Kernza intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) response to a range of vernalization conditions

Expansion of perennial grain and forage Kernza intermediate wheatgrass to temperate regions may be limited by its vernalization requirements. We compared vegetative and reproductive traits of Kernza plants grown in the greenhouse under four environmental treatments of temperature and day length for a 7 week induction period. The percent of plants that flowered and spikes per plant decreased from 83% and 8.2 at 4 degrees C and 10 h to 15% and 0.4 at 26 degrees C and 15 h, respectively. The variability observed suggests that there is potential for selection for reduced vernalization requirements in Kernza populations.