Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Morphometric indicators of grain sorghum depending on sowing dates and stage of development

Liubov Honchar, Bohdan Mazurenko
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Abstract

In the context of climate change and frequent droughts, the study of optimal sowing dates for grain sorghum as a drought-resistant crop with a C4 type of photosynthesis is highly relevant for ensuring the stable progression of critical growth stages and crop formation. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of sowing dates on the formation of morphometric indicators and the yield performance of grain sorghum plants under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The study employed a combination of field, analytical, morphometric, visual-instrumental, recording and statistical methods. It was established that the recommended sowing date ensured the maximum values of plant height (at BBCH stages 81-82) and the largest leaf surface area, which resulted in the highest photosynthetic potential of the crops. A tendency was identified whereby early sowing led to slower growth at the initial stages, whereas late sowing was accompanied by reduced growth intensity during the second half of the growing season and more rapid leaf senescence. The following tendency was observed: between the stage of plant development (BBCH 21-22 and BBCH 81-82) and both plant height and leaf surface area, there was a positive linear relationship (r > 0) with high values of the coefficient of determination (R²), indicating a consistent increase in morphometric indicators throughout the growing season and varying intensity of their accumulation depending on the sowing date. It was established that the highest yield was obtained under the recommended sowing date, while the earliest sowing date resulted in the lowest yield, and the late sowing date produced yields at the level of the recommended one. It was also found that late sowing promoted more uniform seedling emergence and more rapid initial development and, provided sufficient moisture was available, made it possible to maintain a yield level close to that of the recommended sowing date. The obtained results may be used for the scientifically grounded selection of sowing dates for grain sorghum in order to improve the stability of productivity and the efficiency of its cultivation under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine

Keywords

productivity; leaf surface area; plant height; hybrid; grain sorghum

Suggested citation
Honchar, L., & Mazurenko, B. (2026). Morphometric indicators of grain sorghum depending on sowing dates and stage of development. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 22(3),102-116. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/3.2026.102
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