Taiwan Today
Date: January 21, 2016
An exhibition highlighting a Poaceae varietal and its potential use in
The use of a Poaceae varietal as an alternative to fossil fuels is one of the educational goals of a related exhibition running Jan. 21 to Nov. 30 at Endemic Species Research Institute in Nantou County. (Courtesy of ESRI)
environmental protection kicked off Jan. 21 at Endemic Species Research Institute under the Council of Agriculture in Nantou County.
Running until Nov. 30, The Wonderful World of Poaceae features 30-plus everyday pieces made of bamboo and silver grass, as well as a detailed display of characteristics and applications in corn, elephant grass, millet, oats, rice, sorghum, sugar cane and wheat.
ESRI Associate Research Fellow Chen Chih-hui said the event aims to springboard the grass into the national spotlight. “The fact that the Poaceae family comprises 10,000 species under 650 genera covering one-third of the global land mass plays an important role in solving food security issues and preserving the environment.”
Corn, also a key player in the food security scene, is seen as possible big league green energy source of the 21st century and beyond, Chen said. “Corn-based ethanol can reduce oil consumption, lowering carbon dioxide emissions to alleviate the impact of the greenhouse effect.” [FULL STORY]
