- When you have Mixed Sorghum (XS) and the mixture contains Sorghum, White Sorghum (WHS), and Tannin Sorghum (TANS) is the mixture determined on only one portion?
ANSWER. Yes. The percentage of WHS is determined before bleaching. The sample is recombined after the WHS percentage has been analyzed and bleached to determine the percentage of TANS. The sum of WHS and TANS is subtracted from 100 to determine the percentage of Sorghum. When certificating XS, record in the “Remarks” section of the certificate, in the order of predominance, the name and percentage of the classes in the mixture to the nearest tenth percent.
- Can applicants still request the breakdown for Broken Kernels and Foreign Material (BNFM)?
ANSWER. Yes. Mandatory requirements for individual components for broken kernels is no longer required as of December 30, 1992. However, applicants may request separate certification of this component for domestic and export shipments. Unless requested by the applicant, report and certify BNFM and FM as separate factors on the work records and inspection certificates.
- When determining the percentage of Tannin Sorghum, is the bleach method the only approved method?
ANSWER. Yes.
- When analyzing the bleached portion for TANS, if you have a kernel that does not meet the VRI but the inspector knows it is TANS because of its kernel characteristics, can it be taken as TANS?
ANSWER. Kernels not meeting the VRI can be taken for Tannin only if the inspector is confident the kernel in question is TANS.
- When using the riddle to separate the coarse FM in sorghum, should the material that passed through the riddle be reviewed to determine if there is additional coarse FM? If there is, should it be removed and combined with the material separated by the riddle?
ANSWER. No. If a No. 6 riddle is used to separate coarse FM, it is not necessary to review the material that passed through the riddle to determine additional coarse FM.
- If you do not have mixed sorghum, do you show the percent of tannin sorghum on the FGIS-920 as “other classes” or “other colors”?
ANSWER. Other classes.
- The Sorghum handbook states prior to bleaching, remove all types of damaged kernels, except germ damaged kernels. Does this mean that germ damaged wheat kernels should not be removed before bleaching?
ANSWER. No. Because the bleach procedures for germ damage in wheat and sorghum are different, germ damaged wheat should be removed before bleaching. Since germ damaged wheat is based on 10 grams of KOH compared to 15 grams of KOH for sorghum, obvious germ damaged wheat which was missed before bleaching can be taken after bleaching, if it is evident that they were damaged.
- How should sorghum samples that have a sticky texture and contain clumped masses of sorghum kernels be treated/graded?
ANSWER. Sample grade, distinctly low quality. This condition is the result of a sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) infection, a fungus introduced to the U.S. in 1997. During the initial stages of infection, a sticky liquid (honeydew) is released and drips over the sorghum head, creating the observed condition. The honeydew first appears clear but gradually becomes opaque and orange in color. Refer to FGIS’ POLICY BULLETIN BOARD, reference #181, dated 11/29/99, for additional information. The resulting fungal bodies (ergot) are not considered damage but would function as handpicked foreign material.
- The Interpretive Line Prints (ILP) for Soybeans and Oats state proration is permissible but the statement is not on the Sorghum ILP’s. Is proration permissible on the Sorghum ILP’s?
ANSWER. Yes. The omission of the proration statement was an oversight.
- Policy memo #182, dated 2/15/2000 does not state a policy on certification of damage when a sample is not bleached for germ damage. To clarify its intent, is it mandatory to perform the bleach test when total damage is certified?
ANSWER. No. If the inspector feels there is no sign of germ damage the inspector does not have to perform the bleach test. By making this determination the inspector is stating that the percentage of germ damage is 0.0%. Therefore, total damage can be shown on the certificate. It is ultimately the inspector’s responsibility for determining whether there is germ damage present and whether a bleach test is necessary. If the inspector decides there is no germ damage present and upon review we find that an error was made the inspector will have to deal with the consequences. Field offices/agencies always have the right to make an internal policy that all sorghum will be bleached for germ/internal mold damage.
Contact
Publication Date
03/04/2022