Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a damaging and difficult-to-manage pest on many agricultural crops. Sorghum and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids (SSgHs) have shown potential in managing plant-parasitic nematodes by releasing toxic hydrogen cyanide gas through the hydrolysis of dhurrin, a cyanogenic glucoside found in leaf epidermal cells. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of different SSgH varieties and their age on the suppression of R. reniformis and to quantify their dhurrin contents. Shoot biomass of seven SSgH varieties was harvested at 1, 2, and 3 months of growth and used as a soil amendment in two greenhouse cowpea bioassay trials. Dhurrin concentration was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography from 2-month-old tissues. The results indicated that energy sorghum 'NX-D-61' and SSgH 'Latte' exhibited the highest dhurrin concentrations (P <= 0.05) and suppressed R. reniformis development in cowpea roots (P <= 0.05). In Trial I, 2-month-old amendments showed the greatest suppression, whereas in Trial II, 1-month-old amendments were more suppressive (P <= 0.05). Potential effect of environmental stress on dhurrin concentration in SSgH tissue was discussed. Nonetheless, dhurrin concentrations were negatively related to the number of R. reniformis infecting cowpea roots (R2 = 0.69; P = 0.02). These findings suggest that high-dhurrin SSgH varieties can be integrated into reniform nematode management plans as a cover crop and terminated no more than 2 months after planting.

With growing concerns over the sustainability of conventional farming systems, perennial crops offer an environmentally friendly and resilient alternative for long-term agricultural production. Perennial grain crops provide numerous benefits, such as low input investment, reduced tillage, soil conservation, better carbon sequestration, sustainable yields, and enhanced biodiversity support. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is the fifth most-grown cereal crop grown for food, fuel, and food grain in the world. The development of perennial sorghum offers a substitute for traditional annual sorghum crops by providing long-term environmental, economic, and agronomic benefits. Sugarcane aphid (SCA; Melanaphis sacchari), a phloem-feeder, is considered a major threat to sorghum production. Since its first report in 2013, it caused $40.95 million in losses in South Texas alone by 2015, accounting for about 19% of the total value of sorghum production in the region. In this study, we screened diverse perennial sorghum genotypes using no-choice and choice assays to determine their innate antibiosis and antixenosis resistance levels to SCAs. Based on aphid reproduction and plant damage rating, no-choice bioassay classified the 43 perennial sorghum genotypes into four clusters: highly susceptible, moderately susceptible, moderately resistant, and highly resistant. To further investigate the resistance mechanisms, we selected two genotypes, X999 > R485 (SCA-resistant) and PR376 similar to Tift241 (SCA-susceptible) that showed the greatest variation in resistance to SCA, for subsequent experiments. Choice bioassay results indicated that aphids chose PR376 similar to Tift241 for settlement, whereas no significant preference was observed for X999 > R485 compared to the control genotype. Electrical penetration graph (EPG) results demonstrated that aphids feeding on the SCA-resistant genotype spent significantly less time in the phloem phase than the susceptible genotype and control plants. The identification of SCA-resistant perennial sorghum genotypes will be valuable for future sorghum breeding programs in managing this economically important pest.

Integrating cover crops and bionematicides presents a sustainable approach to managing plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) in organic vegetable production systems. The integration of sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea ('Crescent sun') and sorghum-sudangrass, Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanense ('Sweet Six BMR') with bionematicides was evaluated in two locations in central (Gulf Coast Research and Educational Centre-GCREC) and south (Fort Lauderdale Research and Educational Centre-FLREC) Florida for the effectiveness of PPN suppression. Field experiments were conducted with establishing cover crops in each location 3 months before planting organic zucchini on plastic beds equipped with a drip application system used to inject three commercial bionematicides (thyme oil, neem oil and azadirachtin) and the broth culture of Xenorhabdus bovienii bacteria associated with Steinernema feltiae. Cover cropping with sunn hemp and sorghum-sudangrass significantly reduced population densities of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) at GCREC, whereas only sunn hemp reduced the root-knot nematode population at FLREC. Galling severity on zucchini roots caused by Meloidogyne spp. was significantly lower in azadirachtin and neem oil applications integrated with sunn hemp. The impact of integrating cover crops with bionematicides on other PPN, such as Mesocriconema spp., Nanidorus minor and Hoplolaimus spp., varied among the treatments at both locations. Integrating cover crops with bionematicide applications provided additional control options for zucchini, but the efficacy of different bionematicides depended on the nematode species present in the soil and the cover crop species used. These findings underscore the importance of adaptive nematode management, where control strategies are customised to target the specific nematode populations causing economic damage in each field.

This study investigates the impact of neodymium (Nd) nanoparticle (NdNP) toxicity on the physiological and biochemical responses of sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor) and oat ( Avena sativa) plants and evaluates the potential mitigating effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Sorghum and oat plants were grown under controlled conditions with and without AMF inoculation, and subjected to NdNPs (500 mg Nd kg- 1 soil). Results revealed that Nd nanoparticles significantly reduced biomass in both species, with a 50% decrease in sorghum and a 59% decrease in oats. However, AMF treatment ameliorated these effects, increasing biomass by 69% in oats under Nd nanoparticles toxicity compared to untreated contaminated plants. Soluble sugar metabolism was notably affected; AMF treatment led to significant increases in fructose and sucrose contents in both sorghum (+31% and +23%, respectively) and oat (+25% and +37%, respectively) plants under NdNPs toxicity. Improved sugar metabolism via enhanced activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (+29-54%) and invertase (+39-54%) enzymes resulted in higher proline (+21-81%) and polyamines (+49-52%) levels in AMF-treated plants under NdNPs toxicity, along with alterations in the biosynthesis pathways of amino acids and fatty acids, resulting in better osmoprotection and stress tolerance. Moreover, citrate (+29-55%) and oxalate (+177-312%) levels increased in both plants in response to NdNPs toxicity, which was accompanied by a positive response of isobutyric acid to AMF treatment in stressed plants, which potentially might serve as mechanisms for plants to mitigate NdNPs toxicity. These findings suggest that AMF can significantly mitigate Nd-induced damage and improve plant resilience through enhanced metabolic adjustments, highlighting a potential strategy for managing rare earth element (REE) nanoparticle toxicity in agricultural soils.

Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous trace contaminant that naturally occurs in soil and poses a global concern due to its severe impacts on human health and ecological security. In plants, tremendous efforts have been made to use some cost-effective, non-toxic, and organically made key growth regulators that partake in coping plants against adverse environmental conditions. However, the role of sorghum water extract (SWE) in attenuating the noxious effect of Cd stress is still limited in various crops including maize. In this study, different growth attributes, and physiological and biochemical indices of Cd-exposed (0, and 500 mu M) maize plants were analyzed to confirm the protective role of SWE at different concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%). However, Cd application decreased maize growth such as plant length, number of leaves, number of roots, leaf area and biomass, and deteriorated the photosynthetic pigments such as carotenoids, chlorophyll a and b contents, decreased nutrient uptake, especially calcium and potassium ions and increased reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide. Though, medium supplementation of SWE at 10% level followed by 7.5% improved plant growth indices (plant length, number of leaves, number of roots, leaf area and biomass), nutrient uptake (calcium, potassium, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate) and defense responses (ascorbic acid, phenolics, flavonoids) that can be attributed to enhanced physiological functioning and hermetic responses of maize plants to potential allelochemicals present in SWE. The present research highlights that the integration of these allelochemicals can be a promising approach in the future for sustainable agriculture and for keeping the environment safe at low costs.

The widespread reliance on single-use plastics (SUPs) has fostered a global throwaway culture, especially in the food packaging industry, where convenience and low cost have driven their adoption, posing serious environmental threats, particularly to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Edible and ecofriendly packaging made from millet, specifically sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), is a promising solution to mitigate SUP consumption and promote sustainability. This study explores the development of edible sorghum bowls, enhanced through roasting and incorporating 3 g of hibiscus and rose flower powders. The standardized sorghum bowl was analyzed for nutritional value; optical, technological, functional, and mechanical properties; and shelf life, and the results were discussed. The bowls, 18.5 g of average weight, dimensions of 10.2 cm, and a thickness of 3 mm, were baked in a unique bowl-shaped mold at 80 degrees C for 7 min. Enhancing the bowls with flower powder improved their optical properties and nutrient content. The addition of flower powder also increased phytochemical levels, according to qualitative analysis, while roasting sorghum reduced tannin and phytic acid content. The IC50 values revealed that hibiscus (47.74 mg/mL) and rose (39.87 mg/mL) enrichment boosted antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluations favored roasted bowls across all attributes, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) analyses confirmed significant structural changes. The enhanced bowls exhibited greater hardness and hold hot or cold snacks for 90 min without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, these bowls demonstrated an extended shelf life, low microbial count (1 x 101CFU/g), reduced toxicity (3%-10% mortality in brine shrimp assays), and complete biodegradation within 15 days in wet soil. These findings indicate that sorghum-based edible bowls present a nutritious, viable, less toxic alternative to SUPs, appealing to a broad demographic, especially in the food and tourism sector, and contributing to environmental conservation by reducing plastic waste and suitable for wide consumption.

Climate change is causing significant damage to crop production in the central plateau zone of Rwanda, particularly affecting sorghum, food, and the incomes of smallholder farmers. Understanding farmers' perceptions and the factors impacting their responses is crucial for improving sorghum production policies and programs. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess sorghum farmers' perceptions of climate change and the factors determining their adaptation strategies. A multistage sampling method and a cluster random selection were utilized to select 345 respondents from five districts of the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multivariate probit model. The results showed that 98.8% of farmers were aware of climate change, with deforestation being the main anthropogenic activity causing it. Consequently, 95.7% and 84.3% of farmers experienced grain yield reductions, and over 20 sorghum varieties disappeared. To address these impacts, farmers adopted five adaptation strategies: early maturing sorghum varieties (67%), adjusting planting dates (50.1%), drought-tolerant varieties (46.7%), soil conservation practices (38.3%), and crop diversification (32.8%). The multivariate probit model results showed the age and literacy level of the household head, access to extension services, access to information, access to credit, farming experience, and land size as the important factors influencing at least one of the climate change adaptation strategies. The study concluded that sorghum farmers are aware of the impacts of climate change and are acting to address its negative effects. The results suggest that the government and stakeholders should support farmers in strengthening their adaptation strategies for sustainable sorghum production.

A field experiment replicated over two seasons examined allelopathic effects of eleven sorghum accessions with known sorgoleone content on sorghum growth and yield, weed density and biomass at Panmure Experiment Station, in Shamva, Zimbabwe in the 2017/2018 summer and in late winter to summer in 2018. The trial was a 2 x 11 factorial in a randomized complete block design plus two control treatments replicated thrice. Factor A was weeding regime with two levels: clean weeding and no weeding. Factor B were 11 sorghum accessions. There was a significant sorghum accession x weeding regime interaction effect (p 0.05) between sorgoleone content and weed density and biomass, suggesting that sorgoleone may not instantly cause allelopathic effects on weeds upon its release from root hairs because it is strongly sorbed in soil, and inhibition of density and biomass might have been caused by other allelopathic compounds. Future research should trace uptake and translocation of allelopathic compounds to target sites of receiver plants, and demonstrate that subsequent damage symptoms are caused by the allelopathic compounds.

This study aimed to develop an energy-efficient process for treating highly saline textile wastewater (TWW) in a 10 m3/day pilot plant and evaluate forage sorghum irrigation with treated wastewater in terms of crop production and soil and irrigation device performance. The TWW treatment pilot plant, consisting of a coagulation/flocculation unit followed by a sand filter and an anion exchange resin column, produced treated effluent that complied with the permissible limits specified in the ISO 16075-2:2020 standard for Category C irrigation water. The corresponding average energy consumption was 1.77 kWh/m3. Reusing treated TWW for forage sorghum irrigation over a 13-week cycle yielded crop performances comparable with freshwater irrigation, with no negative impact on the irrigation system. Although soil profiles were similar between treated TWW and freshwater irrigation, both soils featured an increase in electrical conductivity, which may reversibly or irreversibly affect soil quality and damage salt-sensitive crops. These findings demonstrate the effective treatment and reuse of saline TWW for irrigating salt-tolerant crops, offering significant implications for industrial wastewater management and cropping patterns in arid and semi-arid regions. A 10-m3/day pilot plant was developed for the treatment of highly saline textile wastewater. The pilot plant demonstrated average removal efficiencies of 63% for COD, 97% for colour, 96% for TSS and 21% for EC. Treated effluent met ISO 16075-2:2020 standards for Category C irrigation water, with an average energy consumption of 1.77 kWh/m3. The use of treated wastewater showed sorghum crop production comparable with freshwater irrigation. The use of treated wastewater had no adverse effects on the irrigation system; however, it led to an increase in soil electrical conductivity.

Water scarcity, combined with low soil fertility, constitutes one of the main limiting factors in crop productivity in semi-arid regions. However, nutritional supplementation techniques with nitrogen (N) and molybdenum (Mo) can lead to positive enhancements in the production of these crops. The objective was to evaluate the effect of increasing doses of N in the presence and/or absence of Mo on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the productive increase of forage sorghum subjected to water deficit in the semi-arid region. The experiment was conducted in the field using a randomized block design, with four replications, in a 5 x 2 x 3 factorial scheme, comprising five doses of N (urea): 0, 50, 100, 150, and 300 kg ha(-1), two doses of Mo (sodium molybdate): 0 and 160 g ha(-1), and three production cycles. The highest yields of green mass (GM) (47.98 Mg ha(-1)), dry mass (DM) (19.66 Mg ha(-1)), water use efficiency (WUE) (5.57 kg/m(3)), and N use efficiency (NUE) (0.26 kg(2)/g) occurred at the highest N dosage (300 kg ha(-1) N). The highest contents and extraction of total N, Mo, chloride (Cl), and potassium (K) were found in regrowth 2 and at the highest N dose (300 kg ha(-1)). The interaction of N and Mo resulted in higher catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. The meteorological conditions during the cycles strongly influenced the nutrient contents and extraction. The results of the study provide support for producers to use N and Mo fertilization strategies to improve crop productivity, even under water deficit conditions.