Researchers used high-resolution three-dimensional imaging to study the internal anatomy of sorghum leaves, revealing a complex ventilation system. The study found that reducing stomata size can increase air spaces beneath the leaf, improving CO2 distribution without compromising photosynthesis.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 11, 2026
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Researchers have identified genes with organ-preferential expression in sorghum stems, revealing distinct temporal functional signatures and potential candidates for genetic engineering applications. These findings offer valuable insights into improving sorghum stem biomass and composition for bioenergy and biopolymer production.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBMC Plant Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2025
Researchers evaluated 13 sorghum hybrids for biomass yield potential and feedstock quality under various nitrogen fertilization levels. H1 and H13 were identified as top performers, exhibiting superior biomass yield and energy-rich feedstock composition.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2025
Scientists at CRAG have made significant progress in understanding sorghum's molecular mechanisms and improving its breeding, focusing on enhancing drought tolerance. The team has identified key genetic mechanisms and developed an efficient transformation method using a ternary vector system.
SourceCenter for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2025
Researchers have uncovered two major genes responsible for sorghum's double-grain spikelet, leading to a significant increase in grain number and crop yield. The study found that the DG1 gene regulates floret meristem formation and differentiation, restoring fertility to the lower floret and resulting in the double-grain trait.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025
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Researchers have identified two ABCG family SL transporter genes, SbSLT1 and SbSLT2, responsible for sorghum's resistance to Striga. Knocking out these genes inhibits SL secretion, preventing Striga germination and infestation. This breakthrough has wide-ranging applications in enhancing parasitic plant resistance across various crops.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025
A new collaborative research team is developing sorghum hybrids with nitrogen-saving traits by leveraging genetic diversity from wild relatives. The project aims to reduce fertilizer application levels, increase resilience, and productivity for grain sorghum producers.
Researchers have developed a new sorghum variant that can outperform soybeans in oil production, with great potential as a clean source of renewable fuel. The 'push-pull-protect' strategy successfully engineered sorghum lines to accumulate up to 5.5% TAG in their leaves and 3.5% dry weight in their stems under field conditions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2025
Researchers found that a regulatory level change enabled C4 plants to photosynthesize more efficiently. By studying this shift, they believe it could be applied to make C3 crops like rice and wheat more resilient to climate change.
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Researchers have created a prototype cultured pork using kafirin proteins isolated from red sorghum grain, expanding the options for lab-grown meats. The resulting product contains more protein and saturated fat but fewer mono- and polyunsaturated fats compared to raw lean pork.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered unique lipids in sorghum that have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests that incorporating sorghum into diets could promote cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolic health.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
Researchers found that certain C4 crops can control water loss through non-stomatal mechanisms, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide despite raised temperatures and increased atmospheric demand. This discovery has significant implications for improving water-use efficiency in these crops.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024
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Researchers at CABBI used genetic engineering to improve water use efficiency in climate-friendly C4 crops like sorghum and sugarcane, maximizing biomass production while minimizing water usage. The breakthrough could aid crops in mitigating drought stress and support the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024
The study utilizes near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and machine learning to provide quick, accurate, and cost-effective product analysis. The researchers created a global model for corn kernel analysis, which can predict moisture and protein content with high accuracy across different locations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 27, 2024
A research team identified rhizobacteria capable of suppressing Striga infestation in sorghum, with isolates from the Pseudomonas genus demonstrating promising biocontrol potential. The study highlights the potential of using rhizobacteria as environmentally friendly bioherbicides to improve sorghum productivity in Ethiopia.
SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTechnology in Agronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
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A new resource has been created to provide a deeper understanding of the bioenergy crop sorghum and its potential for genetic modification. The study identified gene expression patterns in sorghum stem cells, which can help researchers design cell-type specific promoters for targeted gene expression.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024
Scientists at UC Davis discovered specific strains of soil bacteria that induce resistance to witchweed, a parasitic plant that affects 20% of Africa's sorghum crop. The bacteria alter root anatomy and degrade chemical cues, making it harder for witchweed to latch on, and have great promise as soil additives to improve yields.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024
Researchers identified genes controlling sorghum flowering and found that overexpressing one gene can delay flowering, increasing plant growth and biomass. The study provides new insights into optimizing sorghum for bioenergy goals.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 7, 2024
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Researchers discovered an enzyme that can improve the quality and alcohol content of sorghum-based beers. By optimizing brewing parameters, brewers can create wort with higher concentrations of fermentable glucose, resulting in better-tasting drinks.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateNov 2, 2023
Researchers found that different flours foster distinct bacterial communities, contributing to the variation in sourdough aromas and flavors. The study reveals that bakers can influence the aroma of their sourdough by using different flours.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023
Researchers have found that sorghum bran packs a bigger nutritional punch than whole grain due to its high levels of calcium, magnesium, leucine, and valine. The climate-resilient grain holds its own against other top grains in terms of macro- and micronutrients.
SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme, SbSOMT, that unlocks the potential for health-promoting compounds in sorghum. The enzyme catalyzes the production of O-methylated stilbenes, which have been shown to possess anti-ageing, anti-neurodegeneration, and anti-diabetes properties.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023
A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2023
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A new study reveals that crops such as corn, sorghum, and millet have evolved by swapping genetic modules between cells to adapt to environmental changes. Researchers identified trends of gene module trading among the species, which may help scientists pinpoint genes controlling drought tolerance.
Chinese scientists have identified a key gene involved in crop alkaline tolerance, which may greatly improve crop yield in sodic environments. The study found that the gene negatively regulates alkaline stress by modulating the efflux of H2O2 under environmental stress.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
Machine learning models can automatically detect individual heads on grain crops in images taken from drones, providing a simpler alternative to manual counting. The study provides a detailed pipeline outlining the use of these models, covering data preparation, model validation, inference, and yield-specific metrics.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·DateMar 7, 2023
Researchers discovered a species of grass, seashore paspalum, that can tolerate diverse stresses and aid in crop development. The study revealed the plant responds to nutrient deprivation by doubling its production of a sugary molecule called trehalose, which helped corn seedlings grow faster and larger without added nutrients.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2022
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A new study sheds light on the leaf traits and productivity of C4 bioenergy crops, revealing distinct niches in the leaf economics spectrum. The research found that miscanthus and sorghum, two C4 plant species, have higher photosynthetic rates and nitrogen use efficiency than common C3 plants.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022
The Texas Climate-Smart Initiative aims to expand climate-smart commodity markets and leverage greenhouse gas benefits. Project partners will provide technical and financial assistance to producers to implement climate-smart production practices.
Scientists have identified the DOMINANT AWN INHIBITOR (DAI) gene in sorghum, which regulates the absence and shortening of awns. The gene encodes a protein that negatively regulates awn formation as a transcription factor, with implications for breeding modern awnless cultivars.
SourceOkayama University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022
A new study by Texas A&M AgriLife researchers shows bioenergy sorghum can sequester significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide in soil, improving fertility. The crop's deep root system can reach untapped sources of water and nutrients, making it a sustainable option for biomass production.
SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateJan 7, 2022
Scientists from Okayama University have identified the genes that cause pesticide sensitivity in sorghum, a superfood grain. The study reveals that these genes are involved in plant defense mechanisms and could help develop crops that can be grown safely with organophosphate treatment.
SourceOkayama University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
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Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2021
A reservoir of genes allowing sorghum to adapt to environmental stresses has been identified from 13 contrasting genomes. This genetic diversity is valuable for breeders, enabling them to improve crop yield and resilience. The analysis, led by the University of Queensland, provides unprecedented insights into the genome's dynamic nature.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021
A new study found that consuming millets can significantly lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and BMI, as well as decrease blood pressure in people who were overweight or obese. The study used meta-analysis to analyze data from 19 studies with nearly 900 participants.
SourceInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 18, 2021
A new sweet sorghum variety called KIT1 has been developed by Dr. Adnan Kanbar, accumulating particularly high amounts of sugar and thriving under temperate climate conditions. The estimated sugar yield per hectare is over 4.4 tons, corresponding to almost 3,000 liters of bioethanol.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateJun 18, 2021
A study tested over 150 sorghum germplasm lines for resistance to a fungus likely to hamper production. Researchers found sources of resistance to anthracnose leaf blight, including improved lines from various regions. The findings will help develop better recommendations for sorghum growers in Pennsylvania.
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A new study found that early breeding efforts in sorghum decreased harmful mutations compared to their wild relatives, unlike maize. This unexpected result may inform future breeding efforts in both crops.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 20, 2021
A CABBI study shows energy sorghum behaves more like perennial miscanthus in its efficient use of water and light to produce abundant biomass. Energy sorghum has higher nitrogen emissions than maize but can be managed with careful fertilizer, offering a middle-road crop solution.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateJan 7, 2021
Researchers discovered a surprising trove of wild sorghum relatives in Australia, offering potential solutions to combat drought and extreme heat. However, these economically important plants are in peril due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateNov 30, 2020
Researchers found that infertile spikelets collect and transfer photosynthetic carbon to seed-bearing ones, increasing yield. Removing infertile spikelets reduced seed weight by 9%.
SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 5, 2020
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Research reveals that crops adapted to pre-industrial environments, like corn and sorghum, cannot efficiently utilize elevated CO2 levels. Experts propose engineering these plants to optimize resource allocation, potentially boosting productivity in a future with rising CO2 concentrations.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·DateNov 5, 2020
A $1.3 million DOE grant is funding a five-year collaboration to examine the genetic and environmental factors affecting mycorrhizal symbioses in field conditions. Researchers will use shotgun sequencing, artificial intelligence, and microscopy to understand how plants control their associations with beneficial fungi.
Scientists have identified three genes linked to high protein digestibility in sorghum, which could lead to breeding programs to enhance the crop's nutritional value. This breakthrough aims to improve the lives of people in third-world countries and US livestock producers by increasing the protein content of sorghum.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 19, 2020
Researchers found that plant genetic variation influences root flavonoids and soil microbial community composition, which can be impacted by frost. The study suggests that flavonoid production and interactions with microorganisms may provide tolerance to cold and frost stress in sorghum.
SourcePenn State·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateAug 13, 2020
Researchers found that sorghum performed better under drought conditions, producing more biomass with less water. Mixed with supplements, sorghum can achieve desirable feed quality and increase profitability without sacrificing nutrition.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 9, 2020
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Research finds that sorghum crops in areas with high witchweed prevalence have genetic adaptations to resist the parasite, altering hormone production. While these mutations confer some resistance, they also affect photosynthesis and growth, raising potential trade-offs.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2020
A new study from the University of Delaware suggests that India can sustainably enhance its food supply and reduce environmental impacts by reducing reliance on rice and planting more nutritious crops like sorghum and finger millet. The traditional cereals have higher nutritional quality, use less water and energy, and emit fewer green...
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2019
A recent study on sorghum explores the complex relationship between humans, crops, and the environment during domestication. Researchers found that birds with a taste for sorghum seeds may have driven farmers to select varieties with condensed tannins, which provide a defense mechanism against bird damage.
SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Plants·DateDec 10, 2019
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Researchers have discovered how the sorghum plant exercises exquisite control over its genome to survive harsh conditions. The study reveals that the plant modulates the expression of tens of thousands of genes in response to drought stress, with changes occurring within a week of water scarcity.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2019
Researchers at the University of Johannesburg have decoded how priming with rhizobacteria enhances sorghum's resistance to fungal attacks. The low-cost approach can be used to counter other pathogens in economically important food crops, boosting crop yields and reducing environmental impact.
SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalMetabolites·DateDec 2, 2019
Plant scientists have doubled the amount of grains a sorghum plant can produce by identifying novel genetic variations in the MSD2 gene. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields and address global food production challenges related to climate change and population growth.
SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 30, 2019
Researchers aim to leverage quantum dot technology to understand how living things conduct internal communications and send messages to other organisms. They will track the movement of extracellular vesicles and their cargo using quantum dots, which offer superior brightness and stability.
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A single sorghum gene, Tannin1, controls bird feeding behavior by regulating the production of bad-tasting molecules and attractive volatiles. The discovery provides insights into plant-bird ecological interactions and suggests multiple strategies for developing new control measures to prevent yield losses caused by birds.
Researchers found that sesame performs well under drought conditions, with consistent yields even when water-deficit conditions decreased sorghum's yield by 25% and cotton's yield by 40%. Sesame has multiple market value uses, including food consumption, cooking oil production, and livestock feed.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateSep 18, 2019
Researchers at the University of Warwick found that sorghum's gene diversity has decreased over time due to agricultural practices. The crop's ancestors hold the key to its future survival and potential adaptation to climate change.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 8, 2019
A team of scientists has developed a dynamic model that predicts which photosynthetic manipulations will boost wheat and sorghum crop yields. The study found that enhancing photosynthesis can increase or decrease crop yield depending on environmental conditions.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·DateApr 8, 2019
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Researchers found that flavonoids, produced by sorghum plants to defend against insect feeding, are effective in repelling corn leaf aphids. The compounds are not present in the phloem but in epidermal cells, where they can be taken up by insects and lead to their demise.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology·DateApr 3, 2019
Researchers identify specific genes, including SbGSTF1 and a tandem GST gene, responsible for safener efficacy in grain sorghum. The discovery sheds light on how safeners work and could lead to broader applications against insect herbivores, chemical pollutants, or environmental stresses.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 21, 2019
Scientists have identified a crucial gene controlling stem juiciness in sorghum, which could enhance drought tolerance but also increase disease susceptibility. The discovery has significant implications for breeding and improving crop yields.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 2, 2018
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