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.
Download Wild Game Food Grain Sorghum PDF (837k) 
