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Abstract
The replacement of annual cereal crops with perennial varieties has great potential for increased ecosystem resilience and improved food security. Successful establishment of such cropping systems requires development of both system “hardware” (perennial grain varieties) and “software” (agronomic and ecological systems facilitated by the perennial germplasm). Thus, a multi-pronged research approach to perennial grain sorghum (S. bicolor) establishment in north Georgia was undertaken. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of a novel F2:3 population derived from an S. bicolor x S. halepense cross illuminated genomic regions pertinent to perenniality and can contribute to marker-assisted selection in breeding. Simultaneous investigations into Georgia sorghum farm budgets highlighted varying yield targets contingent on perennial cropping scenario as well as other breeding targets to further improve viability for Georgia farmers. A RUSLE-based GIS model of soil erosion in two north Georgia watersheds validated breeding targets for a dual use grain production and soil conservation system.