Opportunities and roadblocks in utilizing forages and small grains for liquid fuels |
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Authors: | Gautam Sarath Robert B Mitchell Scott E Sattler Deanna Funnell Jeffery F Pedersen Robert A Graybosch Kenneth P Vogel |
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Institution: | (1) Grain, Forage and Bioenergy Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 314 Biochemistry Hall, University of Nebraska, East Campus, Lincoln, NE 68583-0737, USA |
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Abstract: | This review focuses on the potential advantages and disadvantages of forages such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and two small grains: sorghum (Sorghum
bicolor), and wheat (Triticum aesitvum), as feedstocks for biofuels. It highlights the synergy provided by applying what is known from forage digestibility and
wheat and sorghum starch properties studies to the biofuels sector. Opportunities therefore, exist to improve biofuel qualities
in these crops via genetics and agronomics. In contrast to cereal crops, switchgrass still retains tremendous exploitable
genetic diversity, and can be specifically improved to fit a particular agronomic, management, and conversion platform. Combined
with emerging studies on switchgrass genomics, conversion properties and management, the future for genetic modification of
this species through conventional and molecular breeding strategies appear to be bright. The presence of brown-midrib mutations
in sorghum that alter cell wall composition by reducing lignin and other attributes indicate that sorghum could serve as an
important model species for C4-grasses. Utilization of the brown-midrib traits could lead to the development of forage and sweet sorghums as novel biomass
crops. Additionally, wheat crop residue, and wheat and sorghum with improved starch content and composition represent alternate
biofuel sources. However, the use of wheat starch as a biofuel is unlikely but its value as a model to study starch properties
on biofuel yields holds significant promise.
JIMB-2008: BioEnergy—Special issue. |
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Keywords: | Biofuels Forage digestibility Sorghum Switchgrass Wheat |
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