Leaf life 'a research topic' for enhanced biofuel composition

The yield achieved from crops suitable for inclusion in biofuel composition - such as ryegrass - can be determined by a number of factors.

Scientists at Kiel University are this month focusing on the significance of leaf lifespan, which can be linked with biomass production by the plant.

As part of the international Crop Life initiative, a number of post-doctoral and doctoral candidates are to look into the association between the two.

"The results are to be used to drive strategies for increasing the grain filling in cereals [and] the biomass of grasses," the university says.

Both areas could hold promise for next-generation biofuel composition, by providing a greater amount of lignocellulosic material to be converted into fuel.

Next-generation biofuel testing - in which crops are grown to maximise the efficiency of the process - is an important part of the journey towards creating biological energy sources free from harmful effects on the environment.