Sorghum

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a versatile and drought-tolerant grain and forage crop that plays a crucial role in arid region agriculture. This efficiency is due to sorghum’s ability to maintain productivity under water-limited conditions, producing more grain per inch of water used. The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) sorghum breeding program, based in Lubbock, Texas, has been a leader in sorghum research and development since its inception in 2003. The program aims to improve yield, drought tolerance, and environmental adaptability, ensuring that sorghum remains a vital crop for food, feed, and biofuel. By collaborating with other ARS locations and research institutions and leveraging advanced breeding techniques, the ARS program continues to enhance the genetic diversity and growing conditions resilience of sorghum, benefiting farmers and ecosystems worldwide. This extensive breeding effort supports local and global agricultural communities, positioning sorghum as a key player in addressing future food and feed needs and challenges.

Sorghum field

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