120 CHAPTER VII 



Arrangement of Spikelets. — The spikelets and seed-stems 

 should be close together in the common types of the grain 

 sorghums, except in Shallu and White Kowliang. A compact 

 head indicates a high percentage of grain. The spikelets should 

 be close together, pedicles short, and the branches of the 

 panicle thickly covered with seed, both on the inside and out- 

 side. Low yielding or light heads have few or no grains on 

 the inside of the branches, and on the lo\ver half of the 

 branches. The joints of the main spikes or seed-stems should 

 be short. Short-jointed main stems, five or more joints in 

 number, indicate a large number of rows of spikelets, giving a 

 high-yielding head. The head must not be too compact, how- 

 ever, as drying will not take place easily. 



Shape and Size of Kernels. — Should be true to variety. 



Colour of Kernels. — Must conform to type. 



Freedom from Shattering. — Shallu, Feterita, and Jerusa- 

 lem Corn, are usually bad in this respect. The heads should 

 be shaken, and if many kernels drop out the head should be 

 discriminated against. 



Exsertion. — The head should be free of the boot or upper 

 leaf sheaths. If the lower spikelets are not filled out or are 

 mouldy, poor exsertion is indicated, and such heads are in- 

 ferior for seed purposes. 



Market Condition. — There should be no sign of decay, dis- 

 ease (smut), or immaturity. 



Grain Exhibits. 



Uniformity in Size and Colour. — Uniformity in these de- 

 notes trueness to type, careful selection, and evenness of 

 maturity, and also grain that will store well. 



Shape and Size of Kernels. — These should be true to type, 

 and in the variety the larger the grain the better. 



Market Condition. — The sample should be free from dirt, 

 mustiness, foreign matter and disease. 



Weight per Bushel. — No official standard has been set ; 

 56 pounds is the usual weight for Kaffir ; some varieties are 

 lighter.' Preference should be given to the heavier strains in 

 the variety. 



Shelling Pereentage. — Kaffir and Milo heads should give 

 77 to 84 per cent, of grain respectively. 



