a greener tomorrow
P etroleum, a finite fossil fuel, has powered modern society for centuries. However, its extraction and consumption have contributed significantly to climate change and pollution. These pressing global challenges demand innovative solutions. As we seek to transition to a more sustainable future, perennial grasses emerge as a promising avenue for a greener tomorrow. These hardy plants, capable of thriving in diverse environments, offer a wealth of potential benefits. By harnessing their photosynthetic efficiency and rapid growth, we can produce a wide range of bioproducts, from renewable fuels to sustainable materials. Furthermore, their deep root systems can sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. While domesticated species like sugarcane and maize are already used for various bioproducts, undomesticated species like miscanthus and switchgrass hold even greater potential because of their wider genetic diversity and resilience. By tapping into the genetic potential of undomesticated perennial grasses, researchers and farmers can develop more sustainable and productive agricultural systems. GENETICS TO IMPROVE PERENNIAL GRASSES FOR BIOPRODUCTS Researchers are turning to genetics to develop these species into competitive crops for use in sustainable products. By understanding their genetic makeup, researchers can identify and manipulate specific genes to improve key traits, such as biomass yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, nutrient use efficiency, and cell wall composition.
Genomic research provides invaluable insights into plant genomes, facilitating the development of plant-based alternatives to fossil fuels, waste reduction strategies, and economically viable, environmen- tally sustainable systems.
—Kankshita Swaminathan, PHD
HudsonAlpha Faculty Investigator Kankshita Swaminathan, PhD , and her lab are at the forefront of this research. By combining genomics, gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, and advanced phenotyping techniques, they are conducting in-depth analyses of genes and key traits in miscanthus, switchgrass, and sorghum. This integrated approach promises to significantly accelerate the development of sustainable bioenergy crops and the creation of new, high-yielding cultivars within a reasonable timeframe.
HUDSONALPHA INSTITUTE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY
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