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…
Roadmap for Accelerated Domestication of an Emerging Perennial Grain Crop
Shifting the life cycle of grain crops from annual to perennial would usher in a new era of agriculture that is more environmentally friendly, resilient to climate change, and capable…
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…
Envisioning Perennial Agroecosystems in Palestine
Abstract: Climatic change will seriously impact Mediterranean areas. Palestine, which has given forth annual grain based agriculture, is particularly vulnerable given its political and economic situation. Research is needed to…