Agave and Opuntia Species as Sustainable Feedstocks for Bioenergy and Byproducts

Abstract

Currently, Mexico is facing an energy transition, therefore updated policy regulations pertaining to the sustainable use of biomass are needed. In particular, policy that favors the sustainable use of biomass to produce energy and bioproducts to privilege climate change mitigation is needed. This review describes the use of maguey (Agave spp.) and nopal (Opuntia spp.; also known as “cactus”) for biofuel production, especially in marginal areas. Emphasis is given on documented case studies discussing features of production and cultivation for both maguey and nopal, in addition to their potential for fuel production. Environmental and social sustainability issues in terms of waste value and new opportunities as bioenergy feedstocks and byproducts are also discussed. Although the paper does not deeply describe aspects of biomass transformation, such as bioprocess configurations, it gives characteristics of production in addition to cultivation. Agave and Opuntia species may represent a suitable feedstock for biofuels, bioproducts, bioenergy and biorefineries, especially in dry lands (semi-arid and dry sub-humid), deforested areas, agroforestry systems and agricultural semi-terraces known as metepantle in Mexico.

Drought‐tolerant succulent plants as an alternative crop under future global warming scenarios in sub‐Saharan Africa

“…Succulent plants, which typically use the mode of photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), show high water‐use efficiency, tolerance of high temperatures and an ability to grow on marginal or degraded land (Borland et al, 2009; Cushman et al, 2015; Yang et al, 2015). The cultivation of such species could be used as a solution to: (i) reduce land degradation as a cover crop in semiarid regions (Honorato‐Salazar et al, 2021; Nefzaoui et al, 2014; Nefzaoui & el Mourid, 2009; Neupane et al, 2021), (ii) increase agricultural diversification (e.g. fodder for livestock, biomass for energy and bioproducts) and thereby provide sustainable incomes (Acharya et al, 2019; Buckland & Thomas, 2021; Davis et al, 2015; Grace, 2019; Holtum et al, 2011; Honorato‐Salazar et al, 2021; Mason et al, 2015; Owen et al, 2015; Yang et al, 2015) and (iii) draw down atmospheric CO 2 through photosynthetic carbon assimilation and soil sequestration of CO 2 (Borland et al, 2009; Grace, 2019).…”

“…Whilst O. ficus‐indica has been grown historically for food and fodder (Inglese et al, 2017; Makumbe, 2010), the opportunity to cultivate it on a larger scale as a crop has only been explored in specific regions (e.g. Brazil and Mexico; FAO, 2013; Guevara et al, 2009; Honorato‐Salazar et al, 2021; Reyes‐Agüero et al, 2005; Suassuna, 2008) and primarily for the production of bioenergy (Beshir Belay et al, 2018; Espinosa‐Solares et al, 2022; Krümpel et al, 2020; Neupane et al, 2021) rather than more broadly as a semiarid crop which can be used as a feedstock for the generation of a variety of end‐products. Recent studies have, however, confirmed the potential for these plants ( Opuntia spp.)…”

Micropropagation of Seed-Derived Clonal Lines of the Endangered Agave marmorata Roezl and Their Compatibility with Endophytes

“…Since ancient times humans have used agave plants as a source of food, drinks, medicines and fibers, and currently, they are a source of prebiotics such as agavins [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Notably, more than ten years ago, a great interest in using agave plants and their residues (e.g., leaf fiber) emerged as an alternative to producing sustainable biofuels in Mexico and Australia [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”