Agronomic Performance of Perennial Grain Genotypes in the Palouse Region of the Pacific Northwest, USA

Summary

This field trial assessed the agronomic potential of perennial wheat amphiploids (crosses between tall wheatgrass and annual wheat) in the US Pacific Northwest, comparing their yield and grain quality to conventional annual wheat. Whilst the highest-yielding amphiploids matched annual wheat yields at one location, they produced 50–60% lower yields at the other; additionally, they exhibited distinct grain quality profiles (lower test weights and starch, higher protein and fibre). A secondary experiment demonstrated that mowing post-harvest residue substantially improved winter survival of amphiploids (from 3% to 63%), suggesting agronomic management practices may enhance perennial grain viability.

UK applicability

The findings are potentially relevant to UK arable systems investigating perennial grain alternatives for soil conservation and reduced tillage, particularly in upland or cooler regions with similar climate profiles to the Pacific Northwest. However, yield penalties and grain quality trade-offs observed here would require validation under UK growing conditions and consideration of UK milling and baking standards before commercial adoption.

Key measures

Grain yield (kg/ha), post-sexual cycle regrowth (PSCR), test weight, thousand kernel weight, kernel diameter, starch content, protein content, ash content, fibre content, winter survival (%), agronomic trait variation

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated yield, post-sexual cycle regrowth, agronomic traits, and grain quality characteristics of 18 perennial amphiploid lines compared to annual wheat varieties across two locations in the Palouse region. It also tested post-harvest residue management strategies (mowing, burning) on winter survival and regrowth of perennial amphiploids.

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