Managing Global Resources for a Secure Future

2017 Annual Meeting | Oct. 22-25 | Tampa, FL

231-1 Intermediate Wheat Grass-a Grain for Many Uses.

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Global Agronomy
See more from this Session: 5 Minute Rapid--Perennial Grain Development

Tuesday, October 24, 2017: 10:25 AM
Marriott Tampa Waterside, Room 10

Vicki L. Morrone, 480 Wilson Rd Rm 303, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, Sieglinde S. Snapp, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, Nicole Tautges, MINNESOTA, University of Minnesota, Rogers, MN and Jacob Jungers, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Abstract:
Intermediate wheatgrass is most widely known by ranchers as a pasture grass but is gaining familiarity for its grain, Kernza¨, and additional uses. Farmers in the mid-Atlantic plains noticed that if the crop was not grazed in a timely manner it would produce a head with notable grain. Once the crop has established, it continues to tiller for several years, lending to environmental and agronomic qualities. Demand for this alternative grain is mounting; as part of a feed mixture, bread flour, and as a beer ingredient. Researchers from the Land Institute in Saline, Kansas took the plant by its nodes and worked to improve its genetics, seeking larger seeds and a uniform plant-stand. Farmers appreciate the values of this multi-purpose crop that can offer value as a grain, Kernza¨ and pasture, or so we hope. Environmentalists appreciate this crop for its perenniality, which develops a very deep, fibrous root system, holding nutrients and soil in place. In collaboration with the University of Minnesota, a team from Michigan State University are testing the crop on organic dairy farms for its ability to be provide dual uses in a single planting; the grain for flour and the vegetation for dairy cow grazing. A perennial crop with dual uses will promote the attraction to farmers, as one planting operation with multi-uses will reduce the upfront cost, thus increasing its agronomic value while providing opportunity to embrace its environmental worth.

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Global Agronomy
See more from this Session: 5 Minute Rapid--Perennial Grain Development

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