Description

WP1: Polymer composites: the reinforcing capacity of miscanthus stem fragments in polypropylene is comparable to that of the longer and more expensive fibers and satisfactory for automobile parts, the production of which is currently being scaled up. Concrete blocks: we have identified factors that limit the mechanical performance of miscanthus concrete blocks, which is improved by specific pretreatments of the biomass. The construction of demonstration houses is planned for 2017-2018. Anaerobic digestion: The methanogenic potential was determined for double-cropping and other sorghum varieties.. Combustion: miscanthus briquettes have been produced and a large scale heat production campaign was successfully completed.

WP2: Third year miscanthus field trial date have been collected and two new miscanthus triploid BFF cultivars were planted at four locations. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) for composites and concrete blocks has been completed.

In WP3 NIRS calibrations for biomass composition were further refined and relationships among biological traits and industrial properties were established. The Ecomeristem model is finalized and its application for exploring in silico biomass sorghum ideotypes has been initiated.

In WP4 QTLs for the changes in biomass composition in response to water deficit were identified in sorghum and maize and candidate genes identified. Biparental Miscanthus sinensis mapping populations growing at two locations are being phenotyped. New breeding schemes for sorghum (double-cropping and cold tolerant) have been initiated and parents for new hybrid combinations identified. New miscanthus material was collected in China.