Researchers tout pennycress as biofuel feedstock; high-oil, high-yield crop grows off-season from corn, soy

In Illinois, researchers at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization say that field pennycress is a viable biofuel feedstock. The researchers note that the plant, known also as stinkweed or frenchweed, yields 2,000 pounds of oilseed per acre with 36 to 40 percent oil content, and is grown off-season from corn and soybean.

Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) is an Eurasian plant with round flat pods, and is found throughout North America. It is related to peppergrasses (lepidium) in the mustard family, and is a natural weed killer.

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