Abstract
Cost-effective production of bioethanol and chemicals from lignocellulose, has attracted significant interest around the world. Rhizomatous and perennial warm-season C4 grasses such as Miscanthus spp. are potential dedicated feedstock crops, which are efficient at fixing CO2 in temperate regions and require less fertilizer for cultivation. Among Miscanthus spp., Miscanthus sinensis is the most broadly distributed in Asia. The degree of population differentiation using molecular markers, such as restriction site-associated DNA sequencing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, Golden Gate SNPs and ten plastid microsatellite markers, has been evaluated for M. sinensis over its native range. Wide range of genetic variability in Asian Miscanthus germplasm resources was observed, and it would be valuable for the breeding programs. Targets for the improvement of grasses as feedstocks for bio-refineries are modifying biomass cell wall composition to reduce lignin concentrations to improve saccharification, regulation of flowering time for extending the vegetative phase to increase biomass potential and abiotic stresses such as cold tolerance. In this chapter, we outlined our recent research activities on molecular breeding such as candidate gene approach in Miscanthus spp.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
