Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial warm season grass dominating North American prairies/pastures, and is considered as one of the front-running second-generation biofuel feedstocks in the United States. Active research is ongoing for the conversion of switchgrass into cellulose ethanol. The bioenergysite website reports that the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) found 46 new populations of switchgrass in Florida, during collection trips conducted in 2008 and 2009. The researchers discovered new switchgrass populations in many different environments, from swampy areas to dune areas along the coast. Significant genetic variation in the switchgrass populations was also found, including differences in seed maturity, foliage abundance, plant height, and panicle (fruit attached to branch) size. The new switchgrass germpplasm collection will provide new genetic resources for biofuel feedstocks. The materials will be deposited in the ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), and will be preserved/maintained for future research by plant breeders who are interested in improving switchgrass for biofuel and other applications..