20 YEARS OF RESEARCH IN SORGHUM AT THE RIO BRAVO EXPERIMENTAL FIELD

Abstract

Research on sorghum cultivation in Mexico began in 1944 with the introduction of open-pollinated varieties. From then to date this has been carried out continuously in genetic improvement and agronomic studies by the National Institute of Forestry and Agricultural Research ( INIFAP) and some educational institutions. INIFAP has carried out more research, however, most of the information generated has not been published, is not known, or is dispersed in various sources.

Some reasons for the above are the desertion of researchers, information in publications with little circulation, among others, which is why many important events or events have been lost over time. Knowing about these events can be as important as the research itself, since it will serve as lessons and experiences for new generations of researchers.

The objective of this work is to present the main results, observations and approaches, in 20 years of research in the Rio Bravo Experimental Field, based on the bibliographic review and complemented with the experience of the research staff of this field, aiming in this way contribute to regional and national knowledge of sorghum cultivation research within INIFAP.

To achieve a better understanding of the central theme and the objective described above, it is considered necessary to briefly address the background issues of cultivation in Mexico, brief history of INIFAP and repercussions on sorghum research, brief history of PRONASE and seed production. sorghum, crop situation in northern Tamaulipas and background of the Rio Bravo Experimental Field.

sed on the bibliographic review and complemented with the experience of the research staff of this field, aiming in this way contribute to regional and national knowledge of sorghum cultivation research within INIFAP.

To achieve a better understanding of the central theme and the objective described above, it is considered necessary to briefly address the background issues of cultivation in Mexico, brief history of INIFAP and repercussions on sorghum research, brief history of PRONASE and seed production. sorghum, crop situation in northern Tamaulipas and background of the Rio Bravo Experimental Field.