Sorghum

Sudan Grass Smena: Robust Forage Productivity

The 'Smena' variety, developed by the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, represents a cornerstone in forage crop selection. Designed for regions that experience significant temperature fluctuations and dry summers, this variety has gained a reputation for its reliability and high nutritional output. By focusing on resistance to bacterial diseases, breeders have created a resilient crop that maintains quality throughout the growing season.

Growth Characteristics and Yield

Smena is characterized by vigorous growth, reaching heights of 150–250 cm. Its capacity for rapid recovery after cutting makes it an excellent choice for intensive management systems. Farmers can expect a green mass yield of 35–55 tons per hectare, depending on local soil conditions and moisture availability. When harvested for hay, the yield ranges between 8 and 10 tons per hectare, with a dry matter protein content of 10–12%, ensuring a high-quality nutritional base for livestock.

Operational Versatility

The primary advantage of Smena is its flexibility in utilization. The variety supports a multi-cut system, allowing for 2 to 4 harvests per season. This makes it an ideal component for a continuous green forage chain. Its high resistance to bacteriosis ensures that even in humid conditions or late-season cuts, the crop remains healthy and productive.

• Variety type: Sudan Grass.
• Originator: Ufa Federal Research Center (RAS).
• Usage: Green fodder and hay production.
• Key Strength: High resistance to bacteriosis and excellent regrowth rate.