Development of whole‐genome prediction models to increase the rate of genetic gain in intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) breeding
Abstract The development of perennial grain crops is driven by the vision of simultaneous food production and enhanced ecosystem services. Typically, perennial crops like intermediate wheatgrass (IWG)[Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth…
Nested association mapping reveals the genetic architecture of spike emergence and anthesis timing in intermediate wheatgrass
Abstract Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is an outcrossing, cool season grass species currently undergoing direct domestication as a perennial grain crop. Though many traits are selection targets, understanding the genetic…
Genomic Prediction Enables Rapid Selection of High-Performing Genets in an Intermediate Wheatgrass Breeding Program
Abstract In an era of constrained and depleted natural resources, perennial grains could provide sustainable food production along with beneficial ecosystem services like reduced erosion and increased atmospheric carbon capture….
Post-Harvest Management Practices Impact on Light Penetration and Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass Yield Components
Abstract Kernza intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is the first commercially developed perennial grain crop in North America, with multiple environmental and economic benefits. One of the major challenges for adoption…
Sequenced-Based Paternity Analysis to Improve Breeding and Identify Self-Incompatibility Loci in Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium)
Abstract In outcrossing species such as intermediate wheatgrass (IWG, Thinopyrum intermedium), polycrossing is often used to generate novel recombinants through each cycle of selection, but it cannot track pollen-parent pedigrees…
Carbon and water relations in perennial Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium): An overview
Abstract Perennial crops have been proposed as a more sustainable alternative to annual crops, because they have extended growing seasons, continuous ground cover, reduced nutrient leakage, and sequester more carbon…
MN‐Clearwater, the First Food‐Grade Intermediate Wheatgrass (Kernza Perennial Grain) Cultivar
Abstract ‘MN‐Clearwater’ (Reg. no. CV‐287, PI 692651) is the world’s first commercial food‐grade intermediate wheatgrass [IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium ] grain cultivar. It was…
Carbon and water relations in perennial Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium): An overview
Abstract: Perennial crops have been proposed as a more sustainable alternative to annual crops, because they have extended growing seasons, continuous ground cover, reduced nutrient leakage, and sequester more carbon…
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for Forage Traits in Intermediate Wheatgrass When Grown as Spaced-Plants versus Monoculture and Polyculture Swards
Abstract: It has been hypothesized that the genetic control of forage traits, especially biomass, for grass plants growing as spaced-plants versus swards is different. Likewise, the genetic control of compatibility…
Reduced nitrate leaching in a perennial grain crop compared to maize in the Upper Midwest, USA
Abstract: Global expansion of high-input annual grain crops and associated nitrogen (N) fertilizer use can have negative consequences for the environment and human health. Nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching from fertilized…
Managing for Multifunctionality in Perennial Grain Crops
Abstract: Plant breeders are increasing yields and improving agronomic traits in several perennial grain crops, the first of which is now being incorporated into commercial food products. Integration strategies and management…
Energy, water and carbon exchange over a perennial Kernza wheatgrass crop
Abstract: The ecological impacts resulting from global warming and conventional agricultural practices are predicted to affect crop productivity and reduce the land area available for agriculture in the near future….