Perennial crops on view during research tour
In recent months, the institute captured headlines for its progress commercializing perennial wheat — technically, in this case, an intermediate wheatgrass — produced under an identity-preserved system and trademarked with the name Kernza. Agronomists at the institute are also working to perennialize other common crops, including sorghum and sunflowers.
During a field tour in late September, held in conjunction with the annual Prairie Festival, visitors had a chance to view several crop prototypes along with at least one mixed planting, which represents the institute’s ultimate goal of creating productive, sustainable perennial polycultures.