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

Summary

This field trial evaluated 18 perennial amphiploid wheat lines (hybrids of tall wheatgrass and annual wheat) in the Palouse region, finding substantial yield variation among genotypes (713–2874 kg/ha) and lower yields compared to annual wheat varieties (50–60% less at one location). Perennial amphiploids demonstrated distinct grain quality profiles with lower test and kernel weights but higher protein, ash, and fibre content. Post-harvest mowing substantially improved winter survival (from 3% to 63%), suggesting that agronomic management practices can enhance the viability of perennial grain systems.

UK applicability

Findings may have limited direct applicability to UK conditions given the Pacific Northwest climate and soil context, though the approach of developing perennial grain systems aligns with UK agricultural sustainability objectives. Further evaluation in UK growing conditions would be required to assess agronomic feasibility and environmental benefits in temperate maritime climates.

Key measures

Grain yield (kg/ha), post-sexual cycle regrowth, test weight, thousand kernel weight, kernel diameter, starch content, protein content, ash content, fibre content, winter survival rates, and response to post-harvest management (mowing, burning, control)

Outcomes reported

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

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