamanho ótimo de parcela difere entre os métodos e decresce na seguinte ordem: modelo quadrático de resposta com platô (9,10 m2), modelo linear de resposta com platô (7,16 m2) e curvatura máxima modificado (4,13 m2). O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de sorgo forrageiro semeado em fileiras, avaliada em três cortes, é 7,16 m2e a precisão experimental estabiliza a partir desse tamanho.

Effects of germination and lactic acid fermentation on nutritional and rheological properties of sorghum: A graphical review.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a nutritional grain considered an important source of micro- and macro-nutrients. Also, the flour obtained from sorghum is considered a suitable substitute for wheat flour for celiac disease patients due it is gluten-free. However, its use has some limitations due to anti-nutritional factors such as tannins, phytates, trypsin inhibitors, and protein crosslinkers. To prevent those effects, new strategies for sorghum processing have been explored. Germination of this grain has been shown to increase nutrient content further and reduce anti-nutrients. In addition, fermentation with lactic acid bacteria could modify starch and protein digestion in sorghum flour and increase their nutrient availability. Although there are many benefits to germination and fermentation, more research must be done to improve the products' texture and sensory properties to gain wider consumer acceptance. In this review, the mechanism behind changes in the nutritional and anti-nutritional profile of sorghum grain due to germination and fermentation treatments is shown, and the impact of these changes on dough rheological properties and bread quality.

Phosphate fertilization affects rhizosphere microbiome of maize and sorghum genotypes.

Despite the lower reactivity of natural phosphates compared to soluble fertilizers, their P bioavailability can increase over the cultivation years, due to the physicochemical processes and the activity of soil microbiota. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the α and ß diversity of the rhizosphere microbiota of maize and sorghum genotypes grown under different sources and doses of phosphate fertilizers. Four commercial maize and four sorghum genotypes were grown under field conditions with three levels of triple superphosphate (TSP) and two types of rock phosphate sources: phosphorite (RockP) and bayóvar (RP) during two seasons. Maize and sorghum presented a significant difference on the genetic ß diversity of both rhizosferic bacterial and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Moreover, P doses within each phosphate source formed two distinct groups for maize and sorghum, and six bacterial phyla were identified in both crops with significant difference in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. It was observed that RockP fertilization increased Firmicutes population while Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum after TSP fertilization in maize. In sorghum, a significant impact of fertilization was observed on the Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla. TSP fertilization increased the Acidobacteria population compared to no fertilized (P0) and RockP while Proteobacteria abundance in RockP was reduced compared to P0 and TSP, indicating a shift toward a more copiotrophic community. Our results suggested that the reactivity of P source is the predominant factor in bacterial community' structures in the maize and sorghum rhizosphere from the evaluated genotypes, followed by P source.