Abstract
The evaluation of native and introduced legumes with starch-storing roots or tubers was undertaken to test whether plants traditionally collected as food by Australian aborigines might have a role in the development of crops for liquid fuel production (by fermentation of carbohydrates to ethanol). Tuberous-rooted legumes from overseas were planted at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, Kimberley Research Station, Western Australia (15°39’S, 128°42’E) in December 1974, March 1978 and February 1979. Roots from the latter plantings were harvested in June 1979. Native plant material was collected during visits to aboriginal communities in the Kimberleys between April and June 1979. The native and introduced specimens were analysed for fermentable carbohydrate and protein content. Several native plants appear more promising than introduced species as liquid fuel crops.
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Saxon, E.C. Tuberous legumes: Preliminary evaluation of. Econ Bot 35, 163–173 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858683
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858683