Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements After completing this lesson, you have learned to answer: 1.Describe the ecological conditions required for sorghum cultivation? 2.What is the optimum temperature requirement for sorghum? 3.What is the optimum temperature required for germination of sorghum? 4.How cool temperatures affect sorghum germination? 5.How much of rainfall is required for good sorghum yields? 6.What features of sorghum help in its ability to withstand drought? Lesson 2: Climatic Requirements for Sorghum

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements Lesson 2: Climatic Requirements for Sorghum Sorghum can grow in a wide range of ecological conditions and can still yield well even under unfavorable conditions of drought stress and high temperatures. It is generally grown between 40 o North and 40 o South of the equator, in warm and hot countries characteristic of the semi-arid environment. Red dots indicate sorghum growing environment

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements Lesson 2: Climatic Requirements for Sorghum Sorghum requires warm conditions but it can be grown under a wide range of conditions. It is also widely grown in temperate regions and at altitudes of up to 2300 m in the tropics. It can tolerate high temperature throughout its life cycle better than any other crop.

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements Lesson 2: Climatic Requirements for Sorghum Sorghum requires about o C temperature for good growth. The minimum temperature for the germination of the sorghum seed is 7 to 10 o C. Grain sorghum does not germinate and grow well under cool soil conditions. Poor emergence and seedling growth may result if planted before soil temperatures reach 35 o C.

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements Lesson 2: Climatic Requirements for Sorghum Sorghum is best adapted to areas having an average annual rainfall between 45 to 65 cm (17 to 25 inches). Although sorghum can respond to good moisture supplies, it is nevertheless one of the toughest, drought tolerant crops available and this tends to maintain its popularity in the regions where the weather is very unpredictable.

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements Lesson 2: Climatic Requirements for Sorghum Produces many roots compared to other cereals, Has reduced leaf area thus reducing water loss through transpiration, Can remain dormant during drought and resume growth when conditions are favorable, Above ground parts of plant grow only after the root system is well established, The leaves have a waxy coating and have the ability to roll in during drought thus effectively reducing transpiration, Competes favorably with most weeds. The ability of sorghum to grow in drier environments is due to a number of physiological and morphological characteristics;

Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Insect Pests of Groundnut Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements With this, the Lesson 2 on Climatic Requirements for sorghum cultivation and also this Module on Soils and Climatic Requirements concludes. If you like to test your understanding about soils and climatic requirements for sorghum cultivation, please click the “Exercise” button. The next Module in this course is about field preparation for sorghum cultivation. Click “Modules” button and select Module 4 Virtual Academy for the Semi Arid Tropics Course on Sorghum Production Practices Module 3: Soils and Climatic requirements LessonsExercise Modules