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3408073 
Journal Article 
Miscanthus: A Promising Biomass Crop 
Heaton, EA; Dohleman, FG; Miguez, AF; Juvik, JA; Lozovaya, V; Widholm, J; Zabotina, OA; Mcisaac, GF; David, MB; Voigt, TB; Boersma, NN; Long, SP 
2010 
Yes 
Advances in Botanical Research
ISSN: 0065-2296 
Elsevier 
Advances in Botanical Research 
56 
Elsevier 
75-137 
WOS:000286404200003 
The C-4 grass Miscanthus x giganteus is of increasing interest as a biomass feedstock for renewable fuel production. This review describes what is known to date on M. x giganteus from extensive research in Europe and more recently in the US. Research trials have shown that M. x giganteus productivity is among the highest recorded within temperate climates. The crops high productivity results from greater levels of seasonal carbon fixation than other C-4 crops during the growing season. Genetic sequencing of M. x giganteus has identified close homology with related crop species such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and sugarcane (Saccharum? officinarum L.), and breeding of new varieties is underway. Miscanthus x giganteus has high water use efficiency; however, its exceptional productivity causes higher water use than other arable crops, potentially causing changes in hydrology in agricultural areas. Nitrogen use patterns are inconsistent and may indicate association with N fixing microorganisms. Miscanthus x giganteus has great promise as an economically and ecologically viable biomass crop; however, there are still challenges to widespread commercial development. 
Advances in Botanical Research 
9780123815187 
• Third Biofuels Report to Congress
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