Vernalization requirements of Kernza intermediate wheatgrass

Intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth and D.R. Dewey], bred for high grain yield, has become the first perennial in North America is commercialized under tradename Kernza. The expansion of this crop from U.S. Midwest to areas with milder winters would require an understanding its vernalization requirements flowering availability genetic diversity trait. goal research was determine length cold period required Kernza intermediate wheatgrass. Two treatment factors (population incubation period) were evaluated. Seeds eight breeding populations Kansas Minnesota evaluated growth chambers at 5 °C 10 h light periods 3 9 wk. percentage plants that flowered increased 30 96% as 7 wk following a sigmoid model. For most yield components, no changes observed after incubation. There differences among traits there large within-population phenotypic diversity. These results confirm have moderate requirements. Further needed feasibility lower