Leading the Way. Hybrid Sorghum Seed Production, Breeding and Research

Transcription

1 Leading the Way Hybrid Sorghum Seed Production, Breeding and Research

2 Richardson Seeds Vega Facility 3095 County Rd 26 P.O. Box 60 Vega, Texas Richardson Seeds, Ltd. Information and recommendations are provided for comparison purposes only and are not guarantees of results, results may vary. This information is provided to assist in the selection of hybrids that will best suit your needs. No warranties either expresses or implied are intended with this information. Sebring, Senator and Signet are trademarks of Nufarm.

3 Richardson Seeds Proven, Dependable. Breeding Value. Richardson Seeds produces grain sorghum on the North Plains of Texas and has some of the finest isolation to grow grain hybrids. This highly fertile, semi-arid land, combined with an abundance of irrigation water produces premium quality, vigorous seed with fewer disease problems. Forages are produced on company owned land near Vega. This area also offers highly fertile land and a good semi-arid climate, resulting in high quality, vigorous seed. Our full line of Forage and Sorghum Sundangrass Hybrids includes brown mid-rib (BMR), photoperiod sensitive (PPS) and, conventional hybrids in a wide range of maturities to satisfy your needs. We can also certify your production if needed. At Richardson Seeds, our mission is to develop and provide cutting-edge genetics of quality grain and forage sorghums. We work closely with clients and advise them on the best options for production and sales of grain and forage hybrids. Richardson Seeds not only develops new and different materials, we go further and place our materials in practical field and animal evaluation trials to determine economic returns. Our materials are continually evaluated in many different worldwide environments. Richardson Seeds has breeding and testing locations in the US, Mexico and Argentina. By having research locations in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere we are able to turn new concepts into marketable hybrids very quickly and efficiently.

4 When grown primarily as forage, both sorghum and millet are unique. They are productive warm season crops cultivated as an annual, are readily established using conventional farming equipment and cropping technology, and have much lower water requirements than maize grown for silage. These characteristics provide considerable flexibility for forage/livestock producers in managing their resources and responding to the critical forage needs of their livestock. Forage In a rapidly changing global economy, efficiency is more important than ever. Richardson Seeds develops the highest quality sorghums with advanced traits such as brown midrib (BMR), photoperiod sensitivity (PPS), Male Sterile (MS) and late maturity (LM) to meet the livestock producer s feed needs.

5 Forage Added Value Characteristics Brown Midrib Brown Midrib (BMR) mutants were induced chemically and described in sorghum in However, the trait exists in some accessions in the World Collection of Sorghum, which suggests that it was a naturally occurring trait of some historical event. The brown midrib trait is controlled by at least 3 genes: bmr-6, bmr-12 and bmr-18. The pathway controlled by bmr-6 is different from pathway controlled by both bmr-12 and bmr-18. Since these are recessive, they must be in present both the female and male parents. Incorporation of the brown midrib characteristic represents a major change in thinking and is a great step forward because quality is now the driving objective to improvement. The brown midrib genes available for use in sorghum produce a brown pigmentation in the leaf midrib and stem of the plant. All brown midrib plants do not exhibit the same intensity of brown coloration. Furthermore, intensity of color has little to do with levels of quality improvement. Brown midrib genes affect the amount of lignin in the total plant, but the amount of reduction varies from part to part of the plant. Reduction in lignin may vary from 5 to 51% in stems and from 5 to 25% in leaves. When compared to normal sorghums increases in IVDMD are as much as 33% for those sorghums containing the brown midrib genes. Results in improved palatability and performance of the brown midrib hybrids have been excellent. There is data to show.5 to.9 pounds per day increase in animal gain. If you are continuing to use conventional non-brown midrib forage sorghums for hay or direct pasture you are missing a very significant improvement in animal gain per pound of forage produced. Photoperiod Sensitive Photoperiod sensitivity (PPS) sorghum allows maximum harvested yield of leaves and stems as well as more tonnage per unit area than with conventional sorghums. Since PPS sorghums respond to day length (greater than 12 hours and 20 minutes to remain vegetative) it is possible to prevent transformation of plant growth into reproductive growth (grain production). PPS sorghums continue to produce quality leaves and stems and maintain a quality pasturage or silage for a longer time frame. This allows the grower to produce a very high tonnage of quality forage per unit area while using approximately 40% less water than maize. PPS in sorghum also gives the grower more flexibility in harvest timing and end-product usage (direct pasture, hay or silage). Male Sterile Partially sterile hybrids also known as Male Sterile (MS) hybrids, are just what the name implies. They are hybrids that do not produce viable pollen. As a result these hybrids do not produce significant amounts of grain. This causes a substantial build up of non-structural carbohydrates in the stem and leaves. Consequently, the entire plant is more palatable to cattle vs conventional forage sorghum. Late Maturity Late Maturity (LM) in sorghum sudangrass boasts the significant yield advantages of photoperiod sensitive varieties, but can be sown at any day length. The LM trait increases production of leaves and quality stems by delaying maturity days later than typical sorghum sudangrasses. LM sorghum sudangrass increases the flexibility for hay and direct pasture use by allowing the growers a much larger window for harvest. Quality agronomic traits and exceptional drought tolerance are built into these LM sorghums.

6 382x27 Silage / Direct Pasture High Producer A multi-leaf high tonnage hybrid forage sorghum used for silage, green chop, grazing and hay. Photoperiod sensitive plant Can reach heights in excess of 12 feet with 21 or more leaves Leaves can reach 4 inches wide and 3 feet long. Purple Plant Texture Juicy 7-10 ft N/A Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 3 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis (PPS) Harvested Grain Tannin N/A Harvest Mode H/G/S Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 14,500 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast ** Agronomic data are insufficient to make a rating at this time

7 327x70 Direct Pasture High Yield & Palatability Plus BMR and PPS This hybrid is a true break through. Combining both photoperiod sensitivity and brown midrib traits into one forage, makes this a near perfect hybrid forage sorghum. Palatability is so high that cattle will eat stems down to the soil if not managed well by cell grazing. Because the hybrid is photoperiod sensitive it is possible to produce 40 or more leaves in a full season. First true photoperiod sensitive brown midrib forage hybrid Multi-purpose forage Unprecedented hybrid vigor Superior yield Outstanding lodging resistance Large stems and huge leaves Very high palatability Purple Plant Texture Juicy 9-14 ft Grain Midrib Type Brown Tillering & Regrowth 4 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis (PPS) Harvested Grain Tannin Yes Harvest Mode H/G/S Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 14,000 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

8 327x23 Silage BMR Increases Feed Values This forage sorghum hybrid BMR has a very sweet stem and exceptional green leaf retention. Large semi-compact panicles of white grain on 2.0 to 2.75 meter stems produce high grain yield and almost as much sugar per unit area (about double the normal carbohydrates of regular sorghum forage). With its 40 to 60% reduction in lignin and substantial increase in palatability, this new forage silage (or hay) increases relative feed values significantly. Excellent green leaf retention Very sweet and soft stems Large tannin-free grain panicles Red Plant Texture Juicy 6-8 ft Grain Midrib Type Brown Tillering & Regrowth 3 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Harvest Mode H/S Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 15,500 Dryland Row 5-8 Dryland Broadcast N/A Irrigated Row 8-12 Irrigated Broadcast N/A

9 374x66 Silage High Quality Hay or Silage This hybrid is a standard in the forage sorghum industry. It has a sweet, juicy stem which will recover rapidly from harvest as direct pasture or haying. It is designed as a one-cut silage for high quality producers. The hybrid has very good foliar disease resistance. It should be harvested at or prior to full soft dough for maximum quality and profitability. Conventional sorghum/forage sorghum hybrid Juicy, sweet fine stems High yields Good regrowth and recovery Good foliar disease resistance Purple Plant Texture Juicy 6-8 ft Kafir Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 2 Grain Color Planted Brown Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Yes Harvest Mode S/H Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 19,500 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

10 327x36 Silage Sweet BMR, Palatable Choice for Cattle This BMR hybrid has exceptional sweetness and is a cut above other full season forage sorghums. The stems are larger than sorghum sudan hybrids, resulting in excellent resistance to lodging. It also retains its large, dark green leaves throughout the growing season. This hybrid is partially sterile, thus does not produce significant amounts of grain. This causes a substantial build-up of nonstructural carbohydrates in the stem and leaves. Consequently, the entire plant is more palatable to cattle. Tan Plant Texture Juicy 8-9 ft SC Midrib Type Brown Tillering & Regrowth 4 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin N/A Harvest Mode S/DP Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 16,000 Dryland Row 8-10 Dryland Broadcast N/A Irrigated Row 8-12 Irrigated Broadcast N/A

11 323x45 Silage / Dual-purpose Dual-Purpose Hybrid This is a dual-purpose hybrid that grows 6 to 7 feet tall. It produces a large panicle of red grain supported by a strong stalk. The plant is very leafy and seedling vigor is excellent. This hybrid reaches soft dough stage in approximately 110 days. Tall plant with strong stalk for good standability High grain to stover ratio for increased digestibility Wide leaves produce a dark, dense canopy for superior weed suppression and moisture conservation Purple Plant Texture Normal 5-7 ft Grain Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 3 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Yes Harvest Mode H/S Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 13,000 Dryland Row 5-8 Dryland Broadcast N/A Irrigated Row 8-12 Irrigated Broadcast N/A

12 310x45 Silage / Dual-purpose High Grain Yield This hybrid produces a very high grain yield (5,000 to 7,000 kg/ha) on strong sturdy stems 1.75 to 2.0 meters tall. Its high grain-to-stover ratio significantly increases digestible dry matter produced per unit area as silage. The high-protein content and totally digestible nutrients make this an excellent hybrid for the feedlot or dairy. Tall plant with strong stalk for good standability High grain-to-stover ratio for increased digestibility Wide leaves produce a dark, dense canopy for superior weed suppression and moisture conservation Purple Plant Texture Normal 6-8 ft Grain Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 3 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Yes Harvest Mode H/S Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 15,500 Dryland Row 5-8 Dryland Broadcast N/A Irrigated Row 8-12 Irrigated Broadcast N/A

13 392x105 Silage / Dual-purpose BMR with High Silage Yield This hybrid is similar to 310x45 to which the brown midrib trait has been added. Its high grain yield of lbs/ac on strong sturdy stems of 6 to 8 feet height makes the hybrid an outstanding silage performer. Because the hybrid has such a high grain to stover ratio, animal performance is excellent in both the feedlot and dairy. The protein content and total-digestible dry matter makes this a near perfect silage product. Brown midrib silage sorghum hybrid High grain yield potential Intermediate tall plants with strong stems Good standability and lodging resistance Wide long leaves poised closely producing a dark, dense canopy for high leaf-stem ratio Excellent tillering capacity and near simultaneous flowering of main and tiller panicles (good for harvesting at hard-dough stage silage) High green leaf retention Large leaf number/excellent tillering/high grain yield + brown midrib = outstanding silage Plant Texture Midrib Type Purple Juicy 6-8 ft Semi-compact Brown Tillering & Regrowth 4-5 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Harvest Mode Yes H/G/S Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 17,000 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

14 374x42 Direct Pasture Leader for Grazing or Haying This hybrid is a standard in the forage grass industry. It has a sweet juicy stem, which recovers rapidly from harvest as direct pasture or haying. The hybrid has very good foliar disease resistance. It should be harvested at or prior to boot stage for maximum quality and profitability. Cut for hay or graze approximately 3 to 4 inches above the soil for maximum recovery and regrowth. Conventional sorghum/sudangrass hybrid Juicy, sweet fine stems High yields Excellent regrowth and recovery Good foliar disease resistance Purple Plant Texture Juicy 6-8 ft Sudan Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 5 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Yes Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 19,500 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

15 345x40 Direct Pasture Late Maturity for Higher Protein The late maturity (LM) concept produces hybrids (sorghum/ sudangrass) that are 20 to 30 days later than conventional sorghum/ sudan hybrids. This late maturity allows a wider window for harvest of high-quality leaves before boot stage is reached. This hybrid has greater IVTD value and a higher crude protein, with IVTD 20+% more than a commercial check in trials. This hybrid has a wide range of adaptation because of its incredible drought tolerance and yield of quality forage. Red Plant Texture Juicy 7-8 ft Sudan Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 5 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis (PPS) Harvested Grain Tannin No Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre A late maturity (LM) sorghum/sudangrass Superior drought tolerance Multi-purpose forage Wider window for harvest Higher protein and digestibility than conventional sorghum/sudan hybrids High green leaf retention Excellent tillering, regrowth and recovery Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 16,000 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

16 400x82 Direct Pasture All-in-One BMR Late Maturity Hybrid A second-generation BMR/LM sorghum/sudangrass hybrid that brings all the benefits of earlier versions along with red planting seed. Brown midrib Late maturity (LM) sorghum/sudangrass High palatability Multi-purpose forage Wider window for harvest Higher protein and digestibility than conventional sorghum/ sudangrass hybrids High green leaf retention Excellent drought tolerance Excellent tillering, regrowth, and recovery With this hybrid, all the quality characteristics are in one package giving the producer more options and better performance. Plant Texture Midrib Type Purple Juicy 7-8 ft Sudan Tillering & Regrowth 4-5 Grain Color Planted Brown midrib Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Harvest Mode No H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 17,000 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

17 327x38 Direct Pasture Highly Palatable BMR This modified sudangrass gives producers tremendous flexibility. Field trials with animals consuming this hybrid have demonstrated greater daily weight gains over conventional sorghum/sudangrass hybrids. The high palatability combined with high digestibility makes this hybrid the perfect fit for cell-grazing. Non-tannin grain allows this hybrid to qualify for LDP. Multi-purpose forage Exceptional palatability Good regrowth and recovery Slightly broader leaves and larger stems A sorghum/sudangrass without tannin in grain High daily weight gains from direct pasture Red Plant Texture Juicy 6-8 ft Sudan Midrib Type Brown Tillering & Regrowth 5 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 16,500 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

18 400x38 Direct Pasture BMR Super-Producer for Hay or Pasture This hybrid is a modified sorghum/sudangrass which offers flexibility to producers for direct pasture or hay production. Performance in fields has shown from 75 to 100% greater daily weight gains over conventional sorghum/sudangrass hybrids. Its high level of palatability allows the hybrid to fit well into cell-grazing systems. This hybrid has a demonstrated ability to increase both meat and milk production dramatically, therefore producing greater profits per acre of pasture. Purple Plant Texture Juicy 6-8 ft Open Midrib Type Brown Tillering & Regrowth 3-4 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin None Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Brown midrib sorghum/sudangrass High-quality direct pasture and hay forage Extraordinary palatability for grazing or hay Good regrowth and recovery Slightly broader leaves and larger stems than conventional sorghum/sudangrass hybrids High daily weight gains from direct pasture Sorghum/sudangrass without tannin in grain qualifies it for LDP Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 17,000 Dryland Row 5-15 Dryland Broadcast Irrigated Row Irrigated Broadcast 35-40

19 Graze King Direct Pasture Excellent Grazing and Haying This hybrid pearl millet has excellent grazing and haying potential. Graze King millet has little or no prussic acid, with good regrowth after clipping. Clipping should be done in the pre-boot stage. Graze King makes excellent pasture on soil that is low in iron. Under good conditions this hybrid is 5 to 6 feet tall in the pre-boot stage. PLANTING: Recommended seeding rate is 8 pounds per acre on dryland and 20 to 25 pounds on irrigated land or high rainfall areas. Seeding rates can vary according to conditions and locality. Thicker stands produce finer stalks, but are less drought tolerant. HARVESTING: For best feed quality, clipping should be done in the pre-boot stage. Grazing should begin when plants are approximately 25 inches tall. Avoid grubbing to the ground to allow the best regrowth. Tan Plant Texture Juicy Standability ft Sterile Midrib Type Normal Tillering & Regrowth 2 Grain Color Planted Grey Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 80,000 Dryland Row 1-2 Dryland Broadcast 5-8 Irrigated Row 2-3 Irrigated Broadcast 15-20

20 PM 508x13 Direct Pasture BMR Yielding Greater Returns The BMR concept in Pearl Millet is the same as you expect with Sorghum* Sudangrass BMR hybrids offering greater digestibility and palatability of the forage compared to conventional hybrids, yielding greater returns such as weight gain and/or milk per ton. PM 508x13 is a BMR Pearl Millet hybrid that offers great flexibility to producers. This hybrid has a high level of palatability, which makes it an excellent choice for grazing and or hay. Brown midrib hybrid pearl millet Multi-purpose forage Exceptional palatability Good regrowth and recovery High tillering capacity Tan Plant Texture Juicy Standability ft Sterile Midrib Type BMR Tillering & Regrowth 1 Grain Color Planted Grey Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 53,000 Dryland Row 1-2 Dryland Broadcast 5-8 Irrigated Row 2-3 Irrigated Broadcast Disclaimer: Pearl Millet hybrids need to be handled differently than Sorghum* Sudangrass with respect to cutting height. Pearl Millet hybrids need at least 6-8 inches of stubble left after harvest for optimum regrowth. Anything less than 6-8 inches can severely diminish regrowth.

21 PM 508x5 Direct Pasture Late Maturity for Longer Harvest Window, Plus BMR PM 508x5 is a BMR Pearl Millet hybrid that offers great flexibility to producers. This hybrid has a high level of palatability, which makes it an excellent choice for grazing and well suited for hay. PM 508x5 is a late maturing hybrid with panicle emergence at about 30 days later than other pearl millets. The longer harvest window allows the producer to maintain quality while waiting for greater yield returns when compared to conventionals. Brown midrib hybrid pearl millet Multi-purpose forage Exceptional palatability Good regrowth and recovery Later maturity = increase harvest window High tillering compacity Tan Plant Texture Juicy Standability ft Sterile Midrib Type BMR Tillering & Regrowth 1 Grain Color Planted Grey Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Harvest Mode H/G Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 37,500 Dryland Row 1-2 Dryland Broadcast 5-8 Irrigated Row 2-3 Irrigated Broadcast Disclaimer: Pearl Millet hybrids need to be handled differently than Sorghum* Sudangrass with respect to cutting height. Pearl Millet hybrids need at least 6-8 inches of stubble left after harvest for optimum regrowth. Anything less than 6-8 inches can severely diminish regrowth.

22 366x73 Silage More Grain for Better Silage This hybrid is a taller conventional grain sorghum hybrid that can be used for a high grain to stover silage. Culms are large and strong with few tillers. Large leaves are characteristic of this strongly stay-green hybrid. Panicles are large with large caryopses in a semi-compact to compact panicle. White translucent grain color Compact panicles High grain to stover ratio Large leaves on sturdy culms Semi-juicy stems Very uniform height Dual-purpose hybrid Plant Texture Standability 4 Midrib Type Tillering & Regrowth Grain Color Planted Tan Silage or Grain in Compact Normal N/A White Translucent Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Harvest Mode None Irrigated Tons / Acre Silage/grain Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 15,000 Dryland Row 5-8 Dryland Broadcast N/A Irrigated Row 8-12 Irrigated Broadcast N/A ** Agronomic data are insufficient to make a rating at this time

23 400x36 Silage BMR with Exceptional Sweetness This hybrid has exceptional sweetness and with it being brown midrib it is a cut above other full season forage sorghums. The stems are larger than sorghum sudan hybrids, resulting in excellent resistance to lodging. It also retains its large dark green leaves throughout the growing season. This hybrid is partially sterile, thereby not producing significant amounts of grain. This causes a substantial build up of nonstructural carbohydrates in the stem and leaves. Consequently, the entire plant is more palatable to cattle. Purple Plant Texture Juicy 8-9 ft SC Midrib Type Brown Tillering & Regrowth 4 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin N/A Harvest Mode S/DP Irrigated Tons / Acre Planting information Lbs / Acre Approximate Seeds / Lb 16,000 Dryland Row 8-10 Dryland Broadcast N/A Irrigated Row 8-12 Irrigated Broadcast N/A ** Agronomic data are insufficient to make a rating at this time

24 Sorghum when grown for its grain is among the most efficient crops in conversion of solar energy and use of water. Sorghum is known as a highenergy, drought tolerant crop. In the United States, South America, and Australia sorghum grain is used primarily for livestock feed and demand is growing for usage in ethanol plants. Sorghum produces the same amount of ethanol per bushel as maize and uses one third less water. In the livestock market, sorghum grain is used in the poultry, beef and pork industries. Grain Sorghum continues to be a significant and growing grain resource for the US and world market for animal and human foods/feed. As the environment changes to more arid and stressed production lands sorghum grain will grow. The complexion of this market segment is also changing. Today s markets are shifting toward the use of white or cream colored grains as the push to use quality traits demands. Richardson Seeds is working to develop not only higher yielding and agronomically stable hybrids for the future but to also add value capturing characteristics to each hybrid. By focusing hybrids on end use as well as overall performance farmers have the potential to capture higher values from their crops.

25 Tannin Non-Tannin Food Quality The tannin sorghum or brown sorghums have a very distinct pigmented testa which is caused by combination of dominant B1-B2-S-genes. Such sorghums are high in condensed tannins with some level of resistance to birds and grain molding. Tannin sorghums decrease feed efficiency by about 10% when fed to livestock. Sorghum tannins are catechins which cause reduced feed efficiency ranging from 5 to 30%, depending upon feeding systems, livestock species, and processing of the grain. A benefit of tannin sorghum is that they contain high levels of antioxidants and may be a very important source of nutraceuticals. It is possible that in the future we could use the sorghums with a pigmented testa and dominant spreader genes as potent sources of antioxidants more efficiently than fruits or berries. For a variety of reasons, it is widely believed that all sorghums contain tannins. However, this is not the case. Sorghums without a pigmented testa do not contain tannins, and are referred to as tannin-free or non-tannin (NT). The vast majority of grain sorghums grown in the US are nontannin (NT) hybrids. Grain color can vary from white to yellow to red. These high-quality sorghums are non-tannin with white grain, tan plant color, straw colored glumes and grain with a spherical medium to hard endosperm. In addition the white grain is hard with an excellent milling quality. The grain from these hybrids can be used to make a white, neutral flavored flour. These hybrids are also ideal for poultry feed and ethanol production. By having straw colored glumes these hybrids eliminate the issues that are caused by the pigments associated with traditional darker glumes. The hard white grain mills easily and converts to an appealing light colored feed. The Dried Distillers Grain (DDG s) produced from Food Quality hybrids are white in color which gives them a perceived quality advantage over traditional grain sorghum DDG s.

26 379x79 Non-tannin Maturity Early Dodge Drought or Double-Crop This hybrid has very early maturity and has high grain yield potential for its earliness. Some of its major advantages are: Grain Color Red Purple Standability in SO Panicle Exsertion 3 Threshability 4 Grain Color Planted Red Early maturity Ease-of-harvest No tannin Short height Very good standability This hybrid has red seed color, large round grain, and high-test weight. The panicle is slightly open; glumes are awnless and cover less than one-third of the grain. Plant necrotic is purple, plant tissue is juicy and tillering capacity is good which allows the plant to compensate for environmental conditions. Tillers are approximately the same height of the main panicle. The hybrid appears very uniform in the field. Because the hybrid is so early it can be grown in short-season conditions and also in situations to escape drought in longer season conditions. Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 4 Irrigated Tons / Acre 1-2 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 3 Fusarium 4 MDMV 4 Downy Mildew 3 Greenbug Resistance N/A

27 301x41 Non-tannin Maturity Early / Medium Short-Stalked High Yielder This hybrid was bred to have: Short, strong stalks Excellent yield Very good for dryland or late planted irrigated crop Grain Color Red Purple in SC Panicle Exsertion 4 Threshability 4 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 Irrigated Tons / Acre 2-3 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 5 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

28 344x41 Non-tannin Maturity Medium A True Break Through This hybrid is early maturing with excellent yield potential for its maturity group. The hybrid is designed to have: Short stalks Strong stalks Excellent yields It is a very good hybrid when used for double cropping in most areas or for late-planted dryland or irrigated production. Grain Color Light Red Purple Standability in SC Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 Irrigated Tons / Acre 1-3 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

29 341x10 Food Quality Maturity Medium Food Quality, White Grain This hybrid is an excellent food quality grain producer. Grain threshes very free of the glumes in combine harvesting while the caryopses are very round and process well in the food industry. Panicle is semi-compact to slightly open and well exserted above the canopy. There are few tillers and the canopy in the field is very uniform in height and maturity. The mature caryopsis has a slight mesocarp present, giving the hybrid a very white color at harvest time. Grain Color White Tan in SC Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 Irrigated Tons / Acre 5-7 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 4 Fusarium 4 MDMV 4 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

30 315x10 Food Quality Maturity Medium High-Yielding Food Hybrid This human food grain hybrid with high protein, vitreous round grain, tan plant color and straw glumes has white translucent grain, threshes easy and yields a high bushel weight. This hybrid fits the needs of the food industry. Under full management high-intensity farming with good irrigation and high fertility, this hybrid will respond well. While during periods of reduced moisture and lower plant populations, 315x10 tolerates drought and continues to produce excellent grain yields. Grain Color White Tan in SC Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 Irrigated Tons / Acre 5-7 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 4 Fusarium 4 MDMV 4 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

31 341x22 Non-tannin Maturity Medium Plant Early or Late This hybrid was developed as an alternative to the early red grain sorghum hybrids on the market. It has early planting cold tolerance and excellent weathering capability. This hybrid works well for a double-crop situation in most areas or for a late-planted dryland or irrigated crop. Short, strong stalks Excellent yield potential Grain Color White Purple in SC Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 4 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 Irrigated Tons / Acre 4-6 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

32 319x22 Maturity Non-tannin Medium High Test Weight with Drought Tolerance This medium maturity hybrid produces a high-density, high bushel weight red grain. It has high tolerance to drought and will produce outstanding yields under dryland or limited-irrigated conditions. The semi-open panicle has excellent exsertion of 4 to 6 inches and is easy threshing. Leaf quality is very good and shows excellent resistance to abiotic stresses. Standability is very good because of a stiff stalk and its strong, deep root system. Grain shells well from the panicle during combine harvest. The hybrid works well for a double crop in most areas, or as a lateplanted dryland or irrigated hybrid. Grain Color Red Purple in SO Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 Irrigated Tons / Acre 2-4 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 5 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

33 319x8 Maturity Non-tannin Medium / Full Flexible Hybrid for Maximum Returns This combination is the most plastic hybrid available. It responds to environmental variation by adjusting yield accordingly. Under limited moisture situations the hybrid is consistent in its yield but when greater moisture amounts are available yield levels increase significantly. Maturity is medium-full season Height is consistent with its maturity range, exsertion is very good Leaves tend to be slightly drooping Panicle shape is semi-open, round seeds, bright red translucent grain color, awned spikelets, and purple necrotic plant color The hybrid has excellent resistance to head smut. Tillering capacity is good and will produce 2 to 3 tillers that are synchronous with the main panicle at flowering/maturity. Yield is very good and the hybrid is considered to be environmentally stable. Grain Color Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted Red Purple in SO RT Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 5 No Irrigated Tons / Acre 3-4 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

34 319x76 Maturity Non-tannin Medium / Full Bred for Limited Rainfall Areas This hybrid is medium maturing and fits well in both dryland and irrigated conditions. Bright red-translucent grain color Seed size is larger than regular grain sorghum hybrids and is quite vitreous Excellent stalk strength High level of stay-green Plant color is purple, although glumes tend to be reddish-straw. It is resistant to anthracnose and other foliar diseases. The hybrid is of medium height (3-dwarf) and stands well for combine harvesting and threshes free of glumes. It has excellent drought tolerance and is adapted to regions of limited rainfall. Grain Color Red Red in SO Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 4 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis 75 Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 4 Irrigated Tons / Acre 7-9 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance C & E

35 310x76 Non-tannin Maturity Full High Yielder for Tropical Environments This combination is a medium-full season hybrid. It tends to be slightly taller than other traditional hybrids but has exceptionally high yield potential. Single culm under most environments Large stem Large, disease free leaves Standability is excellent, leaves are large and semi-erect prior to anthesis The panicle is awnless, semi-compact, and may sometimes be dry at maturity. Seeds are very large, round, vitreous, and red translucent. The grain is very attractive. Necrotic plant color is red. This hybrid is especially adapted to tropical environmental conditions. It has a very high level of foliar disease resistance. Yield potential of this combination is very impressive across a wide range of environmental situations. Grain Color Red Red in SC Panicle Exsertion 3 Threshability 4 Grain Color Planted Red Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 4 Irrigated Tons / Acre 3-5 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 3 Downy Mildew 4 Greenbug Resistance C & E

36 366x58 Food Quality Maturity Full High-Yield, Food Grade White Grain Excellent food quality grain hybrid High-yielding White translucent grain color Strongly vitreous grain, easy and clean threshing High test weight Medium-full maturity Medium-tall height Excellent exsertion High quality, disease resistant stover following grain harvest Single culms with limited tillering Semi-compact panicles Grain Color White Translucent Tan Standability in Semi-compact Panicle Exsertion 4-6 in Threshability 4 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin None Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 3-4 Irrigated Tons / Acre 7-10 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 4-5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 3-4 Downy Mildew 3-4 Greenbug Resistance 3

37 304x5 Food Quality Maturity Full Superior Yields and Food Quality A very high quality human food sorghum hybrid with exceptional drought tolerance and very high yield potential are the trademarks of this hybrid. It has tan plant color, 1.5 to 1.75 meter height, long semi-open panicle, and excellent foliar disease resistance. This hybrid is the standard for the food, pork and the poultry industries. It is also widely chosen for high-moisture grain for the dairy industry. Excellent choice for areas where flowering stress is a concern Strong adaptation to western dryland environments White colored grain with good threshability, on semi-open panicles High test weight Grain Color White Tan in SO Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 4 Irrigated Tons / Acre 6-9 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 4 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 5 Greenbug Resistance None

38 302x29 Maturity Non-tannin Medium / Full Showy Full-Season High-Yielder A full-season hybrid with very good yield potential under irrigation or in high rainfall areas. This is a cream colored hetero-yellow endosperm hybrid with a semi-open panicle. This is a very eye-catching hybrid that is very stable for its height, and has a clean leaf canopy with an extensive root system for good drought tolerance. Grain Color Cream Purple in SO Panicle Exsertion 5 Threshability 5 Grain Color Planted White Days to 50% Anthesis Harvested Grain Tannin No Pre-flower Stress Tolerance 4 Irrigated Tons / Acre 6-9 Disease & pest reaction Head Smut 5 Fusarium 5 MDMV 5 Downy Mildew 1 Greenbug Resistance C & D

39 Seed Treatment for Enhanced Health, Yield Treat Seed Right. All our seed is now available with a range of premium Nuseed seed treatments, including Signet, Sebring and Senator to protect seeds and seedlings from insect and disease pests. These products feature outstanding performance and a new, high-tech polymer coating that dramatically reduces dust-off. Nuseed treats seed right, with a full line of proven chemistry in formulations that deliver performance and exceptional value. Richardson Seeds is a part of the Nuseed global family of seed brands. Specializing in canola, sorghum, and sunflower, Nuseed uses local expertise and worldwide reach to provide the best in genetics and seed production. Nuseed is part of Nufarm, one of the world s leading agricultural companies. Together, Nuseed and Nufarm provide a full range of agronomic solutions for more profitable, sustainable crop production.

40