Sorghum Genome Sequenced, Now What?

When the scientific journal NATURE prints an article "it usually means it's something pretty significant". That's a comment from Dr. Jeff Dahlberg, Director of Research for the National Sorghum Producers who says the January 29th story titled: "The Sorghum bicolor genome and the diversification of grasses" opens the door for the research community. Now, according to Dahlberg, the roads are paved "and we need to figure out what all the signs mean".

Research will focus on a few key areas including drought-resistance, second-generation biofuels (cellulosic) and increased grain yield. Work done on the drought-resistance gene will lead to better varieties around the world and especially in Africa where food-grade sorghum is a staple of the human diet. With the research, African farmers may soon be growing more food on existing acres to help feed the hungry on their continent.

As for cellulosic ethanol, a recent conference in Houston had researchers from all over the world gathering to discuss the topics of "Sorghum as a Biofuel". The ability to grow more tonnage with higher sugar content could be a milestone for the next generation of ethanol.

The map of the sorghum genome will be a topic at the upcoming Commodity Classic to be held in Grapevine, Texas. Listen to the entire interview with Dahlberg below (under the GUEST INTERVIEWS section).