NordForsk: Validating the Introduction of Kernza in the Nordic-Baltic reGion

Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) is a perennial species relative of wheat, which has been domesticated in USA as a perennial grain and forage crop. With its deep-growing roots, the species is drought-resistant, has a good storage capacity of carbon and nutrients, and good protection against erosion. Such qualities will probably be even more highlighted in the years to come due to increasing climatic challenges. The main objective of this project is to explore the potential of grain and forage production of Kernza across the Nordic (Norway, Sweden and Finland) and Baltic (Estonia and Lithuania) region. The project is organized into five work packages (WP), of which the focus in WP1 is to determine optimal nutrient supply for grain production, as well as to document the effect of inter-cropping Kernza with a nitrogen-fixing legume (red clover) as a companion crop, on grain yield level and quality. In WP2, Kernza as a forage crop is examined in more detail, while WP3 investigate optimal growing conditions, especially with regard to winter hardiness. In the WP4, there is a special focus on assessing the environmental impacts associated with growing Kernza-wheat (Life Cycle Assessment), while WP5 is set aside for technology transfer to increase the interest for the use of Kernza wheat. The role of the Norwegian research activity is mainly within WP1, where the grain production potential of Kernza wheat will be tested under two climatically different locations in SE Norway, both at the southern coastal location NIBO Landvik in Grimstad and at the inland eastern location NIBIO Apelsvoll in Østre-Toten. The results from the Norwegian trials will, together with the other Nordic and Baltic countries trials, also be used in winter hardiness studies (WP3), as well as to investigate any environmental impacts (WP4). The Kernza-trials at Landvik and Apelsvoll in WP1 were sown in 2023. The plants survived the winter well at both locations, and the Kernza-grains were harvested for the first time in 2024. The grain matured earlier at Landvik (mid-August) than at Apelsvoll (last part of September). A more detailed report, including the yield results from the trials, will be available after seed cleaning and data processing (autumn/winter 2024/2025). The field trials at both locations will be harvested again in 2025 and 2026 (second and third year harvest).

Kernza (Intermediate wheatgrass) is a perennial grass relative of wheat and recently domesticated as a perennial grain and forage crop in North America. Demand for perennial grain food products, like Kernza beer and baked goods, is increasing. As a perennial deep-rooted crop, Kernza is very drought and cold tolerant. However, little is known about the adaptation and productivity of this novel crop in the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as which agronomic management practices may optimise the grain and forage production. The main objective of this project is to strengthen research collaboration between Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, and Denmark to explore the adaptation and potential of grain and forage production and quality of Kernza across the Nordic and Baltic region. The role of the Norwegian research activity is mainly to test Kernza grain production under different climatic growing conditions. The selected locations for the Norwegian field trials are the southern coastal location NIBO Landvik in Grimstad and the inland eastern location NIBIO Apelsvoll in Østre-Toten. At both locations, experiments will be carried out to optimize the nutrient supply and investigate the effect of inter-cropping Kernza with a nitrogen-fixing legume (red clover) as a companion crop, especially with regard to grain yield level and quality. In addition, a special focus will be on winter hardiness studies, as well as assessing the environmental impacts associated with growing Kernza-wheat (Life Cycle Assessment).