Seed Today - Q3 2008 - (Page 14)

Texas Sorghum High biomass sorghum tomers with an unparalleled source for genetics and plant technology.” Frank says the possibilities for new product development are almost overwhelming. With so many possibilities, how does a breeder make decisions about which crosses to make? “This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I literally lie awake some nights thinking about our program,” Frank admits. “How can we improve on what we already have? What will customers be asking for in five years? Is there potential in the old discard pile for what customers will want tomorrow?” Advanta U.S., Inc. New ownership expands germplasm resources In February 2008, Garrison & Townsend L.P., a 40 year-old sorghum seed research, production and marketing company, was acquired by Advanta India Limited, Bangalore, India. Outwardly, little has changed. The office/warehouse building facing Highway 60 has not changed. The research fields and yield trials look the same. Even the seed being shipped looks no different than it was a year ago. For sorghum breeder Cleve Frank, Ph.D., however, new ownership has brought great change and opened the door to exciting possibilities. “Over the years, we have had dealings with Advanta in other parts of the world, but it was not an overly active relationship because of the phytosanitary and certification paperwork required to move seed,” Frank says. “Now that we are together as one company, those barriers are greatly diminished.” Outside the United States, Advanta has four independent breeding programs: Advanta India, Advanta Argentina, Advanta Australia and Advanta Thailand. Each program has a germplasm collection accessible to other Advanta plant breeders. “Together, these five Advanta programs form one of the largest elite genetic germplasm bases in sorghum around the world,” Frank says. “Advanta’s independent breeding programs provide our cus- Biofuels Influence Everything The potential demand for sorghum as a feedstock for biofuels has transformed how Frank looks at the Advanta U.S. sorghum breeding program. Products in development are being reevaluated in light of biofuels. “It is essential that you understand what customers want as you progress through the selection process. Right now, I think the biofuels production process has yet to clearly define what it wants in a feedstock,” says Frank. “With access to Advanta’s global germplasm resources, we are now in the fortunate position of being able to supply product for ethanol, if that is what the market wants. If it wants biomass, we can supply biomass. Advanta’s acquisition of Garrison & Townsend could not have occurred at a more opportune moment.” Advanta U.S., Inc. dba Garrison & Townsend Hereford, TX • 806-364-0560 www.advantaus.com Company Personnel • Jerry O’Rear, General Manager • Cleve Frank, Ph.D., Sorghum Breeder • Ricky Rice, Forage Specialist Research Center Highlights • Proprietary genetic licensing. • Contract sorghum seed production. • Replicated yield trials in seven states and Mexico. Advanta U.S. grain sorghum yield trials. 14 Third Quarter 2008 http://www.advantaus.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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