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Sorghum
pests (Northern Namibia)
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Sorghum bicolor
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Sorghum (English)
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oshiliavala (sing. Oshikwanyama)
oiliavala (pl. Oshikwanyama)
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1. Sorghum Introduction
Sorghum is a important crop in northern
Namiba, only second to Pearl Millet. Sorghum is a very robust and drought
tolerant crop and it will produce a yield most years despite the dry climate.
Sorghum is mainly used for brewing but some farmers also use it to produce
a porridge.
Sorghum is planted (sown) at the
onset of the first rains in November-December and harvested when the large
heads are ready in April-May.
2. Sorghum
pests
A number of sorghum pests are similar
to the pests found in Pearl Millet but Sorghum does not attract nearly
as many beetle species to the flowering heads.
The most conspicous pest in Sorghum
is the sorghum smut which is noticed in most fields late in the
season. Stem borers are more common in Sorghum than in Pearl millet
but the importance in farmers' fields is uncertain. A parasitic weed, Striga,
(2 species) is mainly found on sorghum plants. Striga are widespread but
still not common, they may be of importance to a few farmers whose fields
are severely infested.
a. The most important pests
b. Less important species
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