Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.6, 298-307 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 300 Figure 1 Illustration comparing sorghum hybrids with increased terminal senescence under favorable environmental conditions with greater N translocation from leaves to increase yield and grain quality (left) versus stay-green sorghum hybrids grown under resource-poor conditions (right). Sorghum hybrids with efficient translocation of N and increased senescence under less stressful environments would potentially not require an extensive root system (left) (Adopted from Ostmeyer et al., 2022) 3.3 Regional adaptation Regional adaptation of sorghum varieties is critical for optimizing cultivation in diverse environmental conditions. In West Africa, for instance, breeding strategies have focused on developing varieties with traits such as photoperiod sensitivity and phosphorus efficiency to cope with climate variability (Haussmann et al., 2012). Multi-trait stability selection methods have been employed to ensure that sorghum genotypes maintain high yield and adaptability across different growing seasons and locations (Behera et al., 2024). Additionally, the selection of sorghum varieties specifically adapted to low-phosphorus environments has been shown to be more efficient than indirect selection, highlighting the importance of targeted breeding for regional adaptation (Leiser et al., 2012). 4 Agronomic Practices for High-Yielding Sorghum 4.1 Sowing techniques Sowing techniques play a crucial role in optimizing sorghum yield, particularly in regions with varying climatic conditions. The timing of planting is essential to maximize yield, as demonstrated in a study using the APSIM crop model in Nigeria, which identified optimal planting windows for different sorghum cultivars across diverse agro-ecological zones. The study found that planting within these windows, which varied by region and cultivar, significantly increased yield potential (Akinseye et al., 2023). Additionally, a simulation analysis in Texas highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate planting dates and cultivar maturity to maximize yield under different irrigation strategies. Early or medium-maturing cultivars planted in early June were optimal for certain irrigation levels, while later-maturing cultivars performed better with different irrigation strategies (Baumhardt et al., 2007; Hong and Huang, 2024). 4.2 Fertilizer management Effective fertilizer management is critical for enhancing sorghum yield. A study using response surface methodology optimized sorghum yield by varying the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. The study found that a combination of nitrogen fertilizer, goat manure, and foliar fertilizer significantly increased yield, with nitrogen being the most impactful. Another study in a dryland wheat-sorghum-fallow rotation demonstrated that no-tillage combined with nitrogen application significantly improved sorghum yield and nitrogen use efficiency. The study recommended a nitrogen rate of up to 135 kg/ha for optimal results (Majrashi et al., 2022). Furthermore, research in Ghana showed that mineral nitrogen application at rates of 40 to 80 kg/ha was economically optimal, improving both yield and water use efficiency (MacCarthy et al., 2010). 4.3 Irrigation strategies Irrigation strategies are vital for sorghum cultivation, especially in water-scarce regions. In the Texas High Plains, simulation models identified optimal irrigation strategies based on climate variability, suggesting that initial soil moisture and irrigation thresholds should be adjusted according to weather conditions to maximize yield and
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