Seed Today - Q3 2008 - (Page 12)

netic diversity available to sorghum breeders. Sorghum’s genetic structure makes it relatively easy for a breeder to find out what should be kept and what should be discarded,” Boardman says. “We have made the investment to support our breeders in their efforts to develop a range of products for the sorghum market.” Biomass Conversion The advancing prospect of biomass conversion into biofuels is good news for a breeding program such as Crosbyton’s that is focused on developing low lignin, high energy, and high biomass varieties. “We are at the point where small changes in sorghum composition translate into large economic benefits to the grower,” says James Osborne, Crosbyton plant breeder. “Increasing sorghum grain starch content one or two percent means more ethanol per acre. That is an advantage that has value through the entire biofuel process.” Osborne is also leading efforts to develop new varieties of high sugar (a.k.a. sweet) sorghum varieties adapted to local growing conditions. “In addition to content and yield, our varieties must be sustainable in multiple environments,” Boardman concludes. “The demands for new products are greater than ever, but we believe the rewards will be equally great.” Joe W Funk, editor Shankar Podduturi, breeder, (left) and Tony Davis, director of technical services. Crosbyton Seed Co. Revamping research for a changing market For more than 40 years, Nathan Boardman has had a front-row seat from which to observe the ebb and flow of sorghum seed production. Weather, politics and the economy all have affected the fortunes of sorghum seed producers. These changes are often as swift as the stroke of a pen. “Right now, prospects for sorghum are looking bright,” Boardman says. “It is a combination of many influences all coming together at once. Things could change and turn around, but I don’t think so anytime soon.” Less Public Plant Breeding Crosbyton Seed Co. Crosbyton, TX • 806-675-2308 www.crosbytonseed.com Company Personnel • Nathan Boardman, President/Owner • Donnie Swink, Executive Vice President/Owner and General Manager • James Osborne, Breeder, VP Business Development • Tony Davis, Dir., Technical Services Research Center Highlights • • • • Sorghum breeding. Genetic licensing. Parent seed production. Contract Seed Production. The most obvious driver of increased interest in sorghums is the prospect of using sorghum as a feedstock for biofuel production. For Boardman, there is more to the story than biomass. Over the past decade, he has observed the steady decline of new sorghum varieties entering the market due, at least in part, to fewer publicly supported breeding programs. To help sustain a steady flow of improved products, Crosbyton Seed has doubled the size and scope of its sorghum research and development program during the past two years. “There is still a vast amount of ge- Donnie Swink observes sweet sorghum being developed by Crosbyton Seed Co. 12 Third Quarter 2008 http://www.crosbytonseed.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Seed Today - Q3 2008

Seed Today - Q3 2008 Contents Editor’s Notes Cover Feature Fred Miller, Ph.D., MMR Genetics Crosbyton Seed Company AOSCA Greg Lowry Floyd Hansmeirer AOSA/SCST According to ASTA Seedsellers, Inc. BinMaster Blake Sieker Ad Index

Seed Today - Q3 2008

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