Value-Added Bioproducts: Biorefining Perennial Grass Biofuel Feedstocks.

Diverse candidate biomass feedstocks (switchgrass, energycane, miscanthus, annual sorghum, perennial sorghum spp. hybrids, napiergrass, pearl millet-napiergrass, pearl millet, and sunn hemp) were evaluated for potential as dual-use (forage: bioproduct) biorefining platforms. Bioproducts of interest included bioplastic platform molecules (succinic acid, etc.) and biosilica. Biomass yield and forage values were concomitantly evaluated in replicated field trials at three locations (Beeville, TX; College Station, TX; Stephenville, TX). An additional greenhouse trial of the same feedstocks for bioproduct yields under both drought-stressed and well-irrigated conditions was also completed. Results of feedstock performance comparisons for biomass biomass yield, forage value, and bioproduct yields will be presented.