Sorghum

Subject – Agriculture

Context – Gene study shows how to get more out of sorghum without affecting natural resources

Concept –

Genes that can increase the grain size of sorghum, a versatile grain crop used for human consumption, fodder and bioenergy generation, have been discovered, according to a new report.
Bigger grain size can improve the usage value of the crop.
The variety of the crop found in India is called jowar. It is said to have its origin in the country and is one of its most important food and fodder crops. Jowar has a dedicated All-India Coordinated Research Project since 1969.

Sorghum plants are very hardy and can withstand high temperature and drought conditions.
Larger grains make it more digestible for both people and animals and improves processing efficiency.
About 80 per cent of the crop’s grain size characteristics depend on genes, and can thus be inherited.
The quality of the yield can be improved without much alterations to environmental resources, such as water or nitrogen.
The grain is popular across the world because it has a low glycaemic index, is gluten-free and nutritious.
- The lower the glycemic index of a cereal, the lower is the relative rise in blood glucose level after two hours of consuming it.