Gumweed could be Used as Jet Fuel for the Military

Glenn Miller, a professor in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, is leading a project at the University of Nevada, Reno to convert roadside gumweed (Grindelia squarosa) into biofuel, which could help contribute to fuel supplies for the military.

Gumweed contains extractable hydrocarbons which can be used for biodiesel. It is native in Nevada and grows on the side of freeways and is an arid land crop that requires less water. Gumweed was grown at the University's Field Laboratory using minimal water and fertilizer resources. After growing and harvesting the gumweed, it went through biomass processing.

The biofuel product from the process can produce up to 122 gallons per acre on a biennial basis on the semi-arid lands of Nevada. The crops would require minimum inputs of nutrients and water, and have the potential to be converted into jet fuel, which has garnered the interest from the military of the United States.

The team is also working on a project to identify a catalyst that can be used to convert biomass into fuel using the oxidation process.