Browsing by Subject "intermediate wheatgrass"

Now showing 1 - 15 of 15
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    2017 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2017) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota.
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    2018 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2018) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota.
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    2019 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2019) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota.
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    2020 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2021) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota.
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    2020 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2020) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass and legume seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota.
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    2021 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2022) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota.
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    2022 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2023-03) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota in 2022.
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    2023 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2024-03) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota in 2023.
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    2024 Progress Report on Grass Seed Production Research
    (2025-03) Ehlke, Nancy; Vellekson, Donn; Grafstrom, Dave
    Summary of research on grass seed production conducted by the University of Minnesota in 2024.
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    A Comparative Aroma Analysis of Intermediate Wheatgrass and Whole Wheat Bread Crusts
    (2016-01) Sneddon, Kelsey
    The aroma profiles of intermediate wheatgrass and whole wheat bread crust were examined and compared by gas-chromatography-olfactometry-mass-spectrometry/aroma extract dilution analysis. Nineteen odorants were selected for identification and quantification based on flavor dilution values. All compounds were known to be generated by the Maillard reaction, lipid oxidation, or yeast fermentation. Findings from quantitative analysis suggested Maillard-reaction-type pathways were inhibited in IWG likely due to differences in phenolic composition and amino acid composition. A reduction in the fermentation activity of the yeast in IWG was also suggested. Different lipid oxidation products were favored between the two crusts indicating that different pathways are dominant in each product. Furthermore, sensory descriptive analysis of the bread crusts provided insight into the influence of the identified compounds on the aroma perception of both products. These findings provide an improved basis to optimize the flavor of IWG bread by processing and breeding strategies.
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    From research findings to educational frameworks: breeding progress and genomic insights into intermediate wheatgrass at the University of Minnesota
    (2024) Stoll, Hannah
    Intermediate wheatgrass (IWG, Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey) is a perennial grain crop that has been under development for inclusion in continuous living cover systems worldwide since the 1980s and specifically at the University of Minnesota (UMN) since 2011. IWG offers multiple ecosystem benefits as a perennial grain crop and has the potential to support rural economies by offering farmers a high-value alternative to the relatively few annual crop options that dominate markets and the landscape. However, improving grain traits, developing markets, and establishing optimal agronomic practices are essential for establishing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of IWG as a grain crop in the Midwest and beyond. This dissertation sheds light on the amount of breeding progress and underlying genomic regions for key IWG traits at UMN and uses this knowledge to make recommendations for future breeding efforts. Thus, 242 parent genets (genetically unique individuals) from UMN IWG breeding cycles 2, 3, 4, and 5 were evaluated in 2 locations (St. Paul and Lamberton, MN) in 2021 and 2022. Genets were genotyped and phenotyped for a variety of domestication and agronomic traits including shattering, brittle rachis, seed size, seed weight, spike characteristics, anthesis timing, and plant height. This dissertation demonstrates that the rate of genetic gain for several traits is significant and improving across breeding cycles; floret and average shattering decreased by ~5% each cycle, and seed area increased by 1% each cycle. Moreover, 33 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits were identified in a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS), individually explaining 13% of phenotypic variation, on average. Some QTL appeared to be in close proximity to previously identified domestication – related genes from other studies, and favorable allele frequencies for some QTL appeared to increase across cycles. With these findings, we conclude that the rate of IWG breeding progress could be increased by improved phenotyping methods, incorporation of identified QTL in genomic selection procedures, and decreased time per breeding cycle. In addition to exploring IWG breeding progress at UMN, this dissertation explores the potential to disseminate scientific research into relevant science curriculum. Here, concepts such as the integration of quantitative skills and active learning into curriculum are explored, and a framework for developing and evaluating these curricula is proposed.
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    Intermediate Wheatgrass Nitrogen Dynamics: Nitrate Leaching Prevention and Nitrogen Supply via Legume Intercrops
    (2021-07) Reilly, Evelyn
    We compared soil and soil water nitrate concentrations, root biomass, and yield in intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium) and a corn-soybean rotation over three years. Nitrate was 77-96% lower under IWG than the annual system, while root biomass was higher. IWG grain yields were 854, 434, and 222 kg ha-1 for Years 1-3 and biomass averaged 4.65 Mg ha-1 yr-1. IWG effectively reduces soil solution NO3--N concentrations even on sandy soils, supporting its potential for broader adoption on vulnerable land. We also assessed grain and biomass yield and N dynamics in response to mineral fertilizer and six legume intercrops. Treatments affected N dynamics and IWG biomass but not grain yields. N transfer rates ranged from 0 to 27% but legume biomass was negatively associated with IWG grain yield, suggesting competition in addition to nitrogen supply. Overall, alfalfa, red clover, and birdsfoot trefoil were among the best options for intercrops.
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    Kernza® Perennial Grain in 40 Milestones
    (2023-06) Reilly, Evelyn C
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    Organically managed intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) as a dual-use grain and forage crop
    (2023-05) Bowden, James
    Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), a historically managed forage crop for livestock, is currently being domesticated to produce the cereal grain crop named KernzaⓇ. This study examines using intermediate wheatgrass as both a grain for human consumption and feed for livestock in a dual-use, organically managed system, and consequences for environmental quality. This was done by comparing agronomic and environmental responses to different fertilization strategies (none, commercial mineral fertilizer, or manure) and defoliation to simulate biomass removal for forage. Agronomic measurements included grain, straw, and forage yield as well as environmental effects, specifically nitrogen mineralization, total carbon, total nitrogen, and soil gas emissions. Treatments were carried out at two sites, in south central Minnesota and central Kansas. Results showed that manure increased grain, straw, and forage yields compared to unfertilized treatments in year two in MN and KS. In addition to yields, forage nutritive value increased in manure fertilized treatments compared to unfertilized control treatments in the second year at both sites. Soil extractable nitrogen differed across seasons in MN in years one and two, but KS only differed in year two. There was a difference in nitrogen mineralization among treatments and across seasons in MN in year 2. KS did show an interaction among treatments and season in 2020 and a difference across seasons in both years. Soil gas emissions were higher for CO2 in manure fertilized plots in the second year in MN, but there were no differences between treatments for CH4, N2O, or NH3. At the end of the experiment, soil carbon was higher in manure fertilized plots in MN. In summary, manure fertilizer improved agronomic variables important to farmers but environmental impacts of this practice should be considered. Manure application can result in increases in soil gas emissions thus exacerbating human impact on the climate. However, manure showed potential to increase soil organic carbon and potentially offset soil gas emissions associated with manure addition.
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    Soil physical, chemical, and microbial community responses to two years of perennial Intermediate Wheatgrass versus annual maize/soybean management systems
    (2023-01) Link, Emma
    Intermediate Wheatgrass (IWG, Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey; IWG) is a perennial grain crop with a dense root system which has the potential to facilitate improvements in soil physical structure, fertility, and potentially soil carbon storage. An experiment was established in Rosemount, MN, USA to assess changes in soil physical, chemical, and microbial community responses to IWG system vs. annual corn/soy system management after two growing seasons. This experiment aims to 1) assess soil quality under four systems representing a gradient of perenniality, cropping system diversity and soil disturbance intervals and, 2) investigate relationships between soil microbial community characteristics and desired soil chemical and physical quality outcomes to better understand the mechanisms behind desired outcomes. In the first chapter of this study, we report the agronomic outcomes of the first two years of the experiment and examine how IWG vs. annual crop management affect soil chemical and physical properties over the course of two growing seasons. After two years, we find that the proportion of large water stable soil aggregates at 15-30 cm soil depth increased significantly in IWG but not IWG-alf intercropped systems compared to annual systems. We also find evidence of increased water use deep in the soil profile by IWG systems under drought conditions. In the second chapter, we investigate the responses of soil microbial community composition and potential function to two years of IWG vs. annual management. We find that after two years, fungal community composition varied significantly by cropping system and IWG systems are associated with increased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi biomass and AMF indicator species. We also find evidence of greater extracellular enzyme activity in IWG systems and an annual system with cover cropping.