Recommendations for Selecting Grain Sorghum Hybrids

Recommendations for Selecting Grain Sorghum Hybrids

October 12, 2007

Yield has to be the most important factor in the selection of grain sorghum hybrids. Producers need to gather as much plot data as possible from companies, farm plots, Web sites, university trials in Nebraska and Kansas, association trials and experience. Look for consistent high yields and diversity among the hybrids you select. Make your selections using objective, science-based data principles, using reports from plots in your region as much as possible. Plots from different environments can be of interest to see how hybrids of interest fared in more or less stressful environments.

In each plot result examine the yields and note the top 25% of hybrids. When hybrids show up again and again in the top group, you can focus your selection process.

Genetic diversity is important in the hybrid line-up chosen for your farm. Yield data is not a good indicator of genetic diversity. Plant height, moisture level, grain color, head shape, and tan plant or regular midrib color are all good indicators of genetic diversity. I would recommend at least two genetic lines for the first 250 acres of milo and add one additional genetic line for each 250 acres thereafter. A 1,000 acre milo producer would have a hybrid line-up of five or more hybrids representing at least five genetic groups.

No-till milo production is desirable for moisture and soil protection, reduction of stalk rots which love high soil temperatures and stress, fuel savings, and time commitments. Hybrids should have good emergence scores in particular if early planting is expected. When planting in wheat stubble, don't pass up an opportunity to plant when the field is ready (early or not). Your hybrid selections should give you an option of choosing a good hybrid for the situation from your group of hybrids.

In southeast Nebraska many high producing hybrids are quite tall. Some producers avoid all taller hybrids for fear of lodging. Lodging has not been a great problem in no-till. Paying attention to lodging data for hybrids is always wise but don't be afraid of taller hybrids with good yield records.

Grain sorghum companies make as much or more on the chemical seed treatments as they do on the seed. Make sure you have selected to correct treatment package for yourprogram. In Nebraska we have not seen significant returns to adding higher levels of Cruiser or Gaucho.

Paul Hay
Extension Educator in Gage County

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