THE SORGHUMS 



379 



(7) freedom from suckers and branches; (8) freedom from 

 pendent heads; and (9) disease-resistance. 



The dwarf stature is usually desirable in the grain- 

 sorghums because it decreases the water requirement of 

 the crop to a unit of grain produced. The tendency to 

 sucker is generally looked upon as an undesirable quality 

 in the grain-sorghums. The suckers are usually shorter 

 and later maturing than the main stalks and less produc- 



FIG. 64. Three plants of Blackhull Kafir, 5.5 feet high, selected for 

 low stature and high yielding power. 



tive of grain. Best results are secured when sufficient seed 

 is planted to furnish the desired number of stalks without 

 depending on suckers. Branches are absolutely worthless 

 and should be eliminated. Pendent heads make it difficult 

 to harvest the crop by machinery. All of these characters 

 are to an extent hereditary and can be more or less con- 

 trolled by selection. Sorghums are crossed , artificially 

 with little difficulty. To do this the flowers must be 

 emasculated before the anthers open. 



