Work on Perennial Grain Crop to Boost Potential Biofuel Use

Scientists at the University of Minnesota are working to improve the grain yield of a perennial grain crop known as intermediate wheatgrass to make it a more economically attractive source of food and biofuel.

Intermediate wheatgrass, which is related to wheat, rye and barley, has the potential to be the first perennial crop to produce both biomass for energy and grain for food, according to Donald Wyse, a professor of agronomy and plant genetics at U of M. As a biofuel source, intermediate wheatgrass is a promising northern-climate alternative to switchgrass, a warm season perennial. This plant produces a lot of biomass but current grain yield is low.

Wyse believes that while intermediate wheatgrass fits directly into feedstock supply owing to its biomass potential, suppliers would pay more for biomass if the crop is competitive in terms of grain yield and return on investment. Wyse and other researchers are working to improve the yield of intermediate wheatgrass to allow it to compete with annual crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. Current focus is on developing varieties that produce larger seeds and higher seed yield.

"We need to get the grain part working, then the biomass part can follow, whether it's converted to a liquid fuel, burned or put into a cow," Wyse said.