Advances in switchgrass biotechnology

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a C₄ perennial warm season grass. Several of the natural and agronomic traits of switchgrass, including its wide geographical distribution, low nutrient requirements, low production costs, high water use efficiency, high biomass potential, and ease of harvesting, make it an attractive biomass crop for biofuel production. We believe that improving genetics using biotechnology would be a useful way to take advantage of the potential of switchgrass. Here, we highlight advances that have been made in switchgrass biotechnology. These advances will help to improve switchgrass agronomic traits and breeding varieties.