ARS researchers look at presscake from mustard-related plant as biobutanol feedstock

In Illinois, researchers at the Agricultural Research Service are looking at Lesquerella, a Southwest U.S. native plant from the mustard family, as a potential feedstock for biobutanol. The crop was first identified for its potential due to the high hydroxy fatty acid content in its oil but the challenge was with its presscake that had no immediate use due to being inappropriate as an animal feed. But research into the presscake itself found high levels of carbohydrate that could be ideal for biobutanol production.