2015 Alta Seeds Guide

2015PRODUCT

GUIDE

CONTENTS

Our line-up of products also features breakthrough characteristics such as the brachytic dwarf, BMR-6 and dry stalk traits in sorghum for forage. These characteristics and traits improve the digestibility, the harvestability and the overall efficiency of sorghum cut as silage, for hay or grazing.

Alta Seeds brand has been introducing the most advanced genetics in sorghum for more than 50 years and we have more exciting projects in our research pipeline. We are committed to developing the next generation of sorghum and solutions for our growers.

Steeped in the traditions found only in the heart of sorghum country, our seed expertise goes beyond development of our exclusive genetics and industry-leading hybrids. We live and learn how to breed and grow sorghum in the same conditions as our grower-customers.

The versatility, persistence and adaptability of sorghum are also traits within Alta Seeds. We apply the latest technologies and breeding techniques from around the world to bring cutting edge advancements into our grain and forage sorghum. But we also breed specifically for successful production of sorghum from the High Plains to the northern, western and eastern areas of the U.S.

At Alta Seeds we offer high-yielding, high quality seed that helps growers maximize production with every inch of water and every dollar invested.

In the grain sorghum offering, the Alta Seeds brand will be introducing the first ever herbicide tolerant sorghum hybrids. This is a result of selective breeding, not genetically modified (non-GMO). This technology will give farmers additional weed control options to improve their productivity and efficiency with sorghum.

Brachytic BMR-6 Forage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4What Growers are Saying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Sorghum for Forage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Forage Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Forage Sorghum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Sorghum-Sudangrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Sudangrass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Pearl Millet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Grain Sorghum Selection & Stand . . . . . . . . 40Grain Sorghum Hybrid Summary. . . . . . . . . 42Grain Sorghum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

2 3

“Corn can’t compete. The results we get from our forage sorghum make

our cost of gain very competitive because of our forage sorghum. We used to grow a lot of corn silage and anymore we grow more sorghum silage just because of the water. It’s more versatile, significantly

cheaper to grow and extremely water efficient.”

Tom May Stratton, CO

“ I can get as many tons of sorghum as I do with corn while cutting my costs by two-thirds. When you consider availability of water, fertilizer and seed costs — there’s just no beating it. The nutritionist likes it and it feeds well.”

Joe Mendonsa Tipton, CA

“Our Brachytic BMR sorghum has increased profitability on the dairy. We’re always dealing with drought so we count on forage sorghum. We grow AF7401 because its Brachytic genetics provide excellent standability

and it has BMR-6 for great nutritional value.”

Matthias Hilgar, Syracuse, KS

To hear more of what growers are saying, visit AltaSeeds.com and click Grower Experiences.

WHAT GROWERS

ARE SAYING

Cost Savings up to $215 per acreIndependent studies show our Brachytic forage sorghum saves growers an average of $215 per acre in production costs. Under scenarios where the average cow requires 6 acres of forage, Brachytic forage sorghum can save dairies up to $1,200 per cow considering the more than $200 per acre production cost savings of forage sorghum versus corn silage.

Our Brachytic sorghums can keep up with corn under average growing conditions, and blow it away during times of high heat and drought. According to researchers at Texas A&M University, forage sorghum silage can grow on about 40% less water than corn requires.

CornBMR-6 Sorghum

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

Silage Production and Water Use Efficiency

Tons

per

Inch

of W

ater

Irrig

atio

n A

pp

lied 1.76

0.84

BRACHYTIC BMR-6 FORAGE

Total Production Costs Per Ton

State Sorghum1 Corn2

Texas High Plains (Irr.) $424 $569

California (Irr.) $665 $904

Pennsylvania (Dryland) $402 $662

Average $497 $712

Difference $215

Selected Production Costs for Forage Sorghum and Corn for Silage

1– Forage sorghum 2–Traited Corn Hybrid–34,000 seed/acre

2009 Texas AgriLife Extension Service, University of California Cooperative Extension, Penn State Cooperative Extension Service

4 5

Forage Sorghum

Sorghum-sudangrass

Sudangrass

Forage Sorghums are generally taller, produce more leaves, and are later maturing than typical grain sorghum hybrids. Forage sorghums can produce very high biomass yields, but have limited re-growth potential making them excellent choices for single-cut silage and standing green-chop production uses.

For optimum forage with grain, harvest should begin when 80% or more of heading has occurred and 50% of the grain reaches the soft dough stage.

Sorghum-sudangrass hybrids characteristically reach heights over six feet, have smaller stalks than forage sorghum, strong tillering, and produce more tonnage than sudangrass. They have excellent re-growth potential, but less than sudangrass.

The re-growth ability of sorghum-sudangrass hybrids make them well-suited for multiple harvest systems.

Sudangrass has finer stalks, more tillers and produces more leaves than typical forage sorghum. It possesses excellent re-growth ability with quick recovery following cutting or grazing. Total biomass tonnage for a single harvest generally will be less than yields of forage sorghum. Sudangrass is primarily utilized for grazing and hay production and can serve as an excellent cover crop.

For the best quality and yield under a multi-cut program, harvest at 40 days or 40" of growth. Mechanical harvesters should be set to leave 2 nodes, 4" for Brachytic or 6" of stubble for non-brachytic, whichever is higher. Harvesting at this height will promote more rapid re-growth. At the latest, harvest when 50% of the plants have reached the flag leaf stage for a one cut program. Under a one cut program, cutting height can be lowered to maximize yields. Opening the swather for a wide windrow promotes drying.

If grazing, cattle should be turned in at approximately 24" of growth, and grazing should be stopped when height is reduced

to 6" to promote rapid and adequate re-growth.

Forage CharacteristicsBrachytic Dwarf: Four dwarfing genes

in sorghum control height. These Brachytic dwarfism genes reduce the length of the internodes without affecting other plant characteristics, such as leaf number, leaf size, maturity or yield/biomass production. Brachytic dwarf sorghums have very high leaf to stalk ratios, prolific tillering, superior standability, and comparable tonnage to normal height sorghums.

For the best quality and yield under a one cut program, cutting height can be lowered to maximize yields. Opening the swather for a wide windrow promotes drying.

Under a multi-cut program, harvest sorghum-sudangrass or sudangrass at 40 days or 40" of growth. Due to the compressed internode lengths, mechanical harvesters should be set to leave 2 nodes or 4" of stubble, whichever is higher. Harvesting at this height will promote more rapid re-growth. At the latest, harvest when 50% of the plants have reached the flag leaf stage for a one cut program.

Grazing: Cattle can begin grazing at approximately 18" of growth, and grazing should be stopped when height is reduced to 4" to promote re-growth.

BMR-6 sorghums have less lignin than conventional sorghums and are extremely palatable. The high digestibility rivals corn silage as the choice for improved animal performance.

Dry stalk hybrids allow growers to ensile or bale at reduced moisture levels with less opportu nity for spoilage. When harvested at the soft dough stage, dry stalk forage sorghums have approximately 64% to 69% moisture content. Dry stalk sudangrass hybrids can be stored much sooner as baleage or haylage than non-dry stalk types and can be harvested as dry hay.

Male Sterile sorghums produce no anthers and thus no pollen for self-fertilization. If no pollen source is nearby to cross pollinate, then male sterile plants will produce no grain. Levels of sugars and protein increase in vege tative portions of the plant. This generates excellent forage quality and palatability. When combined with the BMR-6 trait, male sterile forage sorghums will have higher energy content than other hybrids with grain.

Photoperiod Sensitive (PS) Sorghums have a wide window for harvest. The PS sorghums initiate flowering in response to day length and will remain vegetative from mid-March through September, adding new leaves and maintaining very high quality forage. The flexible harvest window of PS sorghum helps growers manage weather or custom harvest scheduling.

SORGHUMFOR FORAGE

6 7

Hybrid Type BMR-6 TraitsEarly

Season Silage

Mid-Season Silage

Full Season Silage

Single Cut, Graze Regrowth

Double Crop

Multiple Cuts

Single Cut, High

Yield

Multiple Cut,

Rapid Dry Down

Single Cut, Regrowth

Rapid Dry Down

AF7101 Forage Sorghum ✔ DS ✔ ✔

AF7102 Forage Sorghum ✔ BD ✔ ✔

AF7201 Forage Sorghum ✔ DS ✔ ✔


AF7301 Forage Sorghum ✔ MS ✔ ✔ ✔


AF8301 Forage Sorghum ✔

AS5201Sorghum Sudangrass

DS ✔ ✔ ✔


✔ ✔ ✔ ✔


✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔


✔ BD ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔


✔ PPS ✔

AS9301 Sudangrass ✔ BD & DS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

AS9302 Sudangrass ✔ BD & DS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Alta Seeds offers the latest technology and proprietary genetics to forage growers. Our hybrids consistently rank as top performers in variety trials for yield and nutritional quality.

The Alta Seeds forage sorghum line-up provides growers with an assortment of versatile hybrids with outstanding performance, drought tolerance and water-use efficiency.

Nitrogen Fertilization Recommendation:1 to 1.25 lbs. N per Growing Day

Forage Selection

Key: MS = Male Sterile BD = Brachytic Dwarf DS = Dry Stalk PPS = Photoperiod Sensitive

8 9

FORAGE SORGHUM

Primary area of adaptation

Recommended Seeding Rates: Vary depending on local growing conditions. Please see your Alta Seeds retailer for local recommendations.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent

Based on Alta Seeds research trials relative to other Alta Seeds products.

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 3

Continuous Grazing Not Rated

Rotational Grazing Not Rated

AF7101 is the earliest maturing forage sorghum in the Alta Seeds lineup. This hybrid is primarily positioned to suit the shorter growing season conditions in the Northern US. This BMR-6 product features high quality forage that is highly digestible and provides producers with top yields. Tremendous seedling emergence coupled with a dry stalk allow AF7101 the versatility to be used in double cropping systems, including those looking for a single-chop harvest with a source of starch.

FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland SHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HS High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till HS Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area SFusarium Prone Area S

Observed Suitability and Field-By-Field Positioning HS = Highly Suitable S = Suitable MA = Manage Appropriately X = Poor Suitability

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSEarly Relative Maturity82–85 Days to Soft Dough Stage BMR–6 Midrib 12–15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag

AF7101Early Season Silage with Grain• Harvest 82-85 days after emergence• Very good early vigor• Dry stalk for quick dry down• Versatile product• Double crop silage option• BMR-6 provides excellent nutrition

Yield for Maturity 1

Forage Quality Potential 1

Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 2

Recovery After Cutting 4

Plant Uniformity 3

Standability 3

Downy Mildew 2

Anthracnose 2

Fusarium Wilt Not Rated

10 11

FORAGE SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


AF7102 is the earliest BMR-6 Brachytic dwarf forage sorghum on the market. Northern producers are finally able to reach high yield potential with tremendous forage quality of a BMR-6 without the issues of lodging. This hybrid works best in areas north of I-70 where humidity and the shorter growing season tend to be a challenge. AF7102 can be used in southern states for late planting or early harvest situations.



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSEarly Relative Maturity85–89 Days to Soft Dough Stage BMR–6 Midrib 17–19 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag

Earliest BMR-6 Brachytic Dwarf• Harvest 85-89 days after emergence• Brachytic dwarf genetics provide stout

stalks for excellent standability• Outstanding digestibility from BMR-6• Excellent for silage• Double crop silage option

AF7102

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 4


Rotational Grazing Not Rated

Secondary area of adaptation



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 3


Plant Uniformity 1

Standability 1

Downy Mildew 2

Anthracnose 2


12 13

FORAGE SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


AF7201 is a short-statured, 90-95 day BMR-6 forage sorghum. Under most conditions, AF7201 will yield with full-season hybrids and has good standability. This hybrid performs well under dryland conditions with excellent heat and stress tolerance. Due to its early maturity, AF7201 provides forage production options in areas where most full-season products are unable to mature.

FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till MA Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MAFusarium Prone Area MA


Medium-Early Silage with Grain• Harvest 90-95 days after emergence• BMR-6 provides excellent nutrition• Great on Dryland or limited irrigation• Dry stalk for quick dry down• Excellent double crop choice

AF7201

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 4


Rotational Grazing Not Rated CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-early Relative Maturity90–95 Days to Soft Dough Stage BMR–6 Midrib 13–15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 3


Plant Uniformity 1

Standability 6

Downy Mildew 4

Anthracnose 4


14 15

FORAGE SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


AF7202 is a medium season BMR-6 Brachytic dwarf forage sorghum. It provides high yield potential with tremendous forage quality of a BMR-6 without the issues of lodging. This hybrid works best in areas south of I-70 where humidity and disease tend to be a challenge. The tillering capabilities of this hybrid are unsurpassed, allowing for increased yields and ground cover. This hybrid is the answer for those in the South looking for a forage sorghum with high-yielding, high-quality, soft dough cutting with the potential for an additional cutting of equal yield and quality.



Medium-Early Brachytic Dwarf• Harvest 90-95 days after emergence• Brachytic dwarf genetics provide stout

stalks for excellent standability• Exceptional digestibility from BMR-6• Great yield for maturity• Excellent silage choice

AF7202

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 4


Rotational Grazing Not Rated CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-early Relative Maturity90–95 Days to Soft Dough Stage BMR–6 Midrib 17–19 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag

Secondary area of adaptation



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 3


Plant Uniformity 1

Standability 1

Downy Mildew 2

Anthracnose 2


16 17

FORAGE SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


AF7301 is a male sterile hybrid with the nutritional benefits of the BMR-6 characteristic. It will not produce grain unless a foreign pollen source is available. Male sterile sorghums, such as AF7301, have high levels of sugar and protein due to a lack of grain development. This hybrid offers excellent digestibility and high yield potential. AF7301 provides growers with a high energy forage crop.

FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland SLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till MA Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MAFusarium Prone Area MA


Medium Season Silage without Grain• Harvest 95-105 days after emergence • Male sterile product for high

energy forage• BMR-6 provides excellent nutrition• Double crop option

AF7301

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 3


Rotational Grazing Not Rated CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity100–105 Days to Soft Dough Stage BMR–6 Midrib 14–16 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 4


Plant Uniformity 2

Standability 5

Downy Mildew 4

Anthracnose 4


18 19

FORAGE SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland MAHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HS High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till MA Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area HSFusarium Prone Area HS


AF7401 represents the newest generation of hybrid forage sorghums. This product features a genetic combination of BMR-6 and Brachytic dwarf that enhances both productivity and efficiency. AF7401 has reduced internode length creating a compact, leafy and prolific plant. However, it will yield with taller sorghums due to the standability and tillering attributes of the Brachytic dwarf characteristic. Producers will have the best of both worlds, excellent forage qualities and a dependable high-yielding feedstock.

AF7401All-Star Full Season Silage with Grain• High yielding performance • BMR-6 for superior forage quality• Brachytic dwarf genetics provide stout

stalks for excellent standability• Economical performance and efficiency

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 4


Rotational Grazing Not Rated CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSLate Relative Maturity110–115 Days to Soft Dough Stage BMR–6 Midrib 15–20 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 4


Plant Uniformity 1

Standability 1

Downy Mildew 3

Anthracnose 2

Fusarium Wilt 1

20 21

FORAGE SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HS High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till MA Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area HSFusarium Prone Area HS


AF8301 is a non-BMR hybrid with outstanding yield potential. This hybrid has a short plant structure for good standability and will range from 72 inches to 84 inches in plant height. This hybrid is drought tolerant and is great for dry land conditions. AF8301 features good nutritional quality for a standard midrib hybrid and will produce a white grain head with high grain yields.

AF8301Medium non-BMR Silage with Grain• Harvest 100 days after emergence• Tremendous drought tolerance and

yield potential• Good nutritional quality for standard

midrib hybrid• Excellent plant uniformity

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 7

Continuous Grazing Do Not Graze

Rotational Grazing Do Not Graze



Palatability 4

Digestibility 3

Seedling Vigor 2


Plant Uniformity 1

Standability 2

Downy Mildew 4

Anthracnose 4


CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity100 Days to Soft Dough Stage Standard non-BMR–6 Midrib 14–16 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag

22 23

SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


AS5201 is a versatile hybrid capable of producing high tonnage of dry matter for grazing, hay, silage, green manure or organic matter. AS5201 has exceptional heat and drought stress tolerance and fast re-growth.

FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till S Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MAFusarium Prone Area MA


AS5201Medium Maturity Sorghum-Sudangrass• Ideal for dryland or limited irrigation

production• Thin stemmed plant type • Versatile crop usage for hay, silage

and grazing

CROP USE Silage 3

Dry Hay 1

Continuous Grazing 4 Begin Height 24" • Stop Height 6"

Rotational Grazing 1 Begin Height 24" • Stop Height 6"

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity65 Days to Boot Stage Standard non-BMR–6 Midrib 15–17 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 4

Digestibility 4

Seedling Vigor 2


Plant Uniformity 3

Standability 1

Downy Mildew 4

Anthracnose 4

Fusarium Wilt 4

24 25

SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland SHigh Yield Dryland SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till S Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MAFusarium Prone Area MA


AS6201 is an easy to manage sorghum-sudangrass product featuring the BMR-6 characteristics. It has shown an 18.9% average increase in feed value compared to conventional forages. AS6201 is a summer-annual hybrid with the same agronomic characteristics found in a conventional sorghum-sudangrass hybrid. It is widely adapted and features increased utilization and efficiency from the BMR-6 gene.

Medium-Early Maturity Sorghum-Sudangrass• Economically priced BMR-6

sorghum-sudangrass • Exceptional drought tolerance• Excellent re-growth for multiple

quality cuts

AS6201

CROP USE Silage 3

Dry Hay 1



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-early Relative Maturity60 Days to Boot Stage BMR–6 Midrib 15–17 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 3


Plant Uniformity 4

Standability 4

Downy Mildew 4

Anthracnose 4

Fusarium Wilt 4

26 27

SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland MAHigh Yield Dryland SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till S Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area HSFusarium Prone Area HS


AS6401 has a long season in the South (100 days to bloom). This extends the harvest window and allows AS6401 to be used where photoperiod sensitive hybrids are not effective. In northern regions, AS6401 will bloom at approximately 65 days. Due to its tropical genetics, AS6401 has better re-growth in wet or humid conditions.

Late Maturity Sorghum-Sudangrass• Versatile hybrid for hay, silage or grazing• Highly disease resistant • Superior forage quality with high

palatability and forage fiber digestibility

AS6401

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 1



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-late Relative MaturityNorth 65/South 100 Days to Boot Stage BMR–6 Midrib 14–16 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 3


Plant Uniformity 3

Standability 3

Downy Mildew 2

Anthracnose 2

Fusarium Wilt 2

28 29

SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland SHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HS High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till S Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area SFusarium Prone Area S


AS6402 represents the newest generation of hybrid sorghum-sudangrass products. AS6402 has reduced internode length, creating a very compact, leafy and prolific plant. However, it will yield with taller sorghum-sudangrass hybrids due to the standability and tillering attributes of the Brachytic dwarf trait. Producers will have the best of both worlds, excellent forage qualities from BMR-6 and a dependable high-yielding feedstock.

Late Maturity Sorghum-Sudangrass• Brachytic dwarf characteristic

provides high leaf-to-stem ratio• Superior standability and

excellent re-growth• Superb tonnage under multiple

harvest systems• BMR-6 provides high-quality nutrition

AS6402

CROP USE Silage 2

Dry Hay 1



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSLate Relative Maturity70 Days to Boot Stage BMR–6 Midrib 14–16 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 3


Plant Uniformity 3

Standability 1

Downy Mildew 3

Anthracnose 3

Fusarium Wilt 3

30 31

SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till S Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area XFusarium Prone Area X


The photoperiod sensitive characteristic of AS6501 allows for a wide window of harvest and consistent quality in the growing season. The BMR-6 characteristic increases feedstock utilization and efficiency. AS6501 remains in a vegetative state when the plant receives at least 12 hours and 20 minutes of daily sunlight, allowing the greatest harvest flexibility. Falling below this threshold, it begins booting.

Photoperiod Sensitive Sorghum-Sudangrass • Extended harvest window• Excellent re-growth after harvest• Exceptional drought tolerance• BMR-6 provides high-quality nutrition

AS6501

CROP USE Silage 4

Dry Hay 1



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSPhotoperiod Sensitive Relative MaturityVaried Days to Boot Stage BMR–6 Midrib 13–15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 4


Plant Uniformity 3

Standability 3

Downy Mildew 3

Anthracnose 6

Fusarium Wilt 6

32 33

SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland MAHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HS High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till MA Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MAFusarium Prone Area X


AS9301 is a BMR-6 hybrid sudangrass. The BMR-6 characteristic adds high quality to a plant that has fine stems and quick re-growth. This hybrid will dry down fast so it can be used in areas where putting up dry sudangrass hay is difficult.

Medium Maturity Sudangrass• Dry stalk for quick dry down• Excellent re-growth after harvest• Exceptional drought tolerance• BMR-6 for high digestibility

AS9301

SUDANGRASS

CROP USE Silage 2

Dry Hay 1



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity60 Days to Boot Stage BMR–6 Midrib 21–24 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 1


Plant Uniformity 2

Standability 3

Downy Mildew 3

Anthracnose 3


34 35

SUDANGRASS



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland MAHigh Yield Dryland HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HS High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till MA Poorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MAFusarium Prone Area X


AS9302 is the first BMR-6, Brachytic dwarf hybrid sudangrass to hit the market. The BMR-6 gene adds high digestibility to a plant that has very fine stems and tremendous re-growth. The Brachytic dwarf trait adds a much tighter distance between internodes, allowing for a lower cutting/grazing height and better standability. The dry stalk trait allows for quick dry down, making this one of the most versatile forage products on the market.

SUDANGRASS

Medium Maturity Sudangrass• Brachytic dwarf trait provides stout

stalks for excellent standability• Excellent for dry hay and rotational

grazing• Dry stalk for quick dry down• Exceptional re-growth and BMR-6

for high digestibility

AS9302

CROP USE Silage 2

Dry Hay 1



CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity55–65 Days to Boot Stage BMR–6 Midrib 22–25 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag



Palatability 1

Digestibility 1

Seedling Vigor 2


Plant Uniformity 1

Standability 1

Downy Mildew 4

Anthracnose 4

Wet Soil Tolerance 5


36 37

PEARL MILLET



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland SHigh Yield Dryland SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation S High pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MA No-Till S Poorly Drained Soils MA


Wonderleaf is a bush type hybrid pearl millet with high yield potential. It grows quickly, reaching the boot stage in 62 days. Wonderleaf has a high level of tolerance to many pathogens and high humidity, but cannot tolerate standing surface water. Wonderleaf can be grown on as little as 16 inches of water, however greater tonnage will be produced with greater water availability.

Hybrid Pearl Millet• Bush type hybrid with high yield potential• Tall, upright and heavy tillering• Excellent for warm season pasture or hay• Widely adapted to many diverse

geographic regions• No prussic acid concerns

Wonderleaf

CROP USE Silage 1

Dry Hay 1


Rotational Grazing 1



Palatability 4

Digestibility 4

Seedling Vigor 2


Plant Uniformity 3

Standability 5

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSEarly Relative Maturity62 Days to Boot Stage Dry Midrib 12–15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bag

NEW

38 39

GRAIN SORGHUM

Selection of grain sorghum hybrids begins with geography or field location and water resources. Growth and development is driven by heat unit accumulation; sorghum flowering shows little effect of heat up to 100° F.

Yield potential can increase by 18–20% from early to medium and to late maturities. Planting date should be 2 weeks AFTER last average frost date IF the 5-day average soil temperatures are 60° F. at 2" depth. Check the last recommended planting date for grain sorghum in your area when determining the best maturity to fit your field and timing.

Considerations include:

• Relative maturity and days to half bloom based on your growing environment; our full line offers early maturing hybrids with mid-bloom in 60 days or less to medium-late maturing with mid-bloom expected at about 68 days.

• Timing of water availability — Peak water use is just prior to boot stage. When

sharing irrigation water, consider minimizing the overlap of peak water demand for two crops.

— Additional moisture adds more pounds per acre per inch.

Selecting Hybrids & Stand

Plant Stand for Sorghum by Seed/PoundPopulation 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 120,000 130,000 140,000 150,000

Seeds/lb

11,000 2.7 3.8 4.6 5.5 6.4 7.3 8.2 9.1 10.0 10.9 11.8 12.7 13.6 11,500 2.6 3.6 4.4 5.2 6.1 7.0 7.8 8.7 9.6 10.4 11.3 12.2 13.0 12,000 2.5 3.3 4.2 5.0 5.8 6.7 7.5 8.3 9.2 10.0 10.8 11.7 12.5 12,500 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8 5.6 6.4 7.2 8.0 8.8 9.6 10.4 11.2 12.0 13,000 2.3 3.1 3.9 4.6 5.4 6.2 6.9 7.7 8.5 9.3 10.0 10.8 11.6 13,500 2.2 3.0 3.7 4.4 5.2 5.9 6.7 7.4 8.1 8.9 9.6 10.3 11.1 14,000 2.1 2.8 3.6 4.3 5.0 5.7 6.4 7.1 7.9 8.6 9.3 10.0 10.7 14,500 2.0 2.7 3.5 4.1 4.8 5.5 6.2 6.9 7.6 8.3 9.0 9.7 10.4 15,000 2.0 2.6 3.4 4.0 4.7 5.3 6.0 6.7 7.3 8.0 8.7 9.3 10.0 15,500 1.9 2.6 3.3 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.4 9.1 9.7 16,000 1.9 2.5 3.2 3.8 4.4 5.0 5.6 6.3 6.9 7.5 8.1 8.8 9.4 16,500 1.8 2.4 3.1 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.5 6.1 6.7 7.3 7.9 8.5 9.1 17,000 1.7 2.3 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.3 5.9 6.5 7.1 7.7 8.3 8.9 17,500 1.6 2.1 2.8 3.2 3.8 4.3 4.9 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.1 7.6 8.2 18,000 1.5 2.0 2.7 3.1 3.6 4.1 4.7 5.2 5.7 6.2 6.8 7.3 7.8 18,500 1.4 1.9 2.5 2.9 3.4 3.9 4.4 5.0 5.4 5.9 6.4 6.9 7.4 19,000 1.4 1.7 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.7 4.2 4.7 5.1 5.6 6.1 6.5 7.0 19,500 1.3 1.6 2.3 2.6 3.0 3.5 3.9 4.4 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.2 6.6 20,000 1.2 1.5 2.1 2.4 2.9 3.2 3.7 4.2 4.5 5.0 5.4 5.8 6.2

Seeds per pound vary by hybrid and this will impact your seeding rate. Review the Plant stand chart below to calculate your seeding rate by hybrid.

Grain Sorghum

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GRAIN SORGHUM

You can count on Alta Seeds brand grain sorghum products for top yield potential, drought tolerance and excellent standability.

NEW NEWCHARACTERISTIC RATINGS AG1101 AG1201 AG1203 AG1301 AG1401 AG2103 AG2105 AG2115 AG3101 AG3201

Relative Maturity EARLY EARLY M/E M/E M/E MED MED MED M/L M/LYield for Maturity 3 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 2Days to Mid Bloom 55 60 63 63 61 66 67 65 68 68Grain Color BRZ BRZ BRZ CRM WHT RED RED RED RED BRZHead Type S/O S/O S/O S/C S/O S/O S/C S/O S/C S/OApprox. Seeds/Lb (1,000) 13–15 13–15 12–14 17–18 14–16 12–14 12–14 15 10–12 12–14Plant Height (inches) 28–34 30–36 34-40 40–46 30–36 42–48 38–44 36–42 48–54 46–52Head Exertion 4 4 5 6 6 5 6 5 9 5Plant Uniformity 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3Plant (Bloom) Color Red Red Red Red Tan Purple Red Red Purple PurpleSeedling Vigor 5 5 2 1 3 2 2 3 2 2Root Lodging 4 4 1 1 2 2 1 2 4 3Drought Tolerance 2 2 2 2 2 2–4* 3 2 3 3Test Weight 4 4 2 5 3 2 3 2 2 3Threshability 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 2 2 2Charcoal Rot — 4 — — 3 2 — 4 4 5Downy Mildew (Race 3) — 6 1 — 5 6 — 5 5 1Head Smut — 4 — — 4 3 — 6 3 4MDMV — 5 — — 4 3 — 7 2 2CROP USE & ADAPTATION

Tough Dryland HS HS HS S HS HS S HS X XHigh Yield Dryland S S HS HS S HS HS HS S HSLimited Irrigation S S HS HS S HS HS HS HS HSFull Irrigation S S HS S S HS HS S HS HSHigh pH Soils–Iron Chlorosis MA MA MA MA S MA MA MA MA MAEarly Planting/Cool Soils X X S X X S S S S XPoorly Drained Soils X X X X X X X X X XAnthracnose Prone Areas — S MA — S S — X S MANo-Till MA X S MA X S S S S X

Characteristic Ratings Key E = Early M/E = Medium-Early MED = Medium

M/L = Medium-Late L = Late BRZ = Bronze WHT = White CRM = Cream S/O = Semi-Open S/C = Semi-Compact

Alta Seeds offers a full line of grain sorghum hybrids, with seed treatment options to meet your needs.

Trait Ratings Scale: 1 = Excellent 10 = Poor

Crop Use & Adaptation Key HS = Highly Suitable S = Suitable MA = Manage Appropriately X = Poor Suitability

* Rating 2 for central grain growing areas.

Rating 4 for western arid environments.

Grain Sorghum

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland Environments SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation SHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils XNo-Till MAPoorly Drained Soils X


Earliest Bronze Grain Sorghum• Excellent yield for maturity• Very uniform• Strong drought tolerance• Excellent for areas needing early maturity

or for double cropping situations• Intense bronze-colored grain

AG1101NEW

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSEarly Relative Maturity55 Days to Mid Bloom 13–15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagBronze Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type28–34" Plant HeightRed Plant Color


Head Exertion 4

Plant Uniformity 2

Seedling Vigor 5

Root Lodging 4

Drought Tolerance 2

Test Weight 4

Threshability 2

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland Environments SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation SHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils XNo-Till XPoorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area SDowny Mildew (Race 3) Area XHead Smut Prone Area MA


AG1201Early Bronze Grain Sorghum• Very uniform• Excellent yield for maturity• Strong drought tolerance• Adaptable across a wide range

of growing conditions

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSEarly Relative Maturity60 Days to Mid Bloom 13–15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagBronze Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type30–36" Plant HeightRed Plant Color


Head Exertion 4

Plant Uniformity 2

Seedling Vigor 5

Root Lodging 4

Drought Tolerance 3

Test Weight 4

Threshability 2

Charcoal Rot 4

Downy Mildew R3 6

Head Smut 4

MDMV 5

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland Environments HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HSHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils SNo-Till SPoorly Drained Soils X


Medium-Early Bronze Grain Sorghum• Outstanding yield for maturity• Strong standability and excellent

uniformity• Excellent drought tolerance and

dryland option• Adaptable across a wide range

of growing conditions

AG1203

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-early Relative Maturity63 Days to Mid Bloom 12–14 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagBronze Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type34–40" Plant HeightRed Plant Color


Head Exertion 5

Plant Uniformity 1

Seedling Vigor 2

Root Lodging 1

Drought Tolerance: 2

Test Weight 2

Threshability 2

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland SHigh Yield Dryland Environments HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation SHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils XNo-Till MAPoorly Drained Soils X


Medium-Early Cream Grain Sorghum• Performs well in dryland conditions and

responds very favorably to irrigation• Excellent staygreen• Good standability• Very good plant uniformity• Strong performance across wide

variety of environments

AG1301NEW

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-early Relative Maturity63 Days to Mid Bloom 17–18 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagCream Grain ColorSemi-compact Head Type40–46" Plant HeightRed Plant Color


Head Exertion 6

Plant Uniformity 1

Seedling Vigor 1

Root Lodging 1

Drought Tolerance: 2

Test Weight 5

Threshability 1

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland Environments SLimited Irrigation SFull Irrigation SHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils XNo-Till XPoorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area SDowny Mildew (Race 3) Area XHead Smut Prone Area MA


Medium-Early White Grain Sorghum• Food-grade, white seeded hybrid

with tan plant color• Good yield potential under stress• Uniform short plant with good head

exertion

AG1401

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-early Relative Maturity61 Days to Mid Bloom 14–16 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagWhite Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type30–36" Plant HeightTan Plant Color


Head Exertion 6

Plant Uniformity 2

Seedling Vigor 3

Root Lodging 2

Drought Tolerance 2

Test Weight 3

Threshability 3

Charcoal Rot 3

Downy Mildew R3 5

Head Smut 4

MDMV 4

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland Environments HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HSHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils SNo-Till SPoorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area SDowny Mildew (Race 3) Area XHead Smut Prone Area S


Medium Red Grain Sorghum• Excellent yield for maturity• Tremendous disease package • Consistent yields across all environments• Not recommended for downy mildew

prone areas

AG2103

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity66 Days to Mid Bloom 12–14 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagRed Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type42–48" Plant HeightPurple Plant Color

* Rating 2 for central grain growing areas. Rating 4 for western arid environments.


Head Exertion 5

Plant Uniformity 2

Seedling Vigor 2

Root Lodging 2

Drought Tolerance* 4 2

Test Weight 2

Threshability 3

Charcoal Rot 2

Downy Mildew R3 6

Head Smut 3

MDMV 3

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GRAIN SORGHUM



10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent


FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland SHigh Yield Dryland Environments HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HSHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils SNo-Till SPoorly Drained Soils X


Medium Red Grain Sorghum• Excellent yield potential for maturity• Excellent drought tolerance• Good threshability and seedling vigor• Highly resistant to root lodging

AG2105

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity67 Days to Mid Bloom 12–14 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagRed Grain ColorSemi-closed Head Type38–44" Plant HeightRed Plant Color


Head Exertion 6

Plant Uniformity 3

Seedling Vigor 2

Root Lodging 1

Drought Tolerance 3

Test Weight 3

Threshability 2

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GRAIN SORGHUM



FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland HSHigh Yield Dryland Environments HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation SHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils SNo-Till SPoorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area XDowny Mildew (Race 3) Area MAHead Smut Prone Area MA


Medium Red Grain Sorghum• Dependable, proven performer• Medium height, good uniformity,

superior stalks • Maintains agronomics and yields well

under drought stress and produces exceptional yields under more ideal conditions

AG2115

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity65 Days to Mid Bloom 15 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagPale Red Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type36–42" Plant HeightRed Plant Color

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent



Head Exertion 5

Plant Uniformity 3

Seedling Vigor 3

Root Lodging 2

Drought Tolerance 2

Test Weight 2

Threshability 2

Charcoal Rot 4

Downy Mildew R3 5

Head Smut 6

MDMV 7

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GRAIN SORGHUM



FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland XHigh Yield Dryland Environments SLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HSHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils SNo-Till XPoorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area SDowny Mildew (Race 3) Area MAHead Smut Prone Area S


* Rating 3 for areas with 25 inches of annual rainfall.

Medium-late Red Grain Sorghum • Taller red seeded hybrid with

excellent top-end yield potential• Very good disease package• High test weights• Excellent head exertion

AG3101

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium Relative Maturity68 Days to Mid Bloom 10–12 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagRed Grain ColorSemi-closed Head Type48–54" Plant HeightPurple Plant Color

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent



Head Exertion 2

Plant Uniformity 3

Seedling Vigor 2

Root Lodging 4

Drought Tolerance* 3

Test Weight 2

Threshability 2

Charcoal Rot 4

Downy Mildew R3 5

Head Smut 3

MDMV 2

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GRAIN SORGHUM



FIELD POSITIONINGTough Dryland XHigh Yield Dryland Environments HSLimited Irrigation HSFull Irrigation HSHigh pH Soils Iron Chlorosis MAEarly Planting / Cold Soils XNo-Till XPoorly Drained Soils XAnthracnose Prone Area MADowny Mildew (Race 3) Area HSHead Smut Prone Area MA


Medium-Late Maturity Bronze Grain Sorghum• Semi-open-headed, bronze hybrid

with excellent top-end yield potential• Downy mildew resistance to R3 & R6• Well suited to the upper Gulf Coast

and East Coast

AG3201

* Rating 3 for areas with 25 inches of annual rainfall.

CHARACTERISTICS & RATINGSMedium-late Relative Maturity68 Days to Mid Bloom 12–14 Seeds/Lb (1,000) — check seed bagBronze Grain ColorSemi-open Head Type46–52" Plant HeightPurple Plant Color

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Poor Excellent



Head Exertion 5

Plant Uniformity 3

Seedling Vigor 2

Root Lodging 3

Drought Tolerance* 3

Test Weight 3

Threshability 2

Charcoal Rot 5

Downy Mildew R3 1

Downy Mildew R6 1

Head Smut 4

MDMV 2

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2015 Alta Seeds Guide