New Pennycress Variety Could Boost Farmer’s Profits

ARS researchers in Peoria, IL, are developing biofuels that can boost the biodiesel market as well as farmers’ profits. Researchers have bred new varieties of a plant called pennycress, which until recently had been thought of as little more than a weedy nuisance. Far from it, researchers found that pennycress is well-suited for industrial applications like biodiesel fuels. To enhance its value, they created a new variety, high oleic pennycress (HOP).  

HOP biodiesel has demonstrated exceptional properties, including the ability to flow under cold winter conditions, as well as reducing engine wear. HOP biodiesel also acts as an effective additive for conventional diesel, meaning it can make conventional petroleum diesel perform better. With the global biodiesel market size estimated at more than $35 billion, with an annual growth rate of 10%, growing new varieties of pennycress in their rotations looks like a win for farmers and the biodiesel industry. Read more here.