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Sorghum panicle de-graining is an experimental technique used to study grain size and assimilate availability. De-graining is used to artificially increase assimilate availability to the remaining grains by removing a portion of the panicle. Typically, researchers remove the top half of selected panicles at anthesis (flowering stage). This is done before significant grain development has occurred. Removing part of the panicle generally results in an increase in grain weight for the remaining grains. This technique helps isolate genetic effects associated with the potential grain size, rather than just the plant’s capacity to fill grains. It provides insight into the relationship between grain size and grain number, which is complex and partially driven by assimilate availability. Understanding how sorghum responds to increased assimilate availability can provide new opportunities for improving grain size in sorghum breeding programs. Physiological understanding: This technique helps researchers better understand the physiological processes involved in grain filling and how they are influenced by assimilate supply.

In summary, panicle de-graining is a valuable experimental tool for studying grain development in sorghum, allowing researchers to manipulate assimilate availability and gain insights into the genetic and physiological factors controlling grain size.

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Reference

Gambin, B.L. and Borrás, L., 2007. Plasticity of sorghum kernel weight to increased assimilate availability. Field Crops Research, 100, pp.272-284.

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