Understanding Pennycress: A Low-Growing Winter Annual Weed with Potential as a Biofuel Crop

Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) is a winter annual broadleaf weed that is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It is also known as field pennycress, and it is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes mustards, cabbage, and other related plants.

Pennycress is a low-growing plant that typically reaches heights of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm). It has slender stems and small, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are dark green on top and have a lighter green or white underside. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring, which are followed by seed pods that contain several seeds each.

Pennycress is often found growing in disturbed areas, such as fields, roadsides, and other open spaces. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant can be a problematic weed in agricultural fields, particularly those grown for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, as it can compete with these crops for resources like water, nutrients, and light.

Pennycress has also been explored as a potential crop for biofuels and other industrial applications. Its seeds are high in oil and protein, and the plant is relatively easy to grow and harvest. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential of pennycress as a crop and to develop effective management strategies for controlling its growth as a weed.