New Plant Model Revolutionizes Turf Grass Research

 

Some of these brachypodium grasses, especially switchgrass, are also looked at as the future of the ethanol industry, because they offer a net energy gain far more compelling than the crops now used to produce ethanol.

Researchers at Oregon State University have begun a new program that will outline key parts of the genetic structure of a wild grass species called Brachypodium ?EUR??,,????'?????<

This initiative, part of a major gene-sequencing program just announced by the U.S. Department of Energy may open the door to revolutionary new discoveries for everything from improved ethanol production to advances in wheat, corn and turfgrass. Some early results on the work are expected within a year, scientists say. Many of the most important advances in plant biotechnology use model plants that, for various reasons, lend themselves to genetic research ?EUR??,,????'?????<

To accomplish that, two efforts are planned ?EUR??,,????'?????<

More detail on the OSU Brachypodium research can be found on the web at www.brachypodium.org.