International Sorghum and Millet Collaborative Research Support Program (INTSORMIL CRSP)
Date of this Version
6-1-2008
Document Type
Article
Citation
INTSORMIL Report No. 19, June 1, 2008
Abstract
The INTSORMIL Central America Regional Program supports the efforts of national research programs to develop dynamic research programs that contribute to productivity, economic growth, natural resource conservation and improved diets. INTSORMIL supports a ‘network’ approach and promotes sorghum production in the region through the PCCMCA (Central Cooperative Program for Improving Crops and Animals) and other national and international organizations. PCCMCA serves as a forum for the international testing program for sorghum in Central America (CA). Rene Clara, INTSORMIL CA Regional Coordinator based at CENTA in El Salvador, coordinates the regional grain sorghum yield trials conducted on belhalf of the PCCMCA. In 2007 the PCCMCA trials were conducted in 12 locations in CA.
Nicaragua has made great strides in sorghum production through their participation in the PCCMCA sorghum testing program. A strong collaborative relationship exists between the INTSORMIL regional research program and INTA, the Nicaraguan national agricultural research program, and ANPROSOR, the Nicaraguan grain producers association. On April 30, 2008 the INTA sorghum program released three new sorghums; (1) Variety INTA-RCV, (2) Variety INTA SR-16, and (3) Hybrid INTA Forrajero. All have outstanding qualities and each targets a different market. The varieties RCV and SR-16 provide small producers with access to improved genetics without the cost of hybrid seed while the INTA Forrajero is a forage hybrid with high yield potential.