The domestication, spread and uses of sorghum as a crop

Publication date: 02/04/2018
Extent: 34 pages

Contributions by: F. M. Shapter, A. Crowther, G. Fox, I. D. Godwin and L. Watson-Fox, University of Queensland, Australia; I. J. C. Hannah, AGR Industries, Australia; and S. L. Norton, Agriculture Victoria, Australia

Chapter synopsis: Although only a minimal component of human food in developed countries, sorghum remains the fifth most important cereal crop in terms of production and acreage. This is due to its robustness as a cereal crop, biotic and abiotic tolerances, and diversity of both varieties and uses. This chapter describes the diversity of sorghum and its related species, its anthropocentric origins, spread and domestication as well as reviewing its utility as both a source of nutrition for humans and domestic animals. The chapter also examines the population genetics of global sorghum and the crop’s relationship to its wild relatives.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0015.01