A Review on Miscanthus Biomass Production and Comp

Authors: Stéphanie Arnoult Maryse BrancourtHulmel

Publish Date: 2014/09/16

Volume: 8, Issue: 2, Pages: 502-526

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Abstract

The lignocellulosic C4 perennial crop miscanthus and more particularly one of its species Miscanthus × giganteus are especially interesting for bioenergy production because they combine high biomass production with a low environmental impact However few varieties are available which is risky due to disease susceptibility Gathering worldwide references this review shows a high genotypic and environmental variability for traits of interest related to miscanthus biomass production and composition which may be useful in breeding programs for enhancing the availability of suitable clones for bioenergy production The M × giganteus species and certain clones in the Miscanthus sinensis species seem particularly interesting due to high biomass production per hectare Although the industrial requirements for biomass composition have not been fully defined for the different bioenergy conversion processes the M × giganteus and Miscanthus sacchariflorus species which show high lignin contents appear more suitable for thermochemical conversion processes In contrast the M sinensis species and certain M × giganteus clones with low lignin contents were interesting for biochemical conversion processes The M sacchariflorus species is also interesting as a progenitor for breeding programs due to its low ash content which is suitable for the different bioenergy conversion processes Moreover mature miscanthus crops harvested in winter seem preferred by industry to enhance efficiency and reduce the expense of the processes This investigation on miscanthus can be extrapolated to other monocotyledons and perennial crops which may be proposed as feedstocks in addition to miscanthusCurrently climate change and fossil fuel resource depletion are major global concerns To limit climate change reduce greenhouse gas emissions and replace fossil fuel resources renewable energy sources must be developed Many reports have shown that biomass crops are significant contributors as bioenergy sources for heat electricity or biofuel production through thermochemical or biochemical processes 1 2 3 4 5

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