WWN would like to clarify a few facts stated in a recent article (dated Feb 7, 2012) “Miscanthus Could Have Significant Impact on Local Economy”. The article inaccurately stated that miscanthus is a form of switchgrass. Miscanthus and switchgrass are distinct species and besides being energy crops, they don't have all that much in common. Here is a more accurate description from Mendel’s website, “Miscanthus is a genus of about 15 species of C4 perennial grasses. Public varieties of Miscanthus giganteus, sterile hybrids between M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus, have been trialed as a bioenergy feedstock source in Europe since the early 1980's.”
In addition, the article implied that genetic engineering was employed in the development of Mendel’s variety of miscanthus. While Mendel has developed sterile and seed producing varieties of miscanthus, no genetic engineering was involved and Mendel has no future plans to genetically engineer miscanthus.
WWN apologizes for any misconception that may have been created by these inaccuracies.
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