ARS Scientists Produce Oil From Multiple Crops for Potential Biofuel Production at Pilot Plant in Peoria, IL

GrainNet.com
Date Posted: October 10, 2008

Scientists also Study Rotation Plans to Include Grasses for Cellulosic Ethanol Production

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Peoria, IL, have produced oils of camelina, canola, Cuphea, lesquerella, milkweed and pennycress by the barrelful in their commercial-scale pilot plant.

These alternative crops may be able to provide alternative domestic sources of industrial products ranging from soap to biofuels for cars, trucks and--in the case of Cuphea--even jet fuel.

Plant physiologist Russ Gesch and colleagues at the ARS North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory in Morris, MN, have studied Cuphea since 1999.

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