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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302294
Title: Grow them and we will come for the feast

Author
item HENG-MOSS, TIFFANY - University Of Nebraska
item BRADSHAW, JEFF - University Of Nebraska
item KOCH, KYLE - University Of Nebraska
item PROCHASKA, TRAVIS - University Of Nebraska
item DONZE-REINER, TERESA - University Of Nebraska
item Sarath, Gautam

Submitted to: Biofuels, Bioproducts, & Biorefining (Biofpr)
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2014
Publication Date: 3/31/2014
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/59007
Citation: Heng-Moss, T.M., Bradshaw, J.D., Koch, K.G., Prochaska, T., Donze-Reiner, T., Sarath, G. 2014. Grow them and we will come for the feast. Biofuels, Bioproducts, & Biorefining (Biofpr). 8: 145-146.

Interpretive Summary: Perennial grasses such as switchgrass are being developed as sources of biomass for the biofuel sector. However, there is limited knowledge on the types of insect pests that could pose a problem if these grasses are cultivated on a large-scale. Recent reports suggest that many types of insects could feed on these grass species and potentially compromise biomass yields. Understanding these plant-insect interactions will be needed to develop sustainable, integrated pest management strategies.

Technical Abstract: Perennial grasses such as switchgrass are likely to become dedicated biomass crops. However, there is limited knowledge on the types of insect pests that could pose a problem if these grasses are cultivated on a large-scale. Recent reports suggest that different classes of insect have the ability to become pests of these grasses. Understanding these plant-insect interactions will be needed to develop sustainable, integrated pest management strategies.