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Four near-isogenic Wheatland × Tx430 grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] hybrids differing in allelic status at the Waxy locus were grown in yield trials to determine their potential to expand existing sources of low-amylose starch. The hypothesis tested was that agronomic performance and grain yield do not differ among hybrid genotypes. Hybrids were generated in a two-by-two factorial design using wxb and wild-type (WT) Wheatland as female parents with wxa and WT Tx430 as male parents. Yield trials were conducted at two Nebraska locations in 2009 and 2010. No differences were observed for field emergence, but grain yield of the interallelic waxy (wxb × wxa) hybrid was 330 kg ha×1 greater than the WT × WT hybrid (P = 0.0482). The wxb × Wx hybrid had the highest grain yield, 633 kg ha×1 greater than the WT (P = 0.0003). Amylose starch content was lowest for wxb × wxa (7.66 g kg1), intermediate for wxb × Wx and Wx × wxa (25.06 and 27.20 g kg1, respectively); and highest for WT × WT (34.80 g kg1) (n = 4, P < 0.0001). The waxy and heterowaxy hybrids evaluated in this study are promising options for commercial production of starches with reduced amylose contents in a drought-tolerant crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although heterosis is well established in grain and forage sorghum [Sorghum b/color (L.) Moench], reports of heterosis in sweet sorghum are limited to results from grain sorghum x sweet sorghum hybrids. Recent development of cytoplasmic male-sterile sweet sorghum lines allows creation of sweet sorghum hybrids for research and industry. Male sterility may also affect allocation of photosynthate to plant parts, creating the potential to increase sugar content in stems by eliminating seed as a sink. The objectives of this study were to compare performance of A3 cytoplasmic male-sterile lines and A3 cytoplasmic male-sterile hybrids to fertile B3 counterparts and to each other. A3 cytoplasmic male-sterile 'Dale', 'Wray', 'Sugar Drip', and N100 were crossed in all combinations to their male-fertile counterparts, resulting in 20 genotypes including the male-fertile lines. The 20 genotypes were grown in a randomized complete block in 2004 and 2005 at Lexington, KY. Male-sterile hybrids and lines had higher brix than male-fertile lines. Hybrids produced greater stalk yield due to taller plants with greater stem diameter. Juice fraction and juice composition remained relatively unchanged. Only six hybrids showed positive heterosis for brix. The greater juice yield and higher sugar content of selected hybrids such as A3 Ni 00 x Dale could produce more total syrup or ethanol than current pureline sweet sorghum varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting in 1926 and continuing for 80+ yr, 11,241 crop genetic materials have been registered as of 31 Dec. 2008. The crop registration process is an important pathway to publically describe and document new and useful genetic materials and to incorporate these into the public domain via the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Crop Registration materials are now searchable via the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) and demand for registered materials remains strong with more than 9150 registered accessions distributed in the past 26 yr by the NPGS. Guidelines continue to evolve to accommodate global factors effecting germplasm exchange such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and international treaties (i.e., The International Treaty on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture). Together with (i) the advent of the new Journal of Plant Registrations; (ii) the facilitated search capabilities of GRIN; (iii) the development and definition of genetic materials needing registration (cultivars, germplasm, genetic stocks, parental lines, and mapping populations); and (iv) the recognition and allowance of IPR rights: the registration of crops is a healthy viable dynamic registration system to meet the needs of breeders over the next 80 yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of two waxy alleles, wxa associated with no detectable granule bound starch synthase (GBSS) and wxb associated with apparently inactive GBSS, was recently reported in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench]. In this paper, the occurrence of the wxa and wxb alleles in the USDA-ARS photoperiod-insensitive sor- ghum collection was determined, and the effects of the wxa and wxb alleles on thermal properties of sorghum starch (gelatinization temperatures and energy requirements) measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Of the 51 purported waxy accessions examined, 14 tested positive for presence of amylose by iodine staining and were considered to be previously misclassified wild-type lines. Nine accessions were mixed for presence or absence of amylose. Twenty-four of the 28 accessions confirmed to be waxy by negative iodine staining for amylose had no detectable GBSS using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis (SOS-PAGE) (wxa), and four were show to contain GBSS (wxb). Mean gelatinization onset, peak, and end temperatures were significantly lower for wild-type than either of the two waxy genotypes. Mean gelatinization onset temperature was slightly higher for waxy-GBSS+ genotypes than waxy-GBSS-genotypes. Mean gelatinization end temperature was slightly higher for waxy-GBSS-genotypes than waxy-GBSS+ genotypes. Significant genetic variation was observed within genotypic classes, suggesting influence of additional modifier genes affecting sorghum starch structure or micro-environmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Serotonin is a vasoactive neuroendocrine substance and serotonergic drugs are promising agents for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. The effect of serotonin on superior mesenteric blood flow in humans is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of exogenous serotonin on superior mesenteric artery blood flow, as estimated by the resistance index with Doppler ultrasound, in healthy human volunteers. Material and methods . Six fasting healthy adult volunteers of both genders were studied. Transabdominal Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate the effects of either a standard meal or intravenous infusion of serotonin (2.5–20 nmol kg -1 min -1 ) on the superior mesenteric artery resistance index, platelet‐depleted plasma levels of serotonin, blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram. Results. All subjects had the same patterns of response to meal and serotonin stimulation. Meal stimulation decreased the mean resistance index from 0.84±0.04 to 0.72±0.02 ( p = 0.0004) and increased platelet‐depleted‐plasma levels of serotonin from 50±36 to 61±46 nmol L -1 ( p = 0.04). Serotonin stimulation increased the mean resistance index from 0.82±0.04 to 0.88±0.03 ( p = 0.006) and mean platelet‐depleted‐plasma levels of serotonin from 44±24 to 83±37 nmol L -1 ( p = 0.03). Most subjects reported minor short‐lived adverse effects. Electrocardiogram results were unchanged during all examinations. Conclusions. We conclude that intravenous infusion of serotonin increases the resistance index of the superior mesenteric artery (increases downstream resistance) in healthy adult volunteers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening germplasm for chemical and nutritional content can be expensive and time consuming. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and application of geostatistical models can make screening more efficient. The objectives of this study were to utilize these technologies to: (i) generate chemical and nutritional values for the U.S. photoperiod insensitive sorghum collection, (ii) describe variability fur those traits, (iii) identify accessions in the highest and lowest 1% for each trait, and (iv) describe relationships among the accessions. Accessions were grown at Ithaca, NE, during 2001 and 2002. Samples of grain were scanned and NIRS equations developed for starch, fat, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and phosphorus. The NIRS generated values for each accession can be accessed on GRIN at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/desclist.pl?69; verified 22 November 2005. The highest and lowest 1% of accessions was identified for each trait by best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs). Means and standard deviations for observed values and variances due to accessions were calculated. Rank correlations between BLUPs and observed values ranged from r = 0.82 to r = 0.92. Principal component analysis showed that much of the variation is attributable to a contrast of starch with a weighted average of fat, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and phosphorus. Cluster analyses showed clusters on the basis of canonical values, hut no geographical, taxonomical, or morphological interpretation of the clusters was apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly 3 million hectares of grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L). Moench] are harvested in the USA each year. It may be possible to add value to crop and animal systems by enhancing the digestibility of the stover residue by the use of brown midrib (bmr) genes if grain yields can be maintained. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of bmr-6 and bmr-12 genes on grain yield of sorghum and to evaluate the effect of the bmr genes on stover yield and quality in these genetic backgrounds: 'Wheatland', 'Redlan', RTx430, Tx623, Tx630, Tx631, and the hybrid A Wheatland × RTx430. Plant height, maturity, grain yield and test weight, stover neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were measured in split-plot experiments replicated four times in each of four environments with lines being whole-plots and genotypes being sub plots. Brown midrib genes reduced grain yield and residue yield in the lines; however, yield reduction was not observed in the bmr-12 A Wheatland × RTx430 hybrid. The bmr-12 near-isolines generally had lowest stover lignin content and highest fiber digestibility, bmr-6 was intermediate, and wild-type counterparts had highest lignin content and lowest fiber digestibility. When all data are considered, the bmr-12 gene appears superior to the bmr-6 gene in terms of potentially adding value to the stover of grain sorghum for use in crop/animal systems. The variable expression of bmr-12 and bmr-6 in different lines indicates that selection of compatible genetic backgrounds will he critical in determining the realized impact on value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown midrib (bmr) forages usually contain less lignin and exhibit increased digestibility. Recent research has identified the modifications in biochemical pathways resulting from bmr mutations. In sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench.], bmr-6 has been linked to a decrease in cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) activity. The allelic bmr-12 and bmr-18 genes decrease caffeic acid O-methyl transferase (OMT) activity. There has been only limited research comparing bmr genes to each other and wild type in isogenic sorghum. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of bmr-6 and bmr-12 on forage yield and quality in these genetic backgrounds: 'Atlas', 'Early Hegari-Sart', 'Kansas Collier', and 'Rox Orange'. Height, lodging, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD), and dry matter (DM) yield were measured in a split-plot experiment replicated four times in each of four environments with lines being whole- plots and genotypes (wild type, bmr-6, and bmr-12) being subplots. Brown midrib genes generally had negative agronomic impact, but these were not uniformly expressed across backgrounds. The bmr-6 gene generally resulted in a shorter plant and less DM yield, but did not reduce ADL. The bmr.12 gene generally resulted in reduced ADL, later maturity, and reduced or equivalent DM yield when compared with the wild type. There is a more digestible NDF fraction in both bmr-6 and bmr-12 forage sorghums. When all data are considered in aggregate, the bmr-12 gene appears superior to the bmr-6 gene in terms of less negative impact on agronomic performance and greater positive impact on ADL content and fiber digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the hepatic transit time of an ultrasound contrast agent in patients with liver disease, and to evaluate the mechanism(s) of the well‐established shorter cubital vein to hepatic vein transit time in cirrhosis. Material and Methods: Thirty‐four patients scheduled for Menghini liver biopsy were studied by ultrasound after injection of 2.5 g Levovist (Schering, Berlin, Germany) into an arm vein. The time from injection until the first appearance of contrast echoes in the hepatic artery and hepatic veins was registered. Hepatic transit time was the difference between the two. Results: Biopsy showed cirrhosis in 9 patients, other diffuse hepatic pathology in 23 patients, and normal liver in 2 patients. Mean hepatic vein arrival time was earlier in cirrhosis than in other liver disease (19.4 s versus 26.0 s; P = 0.013), and hepatic transit time was shorter (6.6 s versus 11.6 s; P = 0.024). A hepatic transit time <10 s was found in all patients with cirrhosis, but also in 10 of 23 patients with other liver pathology. Conclusion: Hepatic transit time measurement could not be used to distinguish between cirrhosis and other hepatic pathology, but a transit time = 10 s excluded cirrhosis. The earlier hepatic vein arrival time in cirrhosis is apparently mainly caused by intrahepatic shunting rather than by early arrival of contrast to the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early generation selection experiments typically involve several hundred to thousands of lines. Various systematic and statistical techniques have been developed to increase effectiveness and efficiencies in such experiments, including the development and application of spatial statistical models. In this study, mixed model equations were used to provide least squares means (LSMEANs) and best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) and compare selection effectiveness and efficiencies to observed (Y) and true values in simulated experiments varying in size (10 × 10, 20 × 20 and 30 × 30 grids), control plots densities (0, 5, 10, 20, and 50%), control plot arrangements (high, medium, and low A-optimality), and spatial range of influence (short and long). Results were similar for all grid sizes. In experiments in which the simulated land areas were highly variable (short range), none of the predictors, Y, LSMEAN, or BLUP, were very effective in identifying the true superior genotypes. When the simulated land areas were less variable (long range), use of BLUPs consistently resulted in the highest proportion of true top ranking genotypes identified across all control plot densities, while using the observed values consistently resulted in identification of the lowest proportion of the true top ranking genotypes. Effectiveness of LSMEANs was dependent on control plot density and arrangements. Use of BLUPs for early generation germplasm screening experiments should result in a high effectiveness in selecting truly superior germ plasm and high efficiency because of the ability to account for spatial variability with the use of few or no control plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin content of crop plants has been reduced by traditional plant breeding, natural and induced mutations, and insertion of transgenes. The effects of these genes and associated lower lignin content have been examined in terms of agricultural fitness or with regard to economically harvestable yields of useful plant products, or, in the case of some perennial species, survivability over multiple years. In general, crop yields are depressed by significant reductions in lignin content. Other negative effects observed in plants with lowered liginin contents include lodging and reduction of long-term survival of some perennial species. However, the interactions of genes involved in lignin metabolism with genetic background and the environment in which the lowlignin crop is cultivated are substantial. Examples are provided that demonstrate that lignin can be reduced in specific lines or populations without damaging fitness. It is concluded that it will be essential to incorporate liginin reducing genes into numerous genetic backgrounds and combinations, and evaluate the resulting lines in diverse environments, to discover optimal combinations and to obtain a true measure of value and fitness in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual classification of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grain for the waxy phenotype is subjective and can be confounded by genetic background, maturity, environment, and experience of the classifier. Rapid iodine staining methods for identifying the waxy phenotype in sorghum grain and waxy genotypes in sorghum pollen were developed. Mature single sorghum seeds were placed in 48-well micro-plates and crushed. Water was added and the mixture heated to 95°C for 1h to gelatinize the starch. After cooling, iodine solution was added and color scored after 10 to 60 s allowing for very high sample throughput. Sorghum pollen was analyzed for waxy genotype by mixing isolated pollen with iodine solution and viewing under a microscope at 40×. Waxy pollen was visually distinguishable from wild-type pollen using freshly collected as well as aged pollen. These methods will allow large-scale screening of both mature sorghum grains as well as sorghum pollen for waxy characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GLP-2 (glucagon-like peptide-2) are released in equimolar amounts in response to meal ingestion. GLP-1 inhibits gastric emptying and reduces postprandial gastric and exocrine pancreatic secretion and may play a physiological regulatory role in controlling appetite and energy intake in humans. The role of GLP-2 is more uncertain. Based on the results of animal studies, it has been suggested that GLP-2 may induce intestinal epithelial growth and inhibit gastric motility. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent GLP-2 alone or together with GLP-1 inhibits gastric emptying and the sensation of hunger in man. Methods: Eight healthy volunteers were tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. Antral emptying of a liquid meal and hunger ratings were determined using ultrasound technology and visual analogue scales scoring during infusions of saline, GLP-2 (0.5, and 1.0 pmol kg body wt -1 min -1 ), GLP-1 (0.5 pmol kg body wt -1 min -1 ) or GLP-1 and GLP-2 (0.5 pmol kg body wt -1 min -1 ). Results: The GLP-2 infusions resulted in a dose-dependent increase in antral emptying time (35%; ns and 75%; P = 0.049) compared to saline, but GLP-2 was less potent than GLP-1, which increased the antral emptying time by 192% ( P < 0.001). Addition of GLP-2 to the GLP-1 infusion did not alter the antral emptying time compared with GLP-1 alone. The GLP-1 infusion decreased the sensation of hunger compared with saline ( P = 0.023), whereas the two GLP-2 infusions had no significant effect. Addition of GLP-2 to the GLP-1 infusion did not decrease the sensation of hunger further. Conclusions: Both GLP-1 and GLP-2 inhibit antral emptying in man, but GLP-1 is more potent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the effect of fat on mesenteric blood flow. Analysis of duodenal perfusion; Role of oleic acid on mesenteric artery blood flow; Characteristics of mesenteric blood flow.

Diagnosis of pleural effusion (PE) on supine chest X-ray (SCXR) is considered difficult. This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy of the diagnosis of PE on SCXR and was performed in two phases. At phase 1, a formula for the sonographic estimation of the volume of PE was established by correlating 24 measurements (in 7 patients in whom complete drainage was achieved) with the drained volumes. At phase two, 112 consecutive SCXRs were supplemented by sonography of the chest. The films were evaluated for the presence of PE and for the presence of different radiologic signs of PE. Sonography showed PE in 41 right and 30 left hemithoraces. The overall accuracy of the diagnosis of PE on SCXR was 82 %. Only one of the undiagnosed PEs had a volume of > 300 ml. The most accurate signs were increased density of the hemithorax, blunted costophrenic angle, and loss of the hemidiaphragm silhouette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method of measuring the size of the thymus in infants less than 1 year of age is presented. The width of the thymus was measured in a transverse image while the area of the largest lobe was assessed in a longitudinal image. The thymic index was then defined as the product of these two values. Intra- and interobserver variation analysis were performed in 23 infants. Each infant was scanned alternately by both of two radiologists, and later the same day the measurements were repeated. The mean differences between the first and second measurements (intraobserver variation) were -0.25 (2 SD 7.56) and -1.13 (2 SD 10.80), respectively, for the two observers. The mean difference between the first measurements of the two observers (interobserver variation) was 1.47 (2 SD 9.39). In a postmortem study of 12 infants the thymic index measured by sonography showed an acceptable correlation to the actual volume (c = 0.80) and weight (c = 0.87) of the thymus. In conclusion, our sonographic estimate of the volume of the thymus, the thymic index, in infants under 8 months of age seems to be easy, reliable and reproducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study was performed to compare the increase in maternal serum concentrations of four placental proteins during the first half of 240 normal pregnancies. The proteins were pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human placental lactogen (HPL) hormone, and pregnancy-specific beta 1-glycoprotein (PSG), all produced by trophoblast cells. The median increases were observed to be very close to exponential growth curves. Based on simple assumptions, these growth curves could be explained as being solely dependent on the growth of the placenta. The assumptions were that the proteins were produced in the placenta at a constant rate per gram of placental cell mass and secreted into the circulation shortly after synthesis. Our investigations showed that for two of the proteins, PSG and HPL, the rate constants were, in fact, close to the reported growth rate of the placenta, whereas the PAPP-A production rate constant was significantly higher than those of the others. The production curve for HCG was very different from that of the other proteins. PAPP-A and HCG must therefore have more complicated mechanisms for regulating the production. An equation was constructed that permitted estimation of the molar production of the placental proteins per gram of placental cell mass per day during the first half of normal pregnancy. The value was highest for HPL and lowest for PAPP-A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four healthy subjects were studied with ultrasound echocardiography during rest and during graded exercise. The myocardial contraction displacement s[t] of the posterior wall of the left ventricle was recorded (maximal displacement: ΔS). 'On line' differentiators were developed to differentiate the s[t]-curves. In this way the velocity (=ds/dt) and acceleration (Å= d2s/dt2) of contraction were recorded. The velocity and acceleration curves showed two major positive peaks and one negative peak. The first positive peak of each curve (1 and Ä1) refers to the first part of the myocardial contraction period. Average (n = 31) values at rest (± SE of mean) for a 50 kg female were: Δs = (4±0·1) mm, 1 = (2·3 ± 0·2) x 10−2 mm/msec, and Å1 = (3·3±0·2)x 10"4mm/msec2. These values were approximately doubled at a work rate of 300 kg/min. Resting averages for a 91 kg male were: Δs = (6·5±0·l)mm,V1 = (3·9±0·l)x10-2mm/sec,and Å1 = (4·4±0·2)x10-4mm/msec2; these values increased by 40-50% at a steady state work rate of 600 kgm/min. The size of Δs, maximum velocity, and acceleration were correlated with the relative steady state work rate of each subject. At identical heart rates the parameters were reproducible from day to day in each individual. The sizes of the majority of the parameters were correlated with the size of the subject, and to individual variations in heart rate. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To examine the emptying times of broth and water, and explore the possibility of a cephalic influence on gastric emptying.Material and Methods: On different days each of twelve healthy volunteers had meals of either 350 ml water or 350 ml broth. Subsequently ten volunteers had meals of water alone and of water followed by sham feeding with broth. The antral area was determined at sonography five times before the meal as a baseline, and every 1-4 minutes after the meal. The time until the antral area had decreased to 150% of baseline (T150) was determined and used as surrogate expression of gastric emptying time.Results: The mean T150 was for water 20.3 min (range 12-40), and was for broth significantly shorter 12.6 min (5-21), P = 0.0020. In the subsequent series the mean T150 was 28.5 min (18-49) for water, and significantly shorter for water followed by sham feeding, 22.8 (14-40), P = 0.0078.Conclusion: Broth empties faster from the stomach than plain water, probably because of a "cephalic phase" stimulation of gastric motility via the vagus nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ultrasound scanning is replacing scintigraphy in studies of gastric emptying of liquid, but both have considerable day-to-day variability. This study describes a modified ultrasound technique for assessing gastric emptying of liquid, and evaluates the inter- and intraindividual variation in emptying time.Material and Methods: On different days, each of 12 healthy volunteers had meals of 350 ml broth. The antral area was measured at sonography 5 times before the meal as a baseline, and every 1-4 min after the meal. The time until the antral area had decreased to 150% of baseline (T150) was determined and used as surrogate expression of gastric emptying time.Results: The mean T150 for a broth meal was 12.6 min (range 5-21) and 13.5 min (6-23) (first and second meal, respectively). The standard deviation of the differences between the 12 pairs of repeated measurements was 3.1 min and the coefficient of variation was 24%.Conclusion: Ultrasound monitoring of antral size after a liquid meal is a well suited method for assessing gastric emptying of liquid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-retaining intra-urethral device 'Prostakath' was inserted in a consecutive series of 29 men with obstructive benign prostatic hypertrophy. Fifteen patients were relieved of prostatic symptoms for an observation period of 22 weeks (range 2-60). The spiral was removed in 14 cases (48%) at an average of 14 weeks (range 1-82) after insertion; in 9 patients this was because of urinary retention and in 5 it followed dislocation of the stent into the bladder. Five stents removed after 44 weeks of treatment (range 21-82) were severely calcified. Light microscopic investigation of the Spirals that were removed revealed no damage to the gold-plated surface. All patients with calcification had chronic urinary infection resistant to antibiotic treatment. We believe that infected urine is the major factor responsible for the calcification. We suggest that patients with recurrent urinary infection after insertion of the Prostakath should be closely followed up and checked for stone formation by a plain X-ray of the bladder region. It may be advisable to change the Prostakath in patients with resistant urinary tract infection at 6-monthly intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the registration of the twelve grain sorghum genetic stocks near-isogenic for the brown midrib genes bmr-6 and bmr-12 developed by the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service company and the Agricultural Research Division of the University of Nebraska. The genetic stocks were developed by crossing the recurrent parents Wheatland, Redlan, RTx430, BTx623, BTx630, and BTx631 to the brown midrib sources N121 and F220. Release of the genetic stocks makes brown midrib genes known to reduce activity of two specific enzymes important in lignin synthesis, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and methyltransferase.

The article reports on the registration of the seven forage sorghum genetic stocks near-isogenic for the brown midrib genes bmr-6 and bmr-7 developed by the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service company and the Agricultural Research Division of the University of Nebraska. The genetic stocks were developed by crossing the recurrent parents Atlas, Kansas Collier, Rox Orange and Early Hegari-Sart to brown midrib sources N121 and F220, followed by a minimum of four cycles of selfing and backcrossing.

The article reports on the registration of Atlas bmr-12 forage sorghum developed jointly by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Division, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of Nebraska. Atlas was developed by crossing the Atlas to the brown midrib source F220 that was facilitated by the use of the nuclear male-sterility gene. Fertility in A1 cytoplasmic male-sterile lines under greenhouse condition did not restore in Atlas bmr-12. Through Atlas bmr-12 the digestibility-enhancing brown midrib gene bmr-12 makes available in a current utilized self-pollinated forage sorghum cultivar with its adaptation and performance.