Potentiality of Miscanthus for biofuel production

Bioenergy from plant biomass could make a substantial contribution to the alleviation of global problems in climate change and energy security. Bio-ethanol comes from three categories of feedstock: sugar based, starch based and cellulosic sources. Cellulosic feedstock must be exploited for second generation of conversion to biofuel. Perennial grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) have a low demand for nutrient inputs and show higher yields on relatively poor quality land sites and longer persistency and have a merit of increase in soil carbon content as well as the effect on stability and cover value for wildlife. Miscanthus spp. is also expected one of potential biofuel crops. Miscanthus spp. is native to eastern or south-eastern Asia. Giant Miscanthus (M. x giganteus) derived from a natural hybrid between susuki (M. sinensis) and ogi (M. sacchariflorus) has been reported for high biomass with 30 – 40 t (DM) year-1 ha-1. Researches on nutrient cycling, cold hardiness, photosynthetic capacity, and flowering phenology of Miscanthus spp. in native stands of Japan are being carried out with the collaboration of University of Illinois. The advantage of Miscanthus spp. will be discussed in a term of sustainable biofuel production.Title VI National Resource Center Grant (P015A060066)unpublishednot peer reviewe