Fundamental Biochemical and Biotechnological Principles of Biomass Growth and Use 15
Table 1.17Global starch crop production 2013 (FAO, 2014)
(except potato; 2012) and theoretical starch and starch–carbon
content according composition given in the text.
Production
(million tons)
Starch content
(million tons)
Ccontent
(million tons)
Corn 1016 630 279.8
Potato 368 55 24.4
Wheat 713 413 183.6
Barley 144 84 37.1
Rye 16 9 4.1
starch per hectare is produced with wheat. Seed hull and straw are the most important
by-products of cereal processing. Wheat is the most important crop and grown
worldwide. Barley (Hordeum vulgare)andrye(Secale cereale) are especially grown
in Europe and Russia, whereas sorghum (Sorghum)iscultivatedintheUnitedStates,
Africa, and Asia. Triticale (hybrid of wheat and rye) is grown similar to rye (Table 1.17).
Starch crops give an overview of the different characteristics of plants and the wide
range of applications. Fresh potatoes come with about 85% of moisture but with more
than 80% of starch, about 10% protein, and 5% fiber in dry matter. In contrast, corn
kernels are relatively dry (15% moisture) come with a little less starch in dry matter
(80%) but contain more protein and lipids. Lack of moisture and the high protein and
lipid content make corn a more competitive industrial feedstock. About 80% of global
starch production is corn based. The product portfolio available from corn is shown in
Table 1.18.
1.3.4 Lignocellulosic Plants
Miscanthus (Miscanthus) is a grass related to sugarcane and millet. It reaches up to 4 m
in height and dry mass yield of 15–20 tons, even up to 30 tons per hectare. It is harvested
like grass for the first time after 3 years and can be cultivated for at least 20 years. The
Table 1.18Approximate yield derived from 1 ton no. 2 yellow corn with 15.5%
moisture (International Starch Institute, 2014).
Derived from
corn kernel
(1 ton)
Derived from
starch (0.625 ton)
Dry
matter (%) kg Market
Starch 88 625 Food, industries
Dextrose 91.5 714 Food
HFCS 71 845 Beverage
Ethanol (417 l) 329 Mobility
Gluten meal 89 50 Feed
Corn oil 100 27 Food
HFCS, high-fructose corn syrup.
