Characterization of hybrid larch somatic embryo maturation by biochemical analyses and by a novel, fast mid-infrared approach.

The morphology of somatic embryos (SE) is not a sufficient criterion to determine the level of maturation and the optimal stage to transfer embryos for germination, unlike the biochemical components. This composition characterization in the laboratory is too restrictive to be considered at each maturation cycle, as would be necessary. It is, therefore, essential to consider alternative methods.

Saccharification Performances of Miscanthus at the Pilot and Miniaturized Assay Scales: Genotype and Year Variabilities According to the Biomass Composition.

Biomass production and cell wall composition are differentially impacted by harvesting year and genotypes, influencing then cellulose conversion in miniaturized assay.Using a high-throughput miniaturized and semi-automated method for performing the pretreatment and saccharification steps at laboratory scale allows for the assessment of these factors on the biomass potential for producing bioethanol before moving to the industrial scale. The large genetic diversity of the perennial grass miscanthus makes it suitable for producing cellulosic ethanol in biorefineries.