EXERCISE 34 

 THE SORGHUM HEAD 



Object. To study the shape and structure of the sorghum 

 head. 



Explanation. Sorghum resembles corn somewhat in 

 its method of growth, but unlike corn the seed is produced 

 in heads on the top of the plants. The heads of different 

 types of sorghum vary in shape and appearance. Some are 

 oval and compact ; some are long and compact ; and others 

 are open and branching. The variety or kind of sorghum 

 is most easily determined by a study of the head characters. 

 The head of sorghum is called a panicle. 



Equipment. Typical heads of at least three types of 

 sorghum, one each of kafir, milo, and a sweet sorghum for 

 each member of the class. 



Directions. Make an outline drawing of a typical head 

 of kafir. Split the head longitudinally through the center, 

 so that the method of branching may be more easily observed. 

 Study the branches of the panicle and their arrangement 

 and make a drawing of the panicle. Make a similar study 

 and drawings of the head of milo and of the head of sweet 

 sorghums. Fill in the detail of these drawings as far as time 

 permits. 



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