Sweet sorghum research progress (Southeast Research Station, Franklinton, LA) - July 21, 2008

‘M81E’ sweet sorghum is being tested under the combinations of four nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 40, 80, 120 lbs per acre) and three seeding rates. Plant heights appear to be affected by the different nitrogen application rates. The tested variety M81E started flowering on July 18. The monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Southeast La. in 2008 have been less than in 2007. Photo shows heat-stressed M81E sweet sorghum. Overview of sweet sorghum variety test at the Southeast Research Station. Plants in oval are pearl millet.

From top to bottom, pearl millet (border plant) and the sweet sorghum varieties M81E, Theis, Topper and Dale. Photos were taken at 98 days post planting. Among the tested varieties, Dale is an earlier maturing variety with a plant height of nine and half feet tall. Head emergence started around July 8. Theis starts heading on July 17 in southeast La. M81E seems to be a later-maturing variety than Theis and Topper. Plant growth rate of sweet sorghum showed clear contrast with pearl millet