Title:
Optimizing Miscanthus Biomass Production - Presentation of the OPTIMISC Project
Author(s):
Lewandowski, I., Kalinina, O., Clifton-Brown, J., Farrar, K., Donnison, I., Trindade, L., Dolstra, O., Van der Linden, G., Roldan-Ruiz, I., Muylle, H., Lootens, P., Harding, G., Mos, M., Schwarz, K.U., Müller-Sämann, K., Xi, Q., Özgüven, M., Chochlov, N., Tarakanow, I., Schüle, H.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Miscanthus is a C4 perennial rhizomatous grass originating from Eastern Asia that has become a leading candidate crop for production of a lignocellulosic feedstock for a biobased economy in Europe. Research over the past 20 years has shown that a few key species and their interspecific hybrids have a high yield potential for bioenergy as well as other biomass-derived products requiring low inputs. At present the production of miscanthus is dominated by one genotype, Miscanthus x giganteus. The main objective of the OPTIMISC project is to broaden the genetic base for miscanthus. For this purpose promising germplasm from M. sacchariflorus, M. sinensis and M. x giganteus and cross-breeds thereof have been selected and will be tested for their tolerance and suitability to adverse soil and climatic conditions and for the suitability of the biomass to provide feedstock for energetic use or higher quality products. Major activities within OPTIMSC are the screening of traits for salinity, drought, cold and freezing stress in controlled environments and in field trials as well as testing the performance of novel genotypes on small to large scale. Options for using the biomass of different miscanthus genotypes for energetic and material uses are explored. Recommendations will be made with regard to cost reduction and environmental performance (LCA) of specific value chains. Decision support will be given for the selection and cultivation of suitable genotypes intended for different applications in different environments.
Keywords:
bioenergy, miscanthus, quality, biobased products, genotype, abiotic stress tolerance
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops and energy grasses
Event:
20th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1DV.2.68
Pages:
651 - 654
ISBN:
978-88-89407-54-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/20thEUBCE2012-1DV.2.68
Price:
FREE
