Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service have collected 46 new populations of switchgrass in Florida, according to the ARS. The native switchgrass collection was conducted in Florida in 2008 and 2009, when researchers discovered new switchgrass population in many types of environments, including swampy areas, oak forests, pine scrubs, weedy areas along roadside and dune areas along the coast. Scientists found significant genetic variation in the new switchgrass populations, including differences in seed maturity, foliage abundance and plant height.

(USDA Agricultural Research Service News, November 25, 2009)

(http://www.ars.usda.gov/…)

DTN: This new populations add to the existing germplasm collection of potential bioenergy crops. Switchgrass has been studied for some time now as a feedstock for ethanol and other biofuels, however these new population could provide even more biomass resources. The project is carrying on the USDA's goal to new sources of bioenergy. (Cheryl Anderson)