Unraveling the genetic components of perenniality: Toward breeding for perennial grains
Although tremendously successful at feeding humanity, row crop agriculture based on annuals contributes to numerous ecosystem dis-services, ranging from soil degradation and aquatic eutrophication to greenhouse gas production. In contrast,…
Gourmet grasslands: Harvesting a perennial future
Commentary The global food system is highly dependent on grains, the production of which requires annual biomass turnover, which reduces soil health and undermines sustainability. Investments in diverse perennial grain-producing…
Seeding date affects seed and biomass yield of Silphium integrifolium Michx. (silflower)
Abstract Silphium integrifolium Michx. (silflower [Asteraceae]) is an emerging perennial oilseed and biomass crop with potential to supply ecosystem services, but optimum seeding dates for establishment are unknown. Our objective…
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…
Development of First Linkage Map for Silphium integrifolium (Asteraceae) Enables Identification of Sporophytic Self-Incompatibility Locus
SUMMARY Silphium integrifolium (Asteraceae) has been identified as a candidate for domestication as a perennial oilseed crop and has a sporophytic self-incompatibility system—the genetic basis of which is not well understood…
Silflower Seed and Biomass Responses to Plant Density and Nitrogen Fertilization
Silflower (Silphium integrifolium Michx.) is a potential perennial oilseed crop that can provide ecosystem services; however, its seed, oil, and biomass yield potential are unknown. Our objectives were to determine the…
Balancing Forage Production, Seed Yield, and Pest Management in the Perennial Sunflower Silphium integrifolium (Asteraceae)
Abstract The perennial sunflower Silphium integrifolium Michx. (Asteraceae), also known as silflower, is a prospective dual-purpose forage plus grain crop. Pre-flowering biomass harvest for animal feed and the subsequent delay…
Third-Generation Biomass Crops in the New Era of De Novo Domestication
Abstract The emerging bioeconomy will increase the need for plant biomass. We call for a third-generation of bioenergy crops, or biomass crops, to help move society towards a sustainable bioeconomy…
An Aridamerican model for agriculture in a hotter, water scarce world
Societal Impact Statement Climate change is dramatically restructuring agriculture and damaging crops, food security, and human health, especially in deserts. To radically redesign food systems to buffer against climatic disruptions,…
Cover crop mixture expression is influenced by nitrogen availability and growing degree days
Abstract Cover crop mixtures can provide multiple ecosystem services but provisioning of these services is contingent upon the expression of component species in the mixture. From the same seed mixture,…
Abiotic and biotic context dependency of perennial crop yield
Perennial crops in agricultural systems can increase sustainability and the magnitude of ecosystem services, but yield may depend upon biotic context, including soil mutualists, pathogens and cropping diversity. These biotic…