Thesis
Evaluating Characteristics of Proso Millet Cultivars and Potential for Adoption in the Inland Pacific Northwest
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006310
Abstract
Increasing cropping system diversity is one way to improve resiliency of our food system in the wake of global population increase and climate change. Proso millet is a small-seeded grain regarded as climate-resilient due to its water efficiency, performance in low fertility soils, and desirable nutritional profile. Proso millet is grown in the Great Plains but underutilized for human consumption in the US. However, it shows potential for adoption in the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW) due to its short growing season, compatibility with regional equipment, and environmental requirements. To better understand this potential, seven commercially available varieties were planted in a researcher-run trial in Pullman, WA and in a series of producer-run trials across the region in 2022. In chapter two, samples were analyzed for agronomic phenotypes, mineral concentrations, and seed morphology phenotypes. Varieties from the researcher-run trial showed significant differences for all traits excluding percent emergence and Ca concentration. Grain yield was correlated with plant height, seed area, and thousand seed weight and was negatively correlated with Zn. Most minerals were positively correlated with one another. Samples from producer-run trials showed differences by location for all seed morphology phenotypes and for concentration of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn. In chapter 3, interviews with producer participants were analyzed to better understand benefits and challenges of working with the crop in the inland PNW. Key benefits shared by participating producers include the resilience of the crop, capacity for rotational weed control, and increased opportunity for on-farm diversity. Key challenges include timing and logistics of harvest, the lack of a reliable market, insufficient infrastructure for storage, and inconsistent stand. Results from these studies can support future proso millet breeding efforts, inform variety selection for stakeholders across the food system, and support producers who are interested in increasing diversity in their cropping systems.
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Details
- Title
- Evaluating Characteristics of Proso Millet Cultivars and Potential for Adoption in the Inland Pacific Northwest
- Creators
- Tayler Reinman
- Contributors
- Tayler Reinman (Advisor)Kevin M. Murphy (Committee Member)Jessica Goldberger (Committee Member)Stephen Bramwell (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 114
- Identifiers
- 99901086722201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis