National Ag News

A University of Wisconsin professor says his termite research might help the biofuels, livestock, and paper industries improve lignin processing.

Researcher Cameron Currie says breaking down the woody substrate in plants called lignin is challenging and chemically very difficult, so he was surprised at the initial study findings.  “To find this within an individual termite was surprising, but we also were stunned at how quickly this happens.  This passage of material occurs in hours of time so it appears to be very rapid.”

The termites used in the study passed poplar wood through their digestive system in less than 3 ½ hours.

Continue reading Biofuels, livestock benefit from termite research at Brownfield Ag News.