CULTIVAR DEVELOPMENT: ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY BY DEVELOPING GRAIN SORGHUM HYBRIDS USING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR GERMPLASM

The research proposed herein will coordinate hybrid sorghum evaluation activity between three existing public sorghum breeding programs and one of the few remaining companies dedicated to sorghum genetic improvement. The goal of this work is to develop a collaborative public/private research program to improve the productivity and adaptation of grain sorghum hybrids for U.S. farmers. The specific objectives are to: 1) identify commercially competitive sorghum hybrid cultivars that result from combination of parents from different programs; 2) provide a direct path for the commercialization of these elite hybrids through private industry partner; and 3) develop the groundwork for long-term and sustainable commercialization activity of inbred lines produced by the public sector (which is essential for the long-term viability of the sorghum industry).