Efficiency of Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) Cultivation in the Ukrainian Forest-Steppe Zone and Development of Its New Lines

Abstract

Background: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a promising C4-photosynthetising perennial grass and an important energy crop. It is resistant to drought, cold and winter frost, endures flooding and shows high performance at minimal energy consumption for cultivation. Methods: The purpose of the work was to develop and introduce high-yielding genotypes of switchgrass and develop effective cultivation technologies for the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The objective of the study was to evaluate the introduction potential of switchgrass, to establish biologically productive parameters and energy values of different genotypes and the effectiveness of cultivation techniques in the specific geo-climatic zone of Ukraine. To achieve the objectives, a wide range of introductory, biological-morphological, breeding-biotechnological, and agronomic methods have been used. Results: The gene pool of P. virgatum was collected (33 accessions), ten of which have been investigated, including both introduced genotypes and newly developed breeding lines. The bio-morphological, ecological features, the biochemical composition of plants have been evaluated. The productivity of the above-ground biomass and seeds, as well as the energy value of plants, has been evaluated. High-performance forms with specified yield parameters, biomass sugars, total energy and biofuel output per unit area have been determined. Conclusion: A new variety of P. virgatum (cv. Zoriane) has been introduced for cultivation. Among the accessions of newly developed genotypes, the most productive lines have been identified. New efficient technologies have been developed to increase the yield potential of switchgrass as a source of raw materials for biofuel production.

Comparative Study of Biochemical Composition of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. Genotypes

“…According to Rakhmetova et al (2020), the total content of sugars in the above-ground part of another energetic plant Panicum virgatum was 4.44-9.15% depending on genotype and stage of growth.…”

Cultivation of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) on Light Soils in Transitional Temperate Climate to Produce Biomass and Seeds

“…After the emergence and spreading of plants before winter, the number of shoots per plant was lower than in the following years, and no significant differences were detected. RCG shows higher numbers of shoots compared with Miscanthus species and a similar, large number of shoots as Panicum virgatum L. and Spartina pectinata [43][44][45]. In the years of full use (2012-2015), the number of shoots produced by reed canary grass plants was 19.8-33.6 pieces (Table 2), and the range obtained was slightly higher than in the multi-genotype study conducted in England by Christian [33].…”