Effects of cold spring on tropical sorghum
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/KOSMOS.2025.011Keywords
Sorghum bicolor L. Moench, chilling stress, emergence, germination rate, stress response, sub- optimal temperaturesAbstract
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), a species originating from tropical regions of the world, is often exposed to cold in the temperate climate of Europe, including Poland, especially at the beginning of season, which limits cultivation and yield. However, due to its ability to tolerate prolonged water shortages and its versatile uses (food, feed, biogas), sorghum appears to be an ideal alternative to other crops for the cultivation in areas where drought is common. This paper presents the effects of cold on the growth and development of sorghum on morphological, physiological, anatomical, and molecular levels. The consequences of the exposure to cold of the juvenile seedling stage, during so-called „cold spring” on later stages of sorghum development, during flowering and seed development, were also discussed. Also, the perspectives for breeders seeking new sources of resistance in creating new sorghum varieties with improved tolerance to low temperature were described.
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