The Semi-dwarf Grain Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Variety ‘Noeulchal’, with Increased Digestibility

Abstract

The sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) variety 'Noeulchal' was developed and registered by the Department of Southern Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Science, in 2019. This variety was developed from the cross between 'RTx2907', with white grain, and 'Sodamchal', with brown grain and semi-dwarf traits. The yield performance of 'Noeulchal' was 3.71 MT/ha in a local adaptability test run for two years. It had a culm length of 93 cm, which is 11 cm longer than that of 'Sodamchal', a panicle length of 29 cm, a culm 22 mm thick, and a panicle exsertion of 9 cm. It could reduce the lodging problem experienced with current cultivars, and is also adapted to mechanized cultivation. 'Noeulchal' has a waxy endosperm with 3.2% amylose and contained high levels of rapidly digestible starch. The rapidly digestible starch with gluten-free flours could contribute to the development of foods with different properties (Registration No. 9105).