DOCSLIB.ORG

The Demand and Welfare Analysis of Vegetable Oils, Biofuel, Sugar Cane, and Ethanol in Europe, Brazil and the U.S

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Demand and Welfare Analysis of Vegetable Oils, Biofuel, Sugar Cane, and Ethanol in Europe, Brazil and the U.S Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 The demand and welfare analysis of Vegetable oils, biofuel, Sugar cane, and ethanol in Europe, Brazil and the U.S. By Turker Dogruer A Thesis In Agricultural and Applied Economics Submitted to the Graduate Faculty Of Texas Tech University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters Approved Dr. Darren Hudson (chair) Dr. Eduardo Segarra Dr. Murova Olga March 24, 2016 Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 Copyright 2016, Turker Dogruer Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Problem Statement ..................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Objectives............................................................................................................................ 2 CHAPTER 2 .................................................................................................................................... 4 LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................................................ 4 2.1 Biofuel Production and Food Prices ....................................................................................... 4 2.2 Demand Estimation Models and Welfare Analysis ............................................................ 9 2.3.1 United States ....................................................................................................................... 14 2.3.2 European Union .................................................................................................................. 17 2.3.3 The Brazilian Biofuel Industry .......................................................................................... 19 CHAPTER 3 .................................................................................................................................. 26 DATA AND ESTIMATION ISSUES ........................................................................................... 26 3.1 Summary Statistics ................................................................................................................ 28 CHAPTER 4 .................................................................................................................................. 31 CONCEPTS AND METHODS ..................................................................................................... 31 4.1 Conceptual Framework ....................................................................................................... 32 4.2 Empirical Framework ........................................................................................................... 35 CHAPTER 5 .................................................................................................................................. 39 RESULTS ...................................................................................................................................... 39 4.1 Estimation Results ................................................................................................................. 39 4.1.2 Welfare Analysis ................................................................................................................. 50 4.2 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 52 5.1 Appendix ................................................................................................................................. 55 ii Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 Acknowledgments I dedicate this thesis to my parents Fikriye and Tekin Dogruer who supported me with all they could during my research. I also would like to express my deepest appreciation to my committee chair professor Darren Hudson for his invaluable support during, not only this research, but also the journey in the Agricultural and Applied Economics department. I would like to thank my committee members Dr. Edwardo Segarra, and Dr. Olga Murova, for their constructive and informative instruction, and more importantly their encouragement and supports during completing my thesis. My deepest appreciation goes to my friends who during this research pathed the way to a less stressful and more productive work. Their encouragements and support help me endure the hardship I encountered during the completion of this study. These friends are: Abbas Aboohamidi, Erdem Tokgoz, Fatih Koca, and Emre Cekin. Last but not least, my greatest gratitude goes to my wife, Funda Dogruer, who despite her pregnancy and her school load work supported me with her presence, encouragement, observations, comments, patience, and love made this long journey not only easier but more pleasant. I would also like to express my appreciation to my unborn son, Ali, who would age with this paper, and who with his coming surprise illuminated my life. iii Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Problem Statement The topic of biofuel (biodiesel and ethanol) production from vegetable oils, sugarcane, animal fats, and some crop seeds has drawn the attention of researchers, policy makers, marketers, farmers as well as consumer advocacy groups. But examining the biofuel and food sectors, including vegetable oils and sugar can be challenging. Because biofuel is associated with both energy market as well as food market, each responding to different supply and demand characteristic. Although biofuels offer an alternative to fossil fuels in terms of CO2 reduction, their competition with products that are traditionally used for human and animal consumption raises concerns in regard to food and feed prices, and therefore to food security, especially in poor countries (Steer and Hanson,2015). Thus, biofuel production can represent an important factor on consumer welfare and vegetable oil market. In fact, the expansion of biofuel production in United States, Brazil, and European Union countries triggered a cascade of events in the agriculture sector: expansion of the land use by the crops used in biofuel production (corn, sugarcane, oilseed, and so on), increase in the prices of these crops, and increase in the prices of other food items. Various studies dealing with the issue of fuel versus food have been produced with the aim to quantify the effect of biofuel supply expansion on food prices. For instance, Collins (2008) attributes the increase in the farm level and retail food prices too many factors, including biofuels and specifically corn based ethanol. According to Collins (2008), biofuel is becoming a significant factor in high food prices. The rise in the crude oil prices by mid-2000 increased the use of corn 1 Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 in ethanol production reaching levels as high as 40% of corn in United States. In fact, 98% of the US ethanol production use corn as an input and the percentage of corn used in the production of ethanol to the total usage increased from 35% in 2010 to 40% in 2013. In a parallel way, According to USDA, the production of ethanol in Brazil uses sugar cane and Brazil is the second largest ethanol producer behind United States. Moreover, 52% of the increase in soybean use is explained by biodiesel production. Creating upward pressure on the prices of edible soybean oil. In addition, Baier et al. (2009) predicts that the increase in ethanol production accounts for 30% of the rise in corn price. Runge and Senauer (2007) also stated that expansion in ethanol production increases corn demand, prices, and producer profit. They argue that the demand for biofuel has caused the basic food prices in the developing countries to substantially increase. The impact of the expansion of ethanol production has not been limited to sugar, corn and soybeans. The recent focus on biofuel production has affected various vegetable oils such as sunflower oil and canola oil as well, but the intensity of the impact is smaller compared to sugar and corn (Jorge and Sarquis, 2012). The effects of biofuel production have had different reactions and consequences in various countries, and many other factors contribute to the changes of food prices, besides biofuels, as mentioned by Baier et al. (2009). For example, the increase in US biofuel production is responsible about 60 percent of increase in crop prices, while Brazil accounts for 14 percent, and European Union’s biofuel production accounted for 15 percent only (Baier et al; 2009). 1.2 Objectives The overall objective of this study is to estimate the effect of the biofuel supply expansion on the prices of certain food items and their consumption. In addition, we estimate the welfare effects 2 Texas Tech University, Turker Dogruer, March 2016 under different scenarios of policies supporting the biofuel production (mandate, tax credit, and etc.) this study aims to: *To analyze vegetable oils demand in the United States and European countries, and sugar demand in the U.S and Brazil, at the consumer level, * To examine the effect of biodiesel production on vegetable oil market price and biofuel production on sugar market price in specific countries, and * To investigate the welfare effect of biofuel
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Biomass Basics: the Facts About Bioenergy 1 We Rely on Energy Every Day
    Biomass Basics: The Facts About Bioenergy 1 We Rely on Energy Every Day Energy is essential in our daily lives. We use it to fuel our cars, grow our food, heat our homes, and run our businesses. Most of our energy comes from burning fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas. These fuels provide the energy that we need today, but there are several reasons why we are developing sustainable alternatives. 2 We are running out of fossil fuels Fossil fuels take millions of years to form within the Earth. Once we use up our reserves of fossil fuels, we will be out in the cold - literally - unless we find other fuel sources. Bioenergy, or energy derived from biomass, is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because it can be produced from renewable sources, such as plants and waste, that can be continuously replenished. Fossil fuels, such as petroleum, need to be imported from other countries Some fossil fuels are found in the United States but not enough to meet all of our energy needs. In 2014, 27% of the petroleum consumed in the United States was imported from other countries, leaving the nation’s supply of oil vulnerable to global trends. When it is hard to buy enough oil, the price can increase significantly and reduce our supply of gasoline – affecting our national security. Because energy is extremely important to our economy, it is better to produce energy in the United States so that it will always be available when we need it. Use of fossil fuels can be harmful to humans and the environment When fossil fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.
    [Show full text]
  • Jamaican Domestic Ethanol Fuel Feasibility and Benefits Analysis
    Jamaican Domestic Ethanol Fuel Feasibility and Benefits Analysis Caley Johnson, Anelia Milbrandt, Yimin Zhang, Rob Hardison, and Austen Sharpe National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy Technical Report Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy NREL/TP-5400-76011 Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC May 2020 This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications. Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 Jamaican Domestic Ethanol Fuel Feasibility and Benefits Analysis Caley Johnson, Anelia Milbrandt, Yimin Zhang, Rob Hardison, and Austen Sharpe National Renewable Energy Laboratory Suggested Citation Johnson, Caley, Anelia Milbrandt, and Yimin Zhang, Rob Hardison, and Austen Sharpe. 2020. Jamaican Domestic Ethanol Fuel Feasibility and Benefits Analysis. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/TP-5400-76011. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy20osti/76011.pdf NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy Technical Report Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy NREL/TP-5400-76011 Operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC May 2020 This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory Laboratory (NREL) at www.nrel.gov/publications. 15013 Denver West Parkway Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 Golden, CO 80401 303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov NOTICE This work was authored by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Contract No. DE-AC36- 08GO28308. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of State.
    [Show full text]
  • Where Does Sugar Come From?
    Where does sugar come from? This is Joe and Jana. They’re here to tell you all about the journey of the jellybean. Sugar, which is the main ingredient in jellybeans, is produced in more than 100 countries around the world. In Australia, sugar is made from a tall tropical grass called sugarcane. Joe grows sugarcane so he knows all about it. What is sugarcane? Where is sugarcane grown? Why is sugarcane important for Australia? Sugarcane is a tall tropical plant In Australia, sugarcane can be seen that is similar to bamboo. To growing along 2,100 kilometers Sugarcane is one of Australia’s most grow successfully, sugarcane of coastline between Mossman in important rural industries, worth needs strong sunlight, fertile far north Queensland and Grafton around $1.5 - $2.5 billion to the soil and lots of water. It needs in northern New South Wales. Australian economy. Approximately 70% of the world’s sugar is produced at least 1.5 m of rainfall each Sugarcane growers manage from sugarcane; the remaining year or access to irrigation. some unique and spectacular 30% is made from sugarbeet. vegetation, animal life and Sugar is made in the leaves of the waterways. Many cane growers Cane growing and sugar production sugarcane plant through a natural live close to rainforests and the has been around for over a process called photosynthesis. Great Barrier Reef. Because of their hundred years in Australia. The Photosynthesis occurs when a proximity, many cane growing sugarcane industry has helped plant, using energy from the sun, families spend their weekends build many coastal towns and transforms carbon dioxide (CO2) and outdoors swimming and fishing.
    [Show full text]
  • Pastry Ingredients
    Pastry Ingredients All Grand Central Pastries and desserts are baked from scratch using real butter and natural fruits and flavorings. There are absolutely no artificial sweeteners, flavorings or preservatives Breakfast Pastries Croissant- Shepherd's Grain unbleached white flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, whole milk, Larsen's Cremerie Classique unsalted butter, granulated cane white sugar, fresh and dry instant yeast, sea salt, ascorbic acid, egg wash. Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs Almond Croissant- Shepherd's Grain unbleached white flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, whole milk, Larsen's Cremerie Classique unsalted butter, granulated cane white sugar, fresh and dry instant yeast, sea salt, ascorbic acid, egg wash, almond meal, almond extract (alcohol, oil of bitter almond, water), vanilla, cage-free liquid eggs, almonds, cornstarch, powdered sugar (sugar, cornstarch) Contains: Wheat, Milk, Nuts, Eggs Chocolate Croissant- Shepherd's Grain unbleached white flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), water, whole milk, Larsen's Cremerie Classique unsalted butter, granulated cane white sugar, fresh and dry instant yeast, sea salt, ascorbic acid, egg wash, Valhrona chocolate batons (sugar, cocoa paste, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla), powdered sugar (sugar, cornstarch) Contains: Wheat, Soy, Milk, Eggs Latte Dunkers:
    [Show full text]
  • Are Biofuels an Effective and Viable Energy Strategy for Industrialized Societies? a Reasoned Overview of Potentials and Limits
    Sustainability 2015, 7, 8491-8521; doi:10.3390/su7078491 OPEN ACCESS sustainability ISSN 2071-1050 www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Article Are Biofuels an Effective and Viable Energy Strategy for Industrialized Societies? A Reasoned Overview of Potentials and Limits Tiziano Gomiero Independent Consultant and Researcher on Multi-Criteria Farming and Food System Analysis, Agro-Energies, Environmental Issues, Treviso 30121, Italy; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-32-0464-3496 Academic Editor: Andrew Kusiak Received: 7 April 2015 / Accepted: 26 June 2015 / Published: 30 June 2015 Abstract: In this paper, I analyze the constraints that limit biomass from becoming an alternative, sustainable and efficient energy source, at least in relation to the current metabolism of developed countries. In order to be termed sustainable, the use of an energy source should be technically feasible, economically affordable and environmentally and socially viable, considering society as a whole. Above all, it should meet society’s “metabolic needs,” a fundamental issue that is overlooked in the mainstream biofuels narrative. The EROI (Energy Return on Investment) of biofuels reaches a few units, while the EROI of fossil fuels is 20–30 or higher and has a power density (W/m2) thousands of times higher than the best biofuels, such as sugarcane in Brazil. When metabolic approaches are used it becomes clear that biomass cannot represent an energy carrier able to meet the metabolism of industrialized societies. For our industrial society to rely on “sustainable biofuels” for an important fraction of its energy, most of the agricultural and non-agricultural land would need to be used for crops, and at the same time a radical cut to our pattern of energy consumption would need to be implemented, whilst also achieving a significant population reduction.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Thailand Biomass Resources and Biomass Pellet Market
    Azeus Machinery Co.ltd Email: [email protected] Website: www.biopelletmachine.com Add: SOKEYUFA Building, NO.26 Jingliu Road,Zhengzhou,CHINA Analysis of Thailand Biomass Resources and Biomass Pellet Market Catalogue I. General Situation of Thailand Energy Sources ---Sugarcane ---Cassava ---Rise Husks and Rice Straws ---Giant king grass II. Varieties of Thailand Biomass Resources III. Production of Thailand Biomass Pellet IV. Market and Prospect of Thailand Biomass Pellet ---Global wood pellet consumption forecast ---Adequate raw materials supply ---National policies support V. Summary General Situation of Thailand Energy Sources Thailand has abundant forest resources and crop resources, which is an advantage for Thailand to produce and use wood pellet as a kind of green energy, and makes it possible to develop Thailand as the biomass pellet trade center in ASEAN. Varieties of Thailand Biomass Resources Thailand is a major country of agricultural products producing and exporting, and the government attaches great importance to bio-industry. By setting senior management institutions, presenting preferential policies, enacting development projects, Thailand has achieved good progress in bio- agriculture, bio-pharmaceutical, bio-energy, etc. The main raw materials for making bio-pellets in Thailand are sugarcane, cassava and rice. Thailand is cultivating the giant king grass as a new material for bio-energy. Abundant natural resources, cheap labor cost and wide domestic-foreign market, all these factors make it possible for developing pellet fuel. --Sugarcane Thailand is the main sugarcane producer and cane-sugar exporter country in the world, locating in the moist tropical-region of Southeast Asia. In 2013, Thailand cane-sugar exports ranked 2nd in the world, following Brazil.
    [Show full text]
  • Starbucks Partnership Handbook 23 Confidential for Internal Use Only B
    b. Ingredient Master Grid Chilled, (Breakfast Sandwiches, Frozen Panini) INGREDIENTS: CROISSANT ROLL (ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, Double Smoked Bacon RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID], WATER, BUTTER [CREAM {MILK}, NATURAL FLAVOR], Breakfast Sandwich SUGAR, YEAST, SALT, EGGS, DOUGH CONDITIONER [WHEAT GLUTEN, XANTHAN 11048710 GUM, ASCORBIC ACID, ENZYMES]), FRIED EGG PATTY (EGG WHITES, EGG YOLKS, INGREDIENTS: HEARTY BLUEBERRY OATMEAL (WATER, WHOLE GRAIN OATMEAL [WHOLE GRAIN ROLLED OATS, WHOLE GRAIN STEEL CUT OATS, WHOLE GRAIN Blueberry Steel Cut OAT FLOUR, SALT, CALCIUM CARBONATE, GUAR GUM], FRUIT, NUT AND SEED Oatmeal MEDLEY [DRIED FIGS (FIGS, RICE FLOUR), PEPITAS, DRIED CRANBERRIES 11027789 (CRANBERRIES, SUGAR, SUNFLOWER OIL), ALMONDS], FRESH BLUEBERRIES, Blueberry Oatmeal Topping 11027788 INGREDIENTS: BLUEBERRIES. Original english muffin (unbleached enriched wheat flour [flour, malted barley flour, reduced iron, niacin, thiamin mononitrate (vitamin b1), riboflavin (vitamin b2), folic acid], Sausage Egg Breakfast water, farina, yeast, sugar, salt, soybean oil, preservatives [calcium propionate, sorbic Sandwich acid], grain vinegar, monoglycerides, skim milk, soy flour, whey),puffed scrambled egg 11005929 patty (whole eggs, whey, skim milk, soybean oil, modified food starch, contains less than ARTISAN ROLL (FLOUR [WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR], WATER, SOUR CULTURE, CANOLA OIL, WHITE DEGERMINATED CORN MEAL, CONTAINS LESS Bacon Gouda Artisan THAN 2% OF THE FOLLOWING: SALT, SUGAR,
    [Show full text]
  • Project Impact Sheet
    PROJECT IMPACT SHEET OILCANE: AN IDEAL BIOENERGY FEEDSTOCK UPDATED: FEBRUARY 6, 2017 PROJECT TITLE: Engineering Hydrocarbon Biosynthesis and Storage Together with Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency into the Saccharinae PROGRAM: Plants Engineered to Replace Oil (PETRO) AWARD: $6,479,275 PROJECT TEAM: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois) (Lead), the Universities of Nebraska and Florida, and Brookhaven National Laboratory PROJECT TERM: February 2012 – March 2017 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (PI): Steven Long TECHNICAL CHALLENGE Plant lipids offer a renewable alternative to fossil liquid fuels, providing an inexhaustible and sustainable source within the U.S. while reducing net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, there are concerns about land use and the agronomic inputs needed to harvest large quantities of biomass sustainably. Increasing the yield of bioenergy crops, and their energy density, addresses both economic and sustainability concerns, especially if the feedstock needs limited processing. Developing oil-rich crops that can yield economically viable drop-in fuels is of particular interest, but traditional breeding approaches, which in the major row crops produce 1-2% increases in yield annually, are insufficient to produce the gains needed. TECHNICAL OPPORTUNITY Hybridization provides an opportunity to combine promising plant characteristics to create improved crops. Sugarcane is one of the most photosynthetically productive crops in the world and ethanol produced from cane sugar is cost competitive with gasoline. The yield of ethanol from sugarcane is almost twice that of corn grain on a per acre basis; however, sugarcane is a tropical plant and is not grown commercially in the United States outside the southern areas of Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
    [Show full text]
  • RECLAMATION of MINED LAND with SWITCHGRASS, MISCANTHUS, and ARUNDO for BIOFUEL PRODUCTION1 Jeff Skousen,2 Travis Keene, Mike Marra, and Brady Gutta
    RECLAMATION OF MINED LAND WITH SWITCHGRASS, MISCANTHUS, AND ARUNDO FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION1 Jeff Skousen,2 Travis Keene, Mike Marra, and Brady Gutta Abstract: Use of biomass to supplement the nation’s energy needs for ethanol production and green fuel for power plants has created a demand for growing reliable feedstocks. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), and giant cane (Arundo donax L.) are possible biofuel crops because they produce large amounts of biomass over a wide range of growing conditions, including marginal and reclaimed land. West Virginia’s climate and large acreage of available reclaimed mine land provide a land base to generate high amounts of biomass for a biofuel industry. The purpose of this study was to determine the yield of three biomass crops on reclaimed mined land in central West Virginia. A 25-year-old reclaimed site near Alton, WV, was prepared using herbicides to eliminate all existing cool-season vegetation on a 5-ha area. Twenty-three plots of 0.4-ha each were established. Mine soil samples showed an average pH of 7.5 and adequate supplies of plant nutrients. Two switchgrass varieties (Kanlow and BoMaster) were randomly assigned to 10 plots (five replications) and seeds were drilled into the killed sod at a rate of 11 kg ha-1. Two types of miscanthus (sterile public and private varieties) were randomly assigned to 10 plots and planted with seedling plugs on 0.8-m centers. Giant cane was assigned to three plots and rhizomes were planted on 1.5-m centers. Yield measurements were taken in September the second and third years after planting.
    [Show full text]
  • First and Second Generation Biofuels: What's the Diference
    WORKING PAPER (UNDER REVIEW) FIRST and SECOND GENERATION Biofuels WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Authors: Amy Nagler & Selena Gerace Biofuels are renewable fuels made from recently living organic materials (called “biomass”, such as agricultural crops, forest residue, by-products, or waste. They can be used as alternatives to non-renewable fossil fuels, such as oil or natural gas, which were formed geologically from or- ganic material over millions of years. Common types of biofuel are ethanol and biodiesel. First-Generation Biofuels Second-Generation Biofuels (also referred to as ‘conventional’ biofuels) (also referred to as ‘next-generation’ biofuels) First-generation biofuels are produced Second-generation biofuels are produced from from types of biomass that are often used non-food biomass, such as perennial grass and for food, such as corn, soy, and sugar- fast-growing trees. The processes to make them cane. These biofuels are made through are more complex and less well developed than fermentation or chemical processes that those for first-generation biofuels and often convert the oils, sugars, and starches in involve converting fibrous non-edible material the biomass into liquid fuels. First-genera- called “cellulose” into fuel. Currently, there is no tion biofuel markets and technologies are commercial-scale second-generation biofuel pro- well-established, the most common in the duction in the U.S., but there has been extensive U.S. being corn ethanol which is blended research on their potential economic and environ- into most gasoline sold domestically. mental advantages over first-generation biofuels. 1ST GEN 2ND GEN BIOMASS BIOMASS SOURCES SOURCES PERENNIAL GRASSES GRAINS AND STARCH CROPS Switchgrass · Miscanthus Corn · Sugar Cane · Sugar Beets FAST- GROWING TREES Hybrid Poplar · Willow VEGETABLE OILS Soy · Canola · Palm BY- PRODUCTS & WASTE Corn Stover · Wheat Straw · Forest Residue Municipal Waste · Used Cooking Oil The Rise of First-Generation Production of first-generation biofuels greatly expanded after the adoption the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Field Guide for Managing Giant Reed in the Southwest
    United States Department of Agriculture Field Guide for Managing Giant Reed in the Southwest Forest Southwestern Service Region TP-R3-16-11 September 2014 Cover Photos Left: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Right: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Bottom: David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Printed on recycled paper Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) Grass family (Poaceae), Arundineae tribe Giant reed is an invasive grass common to riparian areas • Flowers June through November, depending on throughout the Southwest. This field guide serves as the location. Inflorescence is a dense, plume-like panicle, U.S. Forest Service’s recommendations for management of 1 to 2 feet long. Seed viability is very low, and giant reed in riparian areas and waterways associated with seedling establishment from germinated seed is quite its Southwestern Region.
    [Show full text]
  • Construction and Analysis of the Miscanthus Genespace
    CONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF THE MISCANTHUS GENESPACE BY JESSICA R. KIRKPATRICK THESIS Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Bioinformatics with a concentration in Crop Science in the Graduate College of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2013 Urbana, Illinois Master’s Committee: Professor Stephen Moose, Chair Associate Professor Matthew Hudson Assistant Professor Yoshie Hanzawa ii ABSTRACT Miscanthus and energy cane are closely related perennial grasses and candidate bioenergy crops. Both genomes create a challenge for variant discovery and genotyping because of their abundant repeats and the presence of a genome scale duplication with little subsequent divergence. In addition, the Miscanthus genome has high heterozygosity due to its self-incompatible breeding system. This complexity necessitates the discovery of sequence variants that distinguish paralogs from alleles, which are most frequent in the low-copy non-coding fraction of the genespace. To enrich for such sequences from Miscanthus genomes, we developed a sequence capture array using a solution-based hybridization method. The probe set was designed to capture exons and flanking intronic sequences predicted from alignment of Miscanthus transcriptome, fosmid, and genomic reads to the largely syntenic Sorghum genome. To facilitate haplotype discovery, we selected for large insert sizes that were subsequently sequenced at high depth as 100x75 bp paired-end reads. Chapter 1 reports the sequence capture of a doubled haploid Miscanthus sinensis plant and its parent, and chapter 2 reports the sequence capture of energy cane and two other Miscanthus species. This sequence capture design was able to distinguish variation at high depth and it was found that amplification is imperative to achieve this depth.
    [Show full text]