Crops Miscanthus (Miscanthus spp.)

Miscanthus spp. are tropical and subtropical grasses, with origins in parts of Asia and Africa; some have been cultivated as ornamentals in Europe, America, and Australia for many years. They are similar in appearance to some strains of bamboo, though are more closely related to sugar cane: their rapid growth rate has suggested that some species may be suitable as producers of biomass in warmer parts of Europe. Some plantations of two species, Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus, have been established for investigative purposes in several European countries; initial levels of production have been encouraging, and research is continuing into technical aspects of using the produce as a fuel source (for the generation of electricity) and as a provider of fibre for paper and board manufacture.

This entry forms part of the publication Crops for Industry and Energy in Europe

References:

Anon (1996b) Miscanthus-lts Future as a UK Crop. Proceedings of a 1-day meeting of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers, 1st February 1996. Silsoe: Institution of Agricultural Engineers.

Carruthers, S P Miller, F A & Vaughan, C M A (Eds) (1994) Crops for Industry and Energy. Report No 15. Reading: Centre for Agricultural Strategy

Chisholm, C J (Ed) (1994) Towards a UK Research Strategy For Alternative Crops. Silsoe: Silsoe Research Institute.

Perry, F (1972) Flowers of the World. London: Hamlyn Press.

Rutherford I & Heath, M C (1992) The Potential of Miscanthus as a Fuel Crop. ETSU B 1354 London: HMSO.

Relevant EC funded projects:
AIR-0294
AIR-0511
AIR-1162
AIR-2455
FAIR-0191
FAIR-0512
FAIR-1392
FAIR-1707
FAIR Proposal 3784