UK Researchers Explore Kernza as Perennial Grain Crop

By Blake Jackson

A modest stand of intermediate wheatgrass is gaining attention at the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s North Farm.

The perennial grain, branded as Kernza, is at the heart of a three-year research project designed to curb hillside erosion in Kentucky and provide farmers with a new revenue crop.

Leading the effort is Lauren Brzozowski, a plant geneticist and assistant professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science (PSS).

Backed by a $400,000 USDA Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) grant and additional support from Maker’s Mark, the project covers multiple growing seasons, laboratory testing, and student research assistance.

Initial plots were planted in spring and fall of 2023. By the second season, the intermediate wheatgrass had become dense and well-established, proving its potential as a long-lasting perennial crop.

“Intermediate wheatgrass is native to Eastern Europe, but for the last two to three decades, it’s been selectively bred to work as a grain crop,” Brzozowski explained. “The version we’re using is Kernza, which has been developed to reduce seed shattering, increase grain size and improve yield.”

The research spans four locations: the North Farm site with 1,000 tagged plants, 400 more in Versailles, and 200 each at the Robinson Center in Quicksand and the UK Research and Education Center in Princeton. The end goal is to breed a variety suited for Kentucky, which can be drilled once and harvested for years for both grain and forage.

While Brzozowski focuses on genetics, PSS associate professor Hanna Poffenbarger studies management practices like seeding rates and nitrogen strategies. “We need experiments like this so we can give growers solid recommendations,” she said. “Keeping roots in the ground year-round - deeper roots, bigger root systems and less disturbance - is good for soil organic matter and soil structure, and it helps reduce erosion.”

Kernza suppresses weeds by its second year and can be cut for hay before grain harvest in July. “A producer could take an early forage cut, let the stand regrow and still run a combine in July,” said Poffenbarger.

“We don’t see Kernza replacing wheat,” Brzozowski said. “It complements wheat. Maybe it’s five or 10% of a flour blend, or an option on rolling ground where annual crops struggle.”

Photo Credit: istock-zhaojiankang