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Second Release of Newly Converted Sorghum Lines

04/23/2013

The Sorghum Checkoff in collaboration with MMR Genetics (NuSeeds America) and USDA-Agricultural Research Service have released 50 new sources of sorghum germplasm through the reinstated Sorghum Conversion Program.

This is the program’s second of three scheduled releases of sorghum germplasm. In June 2012, the program released 44 converted lines that were distributed to 12 public and private entities engaged in sorghum breeding for the development of new and better hybrid lines of sorghum.

The reinstated sorghum conversion program releases make more of the world’s inventory of sorghum genetics available to public and private breeding programs. The material released provides a brand new source of germplasm with potential yield-improving benefits among other desirable genetic traits. Breeding companies can capture potential traits from this new release of germplasm to incorporate into their current sorghum lines to improve the crop’s productivity.

“The introduction of new genetic sources to the sorghum industry is important in the development of better sorghum hybrids” said Justin Weinheimer, Sorghum Checkoff crop improvement program director. “This program serves farmers by providing new germplasm to public and private breeding programs who can take this material, incorporate it into their existing programs, and get improved sorghum seed to farmers’ fields.”

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