Researchers Identify Field Grass Varieties Suitable for Biofuels Production

Researchers from Cornell University (United States) are presently evaluating different types of field grasses with the aim of selecting the candidate varieties that can be used as “dedicated bioenergy crops” in the Northeastern part of the United States. Among the criteria for selection are the region’s climate and soil conditions. The investigation is under the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' (CALS) Bioenergy Feedstock Project.  About 80 acres of experimental plantations are planted with “warm- and cool-season perennial grass varieties” growing in 11 counties across New York. According to Donald Viands, professor of plant breeding and genetics (and project head), “Switchgrass, big bluestem and other wild grasses native to the United States have great potential for producing the quantity and quality of biomass needed for conversion to alternative, renewable energy.”