Project Number: 5430-21000-005-15
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Sep 02, 2003
End Date: Jul 31, 2008

Objective:
1. Continue to investigate the utility of sorghum for grazing, hay, & silage production as a replacement for wheat in KB regulated fields. These research trials will evaluate over 60 varieties in a replicated trial at the TAES station near Amarillo, TX & near KB regulated areas. Sorghums of various types including brown midrib, photoperiod sensitive, & sorghum/sudan crosses will be compared for agronomic characteristics, yield, & nutrient quality. Knowledge gained from the study will be used to make recommendations to farmers on the best type of sorghum, as well as potentially the best variety, to use in their operation to potentially replace wheat. 2. Continue to investigate the small grain alternatives to wheat as a forage & dual-use crop. Additionally, the grazing potential of barley & triticale as alternatives to wheat will be examined.

Approach:
Wheat growers in Texas and other states have had substantial financial losses due to regulatory action from quarantine activities associated with Karnal bunt in their crops. One economist in North Texas estimated that the economy of that region of the state suffered a $43 million loss over two years outside of governmental programs due to Karnal bunt regulatory activities. For many growers, wheat is their sole cash crop, and climatic variables limit alternatives. These farmers and ranchers rely on wheat as a dual-purpose crop. Under some environmental conditions, it is used solely as a forage crop, in some cases solely as a grain crop, while in other circumstances, wheat is grazed part of the growing season, livestock are removed and grain is produced. If an economically viable crop or cropping rotation could be deployed in these areas, management could be put in place to minimize the risk to these growers from Karnal bunt, while simultaneously reducing the risk of spreading this organism further into the U.S. wheat belt. Research is needed to evaluate alternative crops, rotations and to evaluate economic implications of new crops in a traditional wheat-producing region.

Project Team

Bowden, Robert Gaylon Morgan - Professor 785-532-2368

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)   Plant Diseases (303)