Advances and Future Perspectives in Biomass Crop Research

Dear Colleagues,

Fossil fuels contribute the majority of the world’s primary energy supply, being used for generating electricity and heat for different purposes, as well as for fueling vehicles, ships and airplanes. As a consequence, they are considered largely responsible for CO₂ release, which is causing global warming and climate change. Products and materials derived from fossil fuels are also often responsible for serious pollution and environmental degradation.

Thus, during the last few decades, many efforts have been put into the development of new, renewable energy sources, aiming to help the community to transition to a “low-carbon” economy soon.

In the above context, biomass, which also includes dedicated crops and agricultural wastes, is a promising renewable energy and material supply for different types of biorefineries. In particular, biomass crops appear to be fully in line with the sustainable development goals. Indeed, such crops can be cultivated on marginal agricultural or degraded land, increasing biodiversity and ameliorating the landscape, and show a high adaptability to climate change.

Moreover, biomass crops can provide additional income to a large number of farmers, contributing to rural development as well as to the growth of the bioeconomy. To reach all these goals, research and modern-breeding technologies can provide help in improving biomass yields, compositions and properties.

The aim of this Special Issue will be the collection of studies about crops dedicated to the production of renewable energy and/or materials. In such a way, we will provide guidance on the advances in terms of high biomass production, high calorific value, the contents of valuable components, low agronomic requirements, low costs of production, and fertilizer needs. Studies on both advanced precision farming and biotechnological techniques aimed at maximizing yield and profit in biomass crop cultivation are also welcomed.

Dr. Marco Iannaccone
Dr. Vito Pignatelli
Dr. Francesco Panara
Guest Editors

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• Biomass crops
• Bioenergy
• Biofuel
• Green chemistry
• Biorefinery
• Bioeconomy
• Precision farming
• Genetic engineering of biomass crops