This $750,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (CFDA 10.326 - Capacity Building for Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture) will support Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in enhancing its educational and research capabilities related to perennial grain crops.
The key activities include establishing perennial grain crop research/demonstration fields at MTSU to evaluate the agronomic performance, soil health, medicinal properties, and fermentation quality of Kernza, perennial sorghum, and silflower. MTSU will collaborate with the Land Institute and University of Kentucky to develop educational programs and research involving faculty, scientists, and students across the participating institutions. The project will also initiate MTSU summer research apprentice and breeder shadowing internship programs focused on perennial grain crop and soil health research. The expected outcomes include producing experienced graduates in plant breeding, perennial systems, and soil health, as well as establishing a perennial grain center at MTSU and supporting the adoption of sustainable cropping systems.