C. O. Rathus

Transgenic Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, is the fifth most important cereal in the world. It was domesticated from Sorghum bicolor subsp. arundinaceum in northeast Aftica, and is presently grown widely in semiarid areas of central and north Africa, India, China, and the Americas (Doggett 1988). Sorghum is adapted to harsh environments, and gives reasonable yields in environments that are too hot and dry for other cereals. The grain is used mostly for human consumption in Africa and Asia, for breads, porridges, brewing, and wine making. In the Americas and Australia, the grain is used primarily for stock-feed. In addition, dual purpose and forage sorghums are used widely in the beef and dairy cattle industries for direct grazing and silage. In the developing world, the stover is as important as the grain, as it has a wide range of uses, including animal feed, building material, and firewood.