In the Furrow

Planting has been a challenge this year with the spring rains Burke County has had. Growers are often interested in planting a sorghum crop late anyway if dry weather has prevented late soybeans from being planted during a normal time. There are some things worth thinking about if a farmer wants to plant grain sorghum later in the season.

Most grain sorghum hybrids sold in Georgia can mature if planted prior to mid-July. In the southwestern counties of Georgia, successful planting can occur till early August. Dewey Lee, Extension Agronomist-Feed Grains, says that later plantings generally do not provide enough time for sorghum to fully mature/ripen. Listed below are good management strategies to consider:

1. Use low to moderate seeding rates (45K - 55K dryland and 85K to 100K irrigated).

2. Use row widths of 15 to 30 inches. Narrow row widths aid weed control. If possible, use Concept treated seed so you can use metalachlor for early season grass control. Follow with a 3 leaf to 5 leaf application of atrazine plus oil. Avoid fields with heavy Texas panicum infestations.

3. Watch closely for early season insects such as chinch bugs, lesser cornstalk borer, etc.

Control when necessary. Use an at-plant insecticide to reduce the stand losses that occur from late season insect pressure. During the flowering stage, scout closely for webworms, earworms and the sorghum midge. Spray when thresholds are exceeded.

4. Soil test for phosphorus and potassium applications. Use 80 lbs N per acre. This will be sufficient.

5. Choose a hybrid that has good disease resistance. Diseases such as anthracnose or fusarium head blight can be devastating.

6. Remember, there are no hybrids with the Bt or glyphosate technology therefore choose on disease resistance and yield. Burke County has a glyphosate resistant palmer amaranth problem, so, do not cause yourself additional challenges!

Late planted sorghum can be a reasonable option for farmers. There are challenges that you will need to keep in mind before planting. Take the time to think through each of these points and how you will address them before you plant.

If you would like more information on growing grain sorghum or related topics, contact the Burke County Extension Office at 706- 554-2119.