--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20250128-innovations-in-grain-sorghum-lower-fertilizer-use-better-weed-control/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # Innovations in grain sorghum: lower fertilizer use, better weed control Publication Date: 28.01.2025, 14:00 Scientists develop genetic innovations to boost resilience and reduce costs. Grain sorghum, a key crop in arid regions, faces significant challenges: high nitrogen fertilizer dependency and limited options for controlling weedy grasses like johnsongrass. Addressing these issues, scientists are advancing genetic engineering and breeding techniques to enhance the crop’s resilience, productivity, and sustainability. ### Reducing fertilizer dependency A collaborative research initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), aims to improve grain sorghum’s nitrogen-use efficiency. Part of a $38 million investment in nine projects, this effort seeks to reduce nitrogen pollution from U.S. bioenergy feedstocks. Sakiko Okumoto, PhD, a plant physiologist at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, leads the project integrating biological nitrification inhibition (BNI)—a trait found in wild sorghum relatives. BNI can lower fertilizer application needs while maintaining yields. Collaborating on this effort, Veena Veena, PhD, MBA, from the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, applies genome modification technologies to develop sorghum lines with traits like improved nutrient cycling, drought resistance, and resilience. These innovations are expected to reduce costs for grain ethanol producers, enhance environmental benefits, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. ADVERTISEMENT ### Innovations in weed management Meanwhile, researchers from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed a herbicide-resistant trait for grain sorghum, providing a novel solution for controlling grass weeds such as johnsongrass. The breeding program began with the discovery of herbicide-resistant johnsongrass in Arkansas. The resistance trait, targeting acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC-ase), was transferred to grain sorghum using advanced hybridization techniques. The resulting product, ArkTam sorghum, offers robust resistance to most ACC-ase herbicides, enabling effective post-emergence weed control. “Sorghum producers have long sought post-emergence grass control options,” said Bill Rooney, PhD, a sorghum breeder at Texas A&M. “This trait delivers a critical solution and has garnered significant interest.” Field trials show ArkTam sorghum’s high tolerance to ACC-ase herbicides and strong control over problematic grass species. This advancement addresses farmers’ challenges with herbicide-resistant weeds and restrictive herbicide regulations. ### Advancing sustainable sorghum production By tackling fertilizer dependency and weed management, these innovations underscore the collaborative efforts of institutions like Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Together, they offer grain sorghum producers sustainable, cost-effective solutions to critical agricultural challenges. --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.