KSU Scientists Develop Herbicide-Resistant Sorghum

Weed management is one of the biggest concerns for grain sorghum producers, but Kansas State University scientists are finding ways to remedy the problem. Kassim Al-Khatib, KSU professor of weed physiology, and his colleagues have developed a herbicide-resistant grain sorghum line. The sorghum line is tolerant to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides such as Steadfast, Accent, Resolve, and Ally.

“This technology has excellent potential for controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds in sorghum, using post-emergence herbicides,” Al-Khatib said, adding that he expects producer acceptance to be high because no post-emergence herbicide is now available for managing grassy weeds in sorghum. The team involved in the project is also working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s program for Minor Use Pesticides as well as to register the use of Steadfast herbicide on ALS-resistant sorghum.

Read the article at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/story/briefs090408.aspx