Flow Cytometry used for selection of plants for bioenergy production. Taken from: Renewable Energy World.com. http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2010/12/new-miscanthus-hybrid-discovery-in-japan-could-open-doors-for-biofuel-industry

In the minds of many, Miscanthus x giganteus is the forerunner in the race of viable feedstock options for lignocellulosic bioenergy production. Flow cytometry was used to determine the genome size of each of several plants following hybridization events. Based on the flow cytometry results three triploid plants, which, based on some preliminary molecular analysis, were confirmed to be suitable hybrids.

M. x giganteus, the first known natural Miscanthus hybrid, was originally found in Japan and then made its way to Europe where it was initially used as an ornamental grass for estates or large gardens. It's a highly productive grass that's cold-hardy, notably for plants that use C4 photosynthesis, which are mostly found in the subtropics and tropics. It's a popular candidate for bioenergy production because it can grow up to 15 feet tall, creating more biomass than other varieties of Miscanthus.