Miscanthus

Miscanthus is a genus of about 15 species of C4 perennial grasses. Miscanthus giganteus, a sterile hybrid between M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus, has been trialed as a bioenergy feedstock source in Europe since the early 1980's. It can grow to heights of more than four meters and yield greater than 10 dry tons per acre per year in many climactic regions. Propagation of Miscanthus giganteus is through rhizome cuttings, and therefore, is slow and expensive.

Mendel has developed high-performing elite varieties of Miscanthus that are competitive in yield with giganteus but which can be propagated much more efficiently. With these varieties, Mendel can offer a genetically diverse set of seed varieties that provide increased reliability of feedstock production. The genetic diversity of our product offerings will be increasing substantially over the next several years.

The rapid growth, low mineral content and high biomass yield of Miscanthus make it a favorite choice as an energy crop. It can be harvested dry (<16% moisture), baled and stored under cover. Once burned for energy or converted into biofuels, the resulting CO₂ emissions are equal to the amount of CO₂ that the plant used up from the atmosphere during its growing phase, and thus the process is greenhouse gas-neutral, excluding any establishment or production inputs, which are relatively low compared to annual crops. When co-fired with coal, it can be used in some current coal-burning power plants with minimal modifications.

Mendel's breeding program includes a diverse germplasm collection from both Europe and Asia. The genetics in the China nursery cover a diverse range of climatic conditions and phenotypic differences. Mendel will exploit this diversity to commercialize custom-tailored feedstocks for different regions, growing conditions, and end use.