Midwest Universities Launch Initiative to Develop High-Yield Pennycress Crop
What happened
An interdisciplinary research team led by Illinois State University is genetically modifying wild pennycress into a domesticated, high-yield, cold-resistant oilseed crop. This multi-institutional initiative, funded largely through $23 million in federal grants, seeks to transform the weed into a commercially grown cash cover crop for the Midwest. The research also investigates whether planting the crop in fallow fields can reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss.
From illinoisstate.edu
Why it matters
The domesticated pennycress could be processed into various products, including biofuel, renewable diesel, jet fuel, and animal feed. This effort aims to utilize nearly 80 million acres of land devoted to corn and soybeans in the Midwest during the winter months.
From illinoisstate.edu
Who's involved
- Illinois State UniversityLed the interdisciplinary research team focused on genetically modifying pennycress.
- University of MinnesotaActively engaged in the multi-institutional initiative focused on shared research endeavors.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- MidwestSpeculative
The Midwest might see changes in agricultural supply and costs due to the successful development of a high-yield, cold-resistant oilseed crop.
How this reaches others
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The entities involved
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Midwest
town in Natrona County, Wyoming, United States
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Illinois State University
public university in Normal, Illinois
Nothing else this week.
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University of Minnesota
public research university in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States