Centennial stories: Alternative crops breeding in the Panhandle

By Dipak K. Santra, Alternative Crop Breeding Specialist
Panhandle Research and Extension Center

Agricultural scientists at Scotts Bluff Experiment Station, now known as the Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PHREC), recognized the need for alternative crops to diversify dryland farming systems in western Nebraska. Proso millet was recognized as one of the most effective alternative crops and research was initiated in the early 1960s.

Prior to 1970:

In the early 1960s, Phil Grabouski first initiated proso millet research at Scotts Bluff Experiment Station in conjunction with Glen Vemeier at North Platte Station (now West Central Research and Extension Center). Together they developed the first white proso millet variety, Panhandle, for western Nebraska in 1967. In 1968, a separate proso millet breeding program was initiated by two specialists who worked about two years.

1970 – 1987

In 1970, Lenis Nelson began the real proso millet breeding at Scotts Bluff Station. He developed the first red proso millet variety, Cerise, followed by three white-seeded varieties, Dawn, Rise, and Sunup. Dawn was the most popular variety and it served as a common parent for future proso millet variety improvement. Since more crop diversity was needed in western Nebraska, Nelson also initiated research on other alternative crops like dryland corn, sorghum, other millets (pearl, finger, and foxtail), sunflower, and edible amaranth. He worked for 17 years at the Center before moving to Lincoln to direct crops variety testing and extension program for the University of Nebraska.

1988 – 2006

Soon after Nelson’s departure, David Baltensperger took charge of the alternative crops breeding program in 1988 at the Panhandle Center. Since the proso millet market was limited due to its exclusive use as bird seed, he realized that diversity was the key to success for alternative crops and their limited, niche markets. During his 18-year career at the Panhandle Center, he tested about 20-25 different crops, including various millets, oil-seed crops, grasses, forages, and grain legumes in western Nebraska. Baltensperger developed four white proso varieties (Earlybird, Huntsman, Sunrise and Horizon), which are popular and most extensively grown today. His most significant contribution was his initiative in developing waxy proso millet.

2008 - onwards

Dipak K. Santra joined the Panhandle Center faculty to direct the alternative crops breeding program in 2008. He envisions integrating novel traits available within proso millet germplasm (PI lines) through molecular breeding to develop high-yielding varieties for alternative uses of the millet (such fuel and/or food). Santra foresees the development of alternative crops with biodiesel potential to meet the challenges of fossil fuel shortage in 21st century. In the era of biotechnology, it may not take a decade before western Nebraskan farmers can grow these high-valued alternative crops.

Progress of proso millet development at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center: