Silflower: Breeding Techniques
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Silflower Breeding
Silflower: Commercialization
Agronomics
With our current agronomic work, we are hoping to better understand silflower yields and best practices for planting and management. Previously, the U of M Silflower group established a baseline for optimal fertilizer requirements and plant spacing.
Silflower: Ecosystem Services
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Silflower: Ornamentals
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Silflower: Squalene
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Silflower: Forage
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Silflower: Oilseed
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Silflower Overview
What is Silflower???
Silphium integrifolium (silflower) is a perennial wildflower native to the central United States. It has been identified as having high potential as a perennial oilseed crop because of its relatively large seeds. Most oilseed crops such as soybean, canola, and sunflower are annual plants, which require annual planting and subsequent soil disturbance. Silflower is also known to sustain seed production under drought; an important trait for an agricultural crop in a changing climate.
Silflower: Why?
Wild germplasm
As a part of our breeding efforts, we are working with The Land Institute and other groups to help collect and characteriz
Relevant Links
Our research is enhanced by our work with numerous collaborators at many levels
University of Minnesota & Extension collaborators:
Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station
University of Minnesota Extension: Regional Sustainable Partnerships: