Cornell Researchers Watching Grass Grow...

By Lauren Chambliss
Watching grass grow is not normally the most exciting activity -- unless the future of New York's energy needs, rural economic development and reducing the human contribution to global climate change depend on it.

From the lab to the field, Cornell researchers are analyzing every aspect of some field grasses in a multidisciplinary, high-octane search for the next generation of biofuels from such cellulose feedstocks as grasses and willow trees, which can be converted to ethanol and other products.

Donald Viands, professor of plant breeding and genetics, in front of some big bluestem grass at the Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station research site in Big Flats, N.Y.

Nationally, corn is the leading source of biofuel, but in the long run, researchers say, New York will be better off developing alternative renewable sources of cellulosic ethanol that will be healthier for the environment, address energy needs and potentially create new business for rural farmers and landowners.

CheckBioTech, Sept. 7, 2007