We are developing crop management practices through our work with the Noble Foundation, one of the world’s top forage grass breeders. >>

SWITCHGRASS

Switchgrass is a perennial grass that is native to the prairies of North America. It has been identified by the U.S. Department of Energy as a preferred dedicated energy crop.

Since switchgrass has been subjected to less intense breeding efforts than most commodity crops, rapid and significant improvements can be made through advanced plant breeding and biotechnology.

Product Pipeline

Using marker-assisted breeding and other technology platforms, we plan to introduce a succession of enhancements, including further increases in biomass yield and other agronomic and compositional improvements.


	Switchgrass can grow 9-feet high with roots just as deep	Plants store more carbon in the soil when harvested annually
	Stands re-grow each spring	Switchgrass provides ideal cover for ground-nesting birds

Seed Quality

Ceres is developing improved seed propagation techniques to improve germination and seed health. Types sold today often suffer from inconsistent seed quality and low germination.

History of Switchgrass

Native to nearly every state, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) once blanketed North America. It was widely considered an obstacle to progress, and in the 19th century, the famous “sodbusters” cleared the land of tall prairie grasses, making way for wheat, corn and soy.