Polyphenol oxidase activity in white tan-plant-type sorghums : an important determinant of the relatively dark colour of their porridges

The relatively dark colour of food products from white tan-plant (food-grade) sorghums can compromise their acceptability. The relationship between white tan-plant sorghum polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO) and porridge colour was investigated, primarily using lines grown in the same locality over two seasons. Sorghum was intermediate in PPO between wheat and maize. White tan-plant sorghum and white maize whole grain flours were similar in colour. However, with white tan-plant sorghum, the transition from flour to porridge caused a much larger reduction in L* value. Further, the correlation between white tan-plant sorghum PPO activity and porridge L* values was highly significantly negative (P < 0.001), the relationship accounting for 40–50% of variation. PPO in white tan-plant-type sorghums is therefore an important determinant of the relatively dark colour of porridges. Breeding to reduce PPO activity could improve consumer appeal. Cultivar Sima (IS 23520) that had low PPO activity and produced light-coloured porridge could be useful for breeding.INTSORMILhttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-2621hb201

Sorghum Breeding Programme

Overall the project has been a success--the challenge is to supply sufficient seed. A sustainable seed distribution system is needed for farmers living in remote areas. The Sorghum Programme requires continued support from all stake holders--collaboration. There is need to link farmers to potential markets. Most farmers have expressed the need for assistance in terms extension service and inputs. Sorghum is an important crop as it is a direct substitute for maize. Stock feed companies have also expressed willingness to purchase sorghum if more farmers are able to grow sufficient quantities

Heterosis and combining ability in A₁ and A₂ cytoplasm lines of sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to [email protected], referencing the URI of the item.Includes bibliographical references.Not availabl

Morphological Characterization of Tanzanian Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench] Landraces

ABSTRACT Eleven qualitative and 26 quantitative morphological traits were used to determine the genetic relationships in 37 sorghum landraces from Tanzania and two from Zambia. The objectives of this study were to: determine the genetic relationships and thus establish the potential of the landraces as sources of breeding material for future sorghum improvement; and assess important agronomic traits for sorghum classification. Quantitative traits analysis revealed the potential of these landraces as a source of breeding material. Five principal components accounted for 53.64% of the total variability. Cluster analysis revealed two major distinct groups each with two subgroups. There were positive and significant correlations between days to maturity and leaf width (r = 0.477**), plant height (r = 0.353*), main stem diameter (r = 0.399*) and leaves per main stem (r = 0.456**). There was a high positive correlation for leaves per main stem with stem diameter (r = 0.621**) and with leaf width (0.426**). Based on the correlation analysis, it was concluded that there was a possibility of breeding for positively-correlated traits in sorghum. Information collected by this study could be utilized by sorghum breeders for sorghum improvement and classification

Atlas of Sorghum (\u3ci\u3eSorghum bicolor\u3c/i\u3e (L.) Moench): Production in Eastern and Southern Africa

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a major crop in many parts of Africa and is noted for its versatility and diversity. It is adapted over a wide range of precipitation and temperature levels and is produced at sea level to above 2000 m altitude. In eastern and southern Africa, it is primarily a crop of resource-poor, small-scale farmers and is typically produced under adverse conditions such as low input use and marginal lands. There are numerous biotic and abiotic constraints to production. The grain and stover are used in many different ways with localized preferences. Much information is needed to effectively address the problems and opportunities of this diverse crop. The Atlas of Sorghum Production in Eastern and Southern Africa presents information on sorghum in nine countries to serve information needs of researchers, extension and rural development specialists, policy makers, and emergency relief personnel. It accounts for 85% of the sorghum production on an area basis, or 3,400,000 ha, from Ethiopia south to Mozambique with most of the uncovered production in Somalia (FAOSTAT, 2008). Numerous researchers and others knowledgeable of sorghum in their country contributed information and expert opinions for the Atlas. The Atlas presents information in maps and tables for 39 sorghum production areas in nine countries addressing production constraints, cropping systems, management, uses, preferences, gender roles, and marketing

Atlas of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench): Production in Eastern and Southern Africa

This Atlas presents information on sorghum (a major crop in many parts of Africa, noted for its versatility and diversity) in nine countries to serve information needs of researchers, extension and rural development specialists, policy makers, and emergency relief personnel. It accounts for 85% of the sorghum production on an area basis, or 3,400,000 ha, from Ethiopia south to Mozambique with most of the uncovered production in Somalia (FAOSTAT, 2008). The Atlas presents information in maps and tables dealing with production constraints, cropping systems, management, uses, preferences, gender roles, and marketing.Dokumentigani wuxuu ka warbixinayaa masaggada laga beero meelo badan oo Afrika ka tirsan. Wuxuu si tifaftiran uga hadlayaa habka loo beerto masaggada iyo waxtarkeeda.Questo atlante presenta dati sul sorgo o sorghum (una delle maggiori colture in molte parti dell'Africa, nota per la sua varietà) in nove paesi per fornire informazioni utili ai ricercatori, agli specialisti di sviluppo rurale, ai politicanti e al personale di pronto soccorso. Rende conto dell'85% della produzione di sorgo su un'area di 3.400.000 ha, dall'Etiopia del sud al Mozambico e la maggior parte della produzione senza copertura in Somalia (FAOSTAT, 2008). L'atlante presenta le informazioni in mappe e tabelle, riguardanti i vincoli produttivi, i sistemi di coltivazione, la gestione, gli usi, le preferenze, i ruoli di genere e il mercato