Tuberous legumes: preliminary evaluation of tropical Australian and introduced species as fuel crops

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Econ. Bot.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858683· OSTI ID:6482763

Saxon, E C

The evaluation of native and introduced legumes with starch-storing roots or tubers was undertaken to test whether plants traditionally collected as food by Australian aborigines might have a role in the development of crops for liquid fuel production (by fermentation of carbohydrates to ethanol). Tuberous-rooted legumes from overseas were planted at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Kimberley Research Station, Western Australia (15/sup 0/39'S, 128/sup 0/42'E) in December 1974, March 1978 and February 1979. Roots from the latter plantings were harvested in June 1979. Native plant material was collected during visits to aboriginal communities in the Kimberleys between April and June 1979. The native and introduced specimens were analyzed for fermentable carbohydrate and protein content. Several native plants appear more promising than introduced species as liquid fuel crops.

• Research Organization: Permaculture Inst., Stanley, Australia
• OSTI ID: 6482763
• Journal Information: Econ. Bot.; (United States), Vol. 35:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
LEGUMINOSAE
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
AUSTRALIA
BIOMASS PLANTATIONS
ETHANOL
EVALUATION
FERMENTATION
PRODUCTIVITY
ROOTS
ALCOHOLS
AUSTRALASIA
BIOCONVERSION
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)