Texas A&M researchers discover bioenergy sorghum’s high wax production

In Texas, already valued for its resilience, biomass production and ability to improve soil fertility, bioenergy sorghum has another attribute that researchers have recently characterized: high wax production. Plant waxes are useful across a wide scope of commercial products like cosmetics, inks and candles, and as edible food coatings and biofuels. Bioenergy sorghum’s production of high wax loads—around 90–180 pounds per acre—might give growers additional profit. Scientists within Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are learning more about the plant’s wax.