Pacific Graze

Sorghum–Sudangrass Hybrid

(Sorghum bicolor x sorghum sudanese)

* Thin stemmed, fine seeded product

* Fast regrowth for high yield

* Adapted over wide areas

Pacific Graze is a small seeded three way cross that can be used for grazing or hay. It is a thin stemmed type allowing for faster dry down for high quality hay production. Regrowth is very fast giving it high yield potential.  Higher planting rates will produce a smaller stemmed forage.

Crop Use Information:

Life Cycle: Annual

Ease of Establishment: Good

Shade Tolerance: Poor - Fair

Drought Stress: Good

Wet Soil: Fair

Low pH Tolerance: Moderate

Minimum pH: 6.0

Saline Soils (White Alkali): Fair

Saline – Sodic Soils (Black Alkali): Poor - Fair

Hay: Excellent

Silage: Good

Continuous Grazing: Good

Rotational Grazing: Excellent

Palatability: Excellent

Anti-Quality: Prussic Acid and Nitrates

Disease/Insect/Nematode Ratings:

Downy Mildew: MR

Agronomic Traits:

Early Seedling Vigor: Good

Growth Habit: Upright

Recovery After Cutting: Good

Maturity: 65 days to Boot

Uniformity: Fair

Plant Color: Purple

Midrib Type: Juicy

Seed Set: Minimal

Planting Rates:

Bushel Weight: 56 lbs.

Do not plant in soil temperatures below: 60` F

Seeds per Pound: 19,000 – 22,000

Rate (Lbs.):           Dryland                                           Irrigated

                              10 – 30                                           35 - 100

Seeds/Sq. Ft.       5 – 14                                            17 – 48

Strengths                                                                              Weaknesses

Thin stemmed product                                                               Leaf area thins near the top

Small seeded product                                                                Poor plant color under stress                             

Juicy Mid-rib                                                                                                                     

Low water requirement

Short maturity requirement – 60 days

Seeding:

Soil temperature should be at least 60`F  at 1-2” deep

Can be no-tilled into the stubble of winter and spring crops

Do not plant on soils with pH greater than 7.5 to 8.0. Chlorosis will be a problem

Harvest:

The plant is in the boot 63 - 65 days after seeding

Harvesting during boot will give you the highest protein concentration

Protein will decline as harvest is delayed, but energy will increase upon heading

Seed may set if pollen is available and harvest is delayed

Avoiding Nitrate and Prussic Acid Poisoning from Sorghum:

Avoid large nitrogen applications prior to expected drought periods

2,4-D can increase Prussic Acid concentration for weeks after application

Do not harvest drought damaged plants within 4 days following a good rain

Do not harvest within 7 days of a killing frost

Cut at a higher stubble height, nitrates tend to accumulate in the lower stalk

Wait 1 month before feeding silage to give Prussic Acid enough time to escape

Pacific Seed Company

Walnut Creek, Ca 94598  USA

1(925)256-8585