On account of its high starch content, wheat is ideally suitable for the production of bioethanol. In Zeitz, the major proportion of bioethanol production from cereals is based on wheat.

After maize, wheat is the world's most important cereal. In Germany and in Europe it is indeed - with reference to the area planted - by far the most important field crop, since central Europe is one of the best climatic zones in the world for growing wheat.

Triticale is a hybrid of wheat (Triticum sativum) and rye (Secale cereale). This hybrid came on the market in different varieties over 20 years ago, and combines the yield potential and grain quality of the wheat with the hardiness, undemanding nature and resistance to disease of the rye.

Barley is the oldest of all cereals. It is also the basis for the production of whisky and beer. During the Middle Ages, barley was only of significance in cooler regions. Only since the beginning of the 20th century has barley been recognised as a profitable animal feed. Thanks to further breeding developments, profits, above all from less demanding locations, are now competitive with those achieved by wheat.

Maize is the most important plant for starch in the world and is used for the production of bioethanol particularly in the USA. Maize has its origins in Central America, and has only been planted in central Europe since about 1970.