Jerusalem Artichoke: An Emerging Feedstock for Bioethanol Production

Abstract

Abstract In recent year, sugar- and starch-based feedstocks have not been sustainable for biorefinery due to the fact that their cultivation for food use covers the biggest percentage of production. Although lignocellulosic biomass, mainly in the form of agricultural residues, is extensively available, its conversion and utilization as biorefinery (biofuels) is still not financially competitive. One solution to this problem is the development of an alternative energy crop/tuber crop, such as the Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L.). JA is native to North America and recently has been recognized as a promising biomass for the production of biofuel. The use of its tubers offers numerous benefits over conventional crops, including low input cultivation, high crop yield, ability to grow in a wide range of climates and soil conditions and high tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought, salinity, pest, and plant diseases. Furthermore, the tubers are highly rich in inulin, which can be converted to fermentable sugars through hydrolysis. This chapter provides an overview of the potential uses of JA for the production of biofuels as well as an overview of the relevant production technologies.