Resistant to
sparrows, blackbirds and starlings during milk and dough stage
Resistant
to weather deterioration of
the grain
Wildlife Grain Sorghum
was specifically developed as a fall and winter
food source for upland
game birds (quail, turkey,
pheasant and prairie chicken) and migratory
birds (ducks, geese and doves).
Wildlife Grain Sorghum
is a heavy seed producing, early maturing (50-55
days to midbloom) variety which has early planting cold tolerance and excellent tillering for greater variation of grain maturity.
Unlike
many conventional grain sorghum
hybrids, Wildlife Grain Sorghum imparts a
bitter grain taste to predatory birds (sparrows,
blackbirds, starlings, etc.) during the milk
and dough stages of development. The bitter taste disappears
when the seed reaches maturity.
The pericarp layer
of the seed acts as a mold and rotting repellant
of the grain during exposure to winter
weather conditions. In additon to providing a non-weathering
and non-rotting winter food source, the foliage provides
an excellent source of beneficial cover for birds.
Wildlife Grain Sorghum is not meant for commercial grain production due to high tannin content.
Disease/Insect/Nematode Ratings:
Downy Mildew:
R
Agronomic Traits:
Early Seedling Vigor:
Good
Growth Habit:
Upright
Head Type:
Semi-Compact
Days to Midbloom:
50-50 days
Relative Maturity:
85-90 days
Uniformity:
Moderate
Grain Color:
White
Plant Average Height:
35-40”
Standability:
Very Good
Planting Rates:
Bushel Weight:
56 lbs.
Seeds Per Pound:
17,000
Rate (Lbs.)
Dryland
Irrigated
Rows:
4-8
7-10
Broadcast:
4-10
8-20
Seeds/Sq. Ft.:
2-4
3-7
Adaptation Ratings:
Photosynthetic Type:
C4 - Warm Season
Soil Temperature:
Warm (60 F)
Water Requirement:
Very Low
Seeding:
Soil temperature should be at least 60 F.
Wildlife Grain Sorghum 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.
Wildlife Grain Sorghum is an excellent companion with Black Autry
Cowpeas and other game seed.
Harvest:
Wildlife Grain Sorghum is usually
ready for game bird feeding about 95 days after
seeding.
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