Pik-Nik II is a medium maturity sterile hybrid cane type forage sorghum with lush green broad leaves and sugar sweet stalks that livestock relish. The sterility of Pik-Nik II eliminates the hazards of volunteer regrowth, however, nearby fertile sorghums can pollinate Pik-Nik II. A minimum isolation distance of one mile is recommended to protect the sterility. Stalk size can be varied with population density, for larger stalks use lower plant populations, and for finer stems use high seeding rates.
Disease/Insect/Nematode Ratings:
Downy Mildrew:
R
Agronomic Traits:
Early Seedling Vigor:
Excellent
Growth Habit:
Upright with Sterile Head
Recovery after Cutting:
Fair
Bloom:
62-70 days
Maturity:
100 days to Soft Dough
Uniformity:
Excellent
Plant Color:
Red
Midrib Type:
Juicy
Planting Rates:
Bushel Weight:
56 lbs.
Seeds Per Pound:
17,000
Rate (Lbs.)
Dryland
Irrigated
Rows:
4-7
7-12
Broadcast:
4-10
8-20
Seeds/Sq. Ft.
2-4
3-8
Adaptation Ratings:
Photosynthetic Type:
C4 - Warm Season
Temperature:
Warm (60 F)
Water Requirement:
Very Low
Seeding:
Soil temperature should be at least 60 F.
Pik-Nik II is usually planted between June 10 and July 10 in the northern states.
Can be no-tilled into the stubble of winter and spring crops.
Planting depth should be 1”.
Do not plant in soils with pH greater than 7.5 to 8.0. Chlorosis will be a severe problem.
Pik-Nik II is an excellent companion with Forage Soybeans or Black Autry Cowpeas.
Harvest: Pik-Nik II is usually harvested 90-100 days after seeding.
Crop Use Information:
Life Cycle:
Annual
Ease of Establishment:
Good
Shade Tolerance:
Poor - Fair
Drought Stress:
Fair
Wet Soil:
Fair
Low pH Tolerance:
Moderate
Minimum pH:
6.0
Saline Soils (White Alkali):
Fair
Saline – Sodic Soils (Black Alkali):
Poor - Fair
Hay:
Fair
Silage:
Excellent
Continuous Grazing:
Not Intended for Grazing
Rotational Grazing:
Not Intended for Grazing
Palatability:
Excellent
Anti-Quality:
Prussic Acid and Nitrate
Strengths:
A sterile hybrid.
High yield potential.
A dense, lush-leaf type.
Exceptionally sweet stalk.
Resistant to Downy Mildew.
Good standability.
Juicy-midrib type.
Weaknesses:
No grain content for silage.
Large-stemmed plant type.
Susceptible to ergot.
Avoid Nitrate and Prussic Acid Poisoning from sorghum:
Avoid large nitrogen applications prior to expected drought periods. 2,4-D can increase Prussic Acid concentration for several weeks after application. Do not harvest drought-damaged plants within 4 days following a good rain. Do not green chop within 7 days of a killing frost. Cut at a higher stubble height, nitrates tend to accumulate in the lower stalk. Wait 1 month before feeding silage to give Prussic Acid enough time to escape.
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