Shaping the Future of Buckwheat in Western Washington Agroecosystems: Progress Report 2022

This progress report documents baseline evaluation of commercial and experimental buckwheat lines for agronomic and agroecological performance in western Washington. Replicated variety trials were planted at Viva Farms in Burlington and the Organic Seed Alliance Washington Research Farm in Chimacum using a randomized complete block design. Six entries were assessed for floral cover density, canopy transmissivity, days to flowering, maturity, biomass, lodging, and yield.

Preliminary results showed no significant differences in canopy transmissivity among lines. Flowering time varied across sites and varieties, with SSSLPop and Manisoba flowering earliest. Yield differences were observed at Viva Farms, where KIS Doris performed highest, while yields were uniformly low at the Chimacum site.

Outreach included presentations at Grains Week and Organic Seed Alliance field days, as well as undergraduate internship training. Results provide early insight into agronomic–ecological tradeoffs and will guide future breeding and adoption strategies for buckwheat seed production in western Washington.