Overview

This project aims to use the variability created from crosses between two complementary germplasm groups–recently bred high yield tropical food quality sorghums and elite U.S. lines–in collaborative projects with LDC scientists and to produce lines for domestic consumption. A collaborative breeding project has commenced in Botswana, where progeny of crosses with drought tolerant Segaolane (and other similar varieties) and U.S. B-lines have succeeded through three years of severe drought. These progeny have potential as varieties per se or as seed parents, the production of hybrids being a supported objective of the national program. The progeny from these and other crosses are being further selected in the U.S., and will be tested for drought/heat tolerance. Segments of this material will support breeding programs in collaborating countries, and be released in the U.S.