Sorghum Production in Mississippi
What are the growth stages for grain sorghum?
Stage 0: Emergence - Seedlings emerge from the soil.
Stage 1: Three-leaf stage (3 leaves completely emerged, collars present).- 10 days after emergence
Stage 2: Five-leaf stage - 20 days after emergence
Stage 3: Growing Point Differentiation (head development begins) - Rapid growth and nutrient uptake begins - 30 days after emergence
Stage 4: Flag leaf visible - Head size being determined. 40 days after emergence.
Stage 5: Boot stage (head enclosed in swollen flag leaf sheath) - Severe moisture stress will limit head exertion from the flag-leaf sheath, preventing pollination. 50 days after emergence
Stage 6: Half-bloom - Hot, dry weather can reduce seed set. 60 days after emergence
Stage 7: Soft dough - About 50% of the grain dry weight has accumulated. 70 days after emergence
Stage 8: Hard dough - About 75% of the grain dry weight has accumulated. 85 days after emergence
Stage 9: Physiological maturity - A dark spot on the opposite side of the kernel from the embryo forms (similar to black layer in corn). Dry matter accumulation is complete. 100 days after emergence.