How a unique and versatile plant could help Illinois farmers and the environment

Miscanthus is a type of grass that can grow to be particularly tall. According to a group of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a form of this grass known has proven to be a good crop for farmers, with a lot of versatile uses. 

It’s called miscanthus giganteus, and experts hope that this plant as a crop could help farmers across Illinois, especially in a time when commodity markets for corn and beans have been unpredictable at best. Two plant and crop experts provide insight on this grass.

GUESTS

Emily Heaton 
Professor of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Director, Biomass Innovation Hub
Director, I-Regen

Andrew Leakey 
Director, Center for Advanced Biology and Bioproducts Innovation