Molecular breeding of switchgrass for use as a biofuel crop.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is projected to become one of the main herbaceous, biofuel crops in United States. This status was the result of several years of research; much it sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). Literature documenting fundamental aspects of switchgrass taxonomy, genetics, breeding, management, physiology, and use is now available and form the basis for protocols to establish and manage the crop, as well as efforts to develop improved cultivars. Future improvement will include production of high yielding hybrids and the use of genomic and transgenic biotechnologies to enhance both productivity and chemical composition. Reducing bioconversion recalcitrance via reduction of lignin content is an example of projected future research in this area.