Grain sorghum in the Morobe and Central Provinces

Abstract

The 1977 season was one of mixed success for grain sorghum growers with the average yield of 2.5 t/ha being maintained in only a few areas. Problems with anthracnose (stalk rot) and Heliothis were made worse by a lot of rain at the end of the season. This meant that there was less sunlight and so poor grain filling. In some variety trials, new hybrids which were resistant to anthracnose gave higher yields than the susceptible standard variety Pioneer 846. The use of varieties resistant to anthracnose together with more attention to insect control should ensure better yields in future.
In this article we will discuss the new recommended hybrids, aspects of insect control and general recommendations for the
crop.