This advance in non-genetically modified (non-GMO) sorghum genetics was developed under a joint agreement of Advanta with DuPont Crop Protection to commercialize the trait. Herbicide-tolerant grain sorghum will give growers greater ability to control yield-limiting grassy weeds.
"Today, annual grass weeds reduce U.S. sorghum yields by approximately 20 percent," said James Hay, North America regional director for DuPont Crop Protection. "The Inzen Z herbicide-tolerance trait offers the potential to stem those losses by providing more effective control of key grass weeds, including foxtail, barnyardgrass, crabgrass and Texas panicum, with convenient over-the-top Zest herbicide application."
"Post-emergent grass control will allow for greater yields, profitability and convenience," says Steve Ligon, North America business director for Advanta. "We're adding the Inzen Z herbicide-tolerance trait to our premium Alta Seeds hybrids to deliver a valuable combination of top-yielding sorghum genetics with the latest breeding advancements."
Advanta and DuPont Crop Protection are working closely with regulatory agencies and local seed and crop protection teams to develop a product stewardship plan for the new seed trait. "Stewardship will be critical to maintaining trait sustainability," says Ligon. "We are working with representatives from all sorghum stakeholder groups to ensure the proper education and best management practices are in place prior to the launch of our herbicide tolerant hybrids."
The new sorghum hybrids come from the industry's largest germplasm pool, including 50 years of breeding and research from its US legacy companies. This allows Alta Seeds to deliver the latest in sorghum advancements within proven genetics. In addition to herbicide tolerance, Alta Seeds offers a wide array of unique forage sorghum hybrids enhanced with brachytic dwarf, brown midrib, dry stalk, male sterile and photoperiod sensitive traits.
The DuPont Inzen Z herbicide-tolerance trait is not registered for sale or use. No sale, offer for sale or use of this product is permitted prior to issuance of the required EPA and state registrations.
DuPont Zest herbicide is a developmental product for which an application has not yet been filed with EPA. This developmental product is not registered for use and sale in the U.S, and no sale, offer for sale or use of this product may be made unless and until all necessary federal and state registrations have been obtained. FG
—From Alta Seeds news release
