Agronomic and ecophysiological evaluation of an early establishment of perennial wheat lines in Central Italy

Perennial crops are emerging as an effective strategy for adapting to climate change, but also for mitigating net greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This study aims to investigate the agronomic and physiological performance of selected perennial wheat genotypes derived from crosses between Triticum aestivum L. and Thinopyrum spp to evaluate if they could give a contribute both to face climate changes and to restore soil health. Four perennial wheat genotypes were grown in Central Italy and compared in terms of agronomic traits, root development (biomass and length) and ecophysiological parameters with an annual common wheat cultivar. Plants were, on average, taller in perennial wheat genotypes than in annual wheat as well as the number of tillers per plant (+ 49%), root length (+ 43%) and root biomass (+ 31%) in both years, whereas, perennial wheat kernels were smaller (- 15%). Post harvest regrowth occurred in different amounts in all perennial wheat genotypes. In terms of the ecophysiological response, perennial wheat lines revealed higher soil respiration and lower stomatal conductance than annual wheat. On the contrary, transpiration rate, water use efficiency and photosynthesis were higher in annual genotype than in perennial ones. The environmental benefits of adopting perennial grains are discussed together with suggestions on optimal field management and future breeding strategies.