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 Fiber
& Cellulosic Crops:
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Division Chair: Greg Holt USDA-ARS Cotton Production and Processing Research Unit 1604 E. FM 1294 Lubbock, TX, 79403 Phone: (806) 746-5353 ext. 105 Fax: (806) 746-5028 Scope of the Division: The scope of the division is to conduct research and/or develop procedures/techniques associated with utilizing fiber and cellulosic crops in support of varied industries. The members of the division work in various disciplines, including germplasm development, cultivation, agronomic practices, industrial processing, and marketing. The chemical, physical, and biological properties of fiber and cellulosic crops are defined and documented. Biotechnological approaches to crop improvement and product utilization are studied. Research performed ranges from fundamental mechanisms to support of product commercialization. Fibers include any biological material that is a continuous filament or discrete elongated piece. Fibers and Cellulosic research encompasses the development, production, processing, and utilization of biological fibers and cellulosic materials in the production of products and/or energy. Research is designed to promote agriculture, enhance rural economic development and find alternatives to petroleum-based products. Crops and processes researched by the members of the division include a wide array of plant species and their derived products. The disciplines of the division members are as diverse as the crops they study. Crops Investigated: Kenaf Switchgrass Hemp (Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) Flax Sisal Jute Hesperaloe Ramie Biomass Residuals (bagasses, stovers, waste streams from agricultural processing facilities) Division member links and research programs:
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