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WGF Grain Sorghum

  • University developed specifically for game birds
  • Resistant to sparrows, blackbirds during milk stage
  • Resistant to weather deterioration of the grain

Wild Game Food (WGF) 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).

WGF Grain Sorghum is a heavy seed producing, early maturing (43-50 day midbloom) strain developed specifically for upland game and migratory birds. The OK Agricultural Experimental Station and OK State Univ. cooperatively released WGF. Since that time, the product as been widely used throughout the US.

Unlike many conventional grain sorghum hybrids, WGF imparts a bitter taste to predatory birds (Sparrows, Blackbirds, Starlings, etc.) during the milk and dough stages of development. The bitter taste disappears at maturity of the plant.

The reddish-brown color apparently is only in the pericarp layer of the seed and 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 for brood stocks, the crop residue provides an excellent source of beneficial cover for birds.

Disease/Insect/Nematode Ratings:
Downy Mildew: R

Agronomic Traits:  
Early Seedling Vigor: Good
Growth Habit: Upright with Medium Head
Days to Midbloom: 43-50 days
Relative Maturity: 85-90 days
Uniformity: Moderate
Plant Average Height: 26-30”
Standability: Very Good

Planting Rates:  
Bushel Weight: 56 lbs.
Seeds Per Pound: 19,000
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.
  • WGF 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.
  • WGF is an excellent companion with Black Autry Cowpeas and other game seed.

Harvest:

  • WGF is usually ready for game bird feeding about 95 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: N/A
Silage: N/A
Grazing: Do Not Graze
Grain Palatability: Excellent

Strengths

  • Highly palatable after maturity to game birds.
  • Provides feed for many types of game.
  • Easily established.
  • Adapted over a wide area.
  • Responds well to varied weather conditions.

Weaknesses

  • Requires warm soil temperature for germination.

 

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