Perennial sorghum development through intergeneric hybridization with pampas grass
A breeding approach to convert sorghum from an annual to a perennial crop by hybridizing it with pampas grass, aiming to reduce fertilizer inputs, minimize soil disturbance, and improve erosion resistance in row-crop agriculture.
Overview
This research addresses the need to reduce agricultural inputs and preserve soil health by converting sorghum, currently grown as an annual crop, into a perennial. Perennial cropping systems require less fertilizer, eliminate repeated tillage and planting operations, and help control erosion while maintaining healthy soils. The approach uses intergeneric hybridization, crossing sorghum with pampas grass (Erianthus arundinaceus), to introduce perenniality traits into a major cereal crop.
Technical specifications
- Breeding strategy: Intergeneric hybridization between sorghum and pampas grass to transfer perennial growth traits
- Female parents: Nuclear male-sterile Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum halepense (johnsongrass) used to receive pampas grass pollen
- F1 generation: Produced plants morphologically similar to johnsongrass, confirming successful hybridization
- F2 generation: Showed distinct characteristics compared to selfed johnsongrass controls, indicating trait segregation and introgression of pampas grass genetics
- Backcrossing: F1 plants crossed back to Sorghum bicolor yielded a high number of fully matured seeds, demonstrating reproductive compatibility and seed set potential
- Target benefits: Reduced fertilizer requirements, reduced mechanical field operations, improved soil conservation, and reduced erosion
Technology readiness level
The program is at an early experimental stage. Initial crosses have been successfully performed, with F1 hybrids confirmed and F2 progeny showing novel variation. Backcrosses to cultivated sorghum have produced viable seed, indicating feasibility of the hybridization route. Further field evaluation, multi-location trials, and agronomic characterization will be needed to validate perenniality, yield stability, and input-reduction claims before commercial development.
About University of Nebraska, Lincoln
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system, combining land-grant reach with a collaborative, industry-engaged culture. A research and technology park adjacent to campus provides modern wet and dry labs, greenhouses, offices, and conferencing, enabling companies to co-locate with faculty and access shared equipment and pilot environments. A statewide extension network links university expertise with producers and communities, creating rapid pathways for field trials, demonstrations, and workforce pipelines. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NSF, USDA, DOE, and NIH. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, agreements, and startup formation with industry-friendly terms.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Looking for
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.