Performance of 15 Miscanthus Genotypes at Five Sites in Europe

Abstract

Miscanthus is a genus of high‐yielding perennial rhizomatous grasses with C4 photosynthesis. Extensive field trials of Miscanthus spp. biomass production in Europe during the past decade have shown several limitations of the most widely planted clone, M. × giganteus Greef et Deu. A 3‐yr study was conducted at five sites in Europe (Sweden, Denmark, England, Germany, and Portugal) to evaluate adaptation and biomass production potential of four acquisitions of M. × giganteus (No. 1–4) and 11 other genotypes, including M. sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Benth. (No. 5), M. sinensis Andersson (No. 11–15), and hybrids (No. 6–10). At each site, three randomized blocks containing a 5‐ by 5‐m plot of each genotype were established (except in Portugal where there were two blocks) with micropropagated plants at 2 plants m−2. In Sweden and Denmark, only M. sinensis and its hybrids satisfactorily survived the first winter following planting. Mean annual yields across all sites for all surviving genotypes increased each year from 2 t ha−1 dry matter following the first year of growth to 9 and 18 t ha−1 following the second and third year, respectively. Highest autumn yields at sites in Sweden, Denmark, England, and Germany were 24.7 (M. sinensis hybrid no. 8), 18.2 (M. sinensis hybrid no. 10), 18.7 (M. × giganteus no. 3), and 29.1 t ha−1 (M. × giganteus no. 4), respectively. In Portugal, where irrigation was used, the top‐yielding genotype produced 40.9 t ha−1 dry matter (M. sinensis hybrid no. 7). Highest‐yielding genotypes in Sweden and Denmark were among the lowest yielding in Portugal and Germany, demonstrating strong genotype × environment interactions.

Species and Genotype Effects of Bioenergy Crops on Root Production, Carbon and Nitrogen in Temperate Agricultural Soil

“…Only for Miscanthus was a spatial pattern between root mass and location, with respect to canopy structure, identified whereby distinct plant and gap zones down to 0.2 m depth developed, particularly under Sinensis. Sinensis is a tuft-forming genotype, especially during establishment, and its areal coverage in the gap does not increase as much as Giganteus with age [7,23]. Only for Tora in the upper 0.1 m was there a suggestion of an effect of location with respect to willow root mass.…”

“…Miscanthus is an annually-harvested perennial rhizomatous grass originating from Asia which has C 4 physiology and can produce biomass yields of 12-15 Mg ha −1 year −1 in the UK [1,2,6,7]. In England in 2015, there were 2885 ha under SRC (willow and Populus), yielding 17-35 Gg of dry biomass, of which 15 Gg was used in power stations, and 6905 ha under Miscanthus, yielding 69-104 Gg of dry biomass, of which 33 Gg was used in power stations [6].…”

Biomass valorisation of Arundo donax L., Miscanthus × giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita for biofuel production

“…Miscanthus x giganteus can reaches 4 metres in height, and its yields (with applied irrigation) can reach up to 40 t ha -1 (Clifton-Brown, 2001). The crop requires limited fertiliser application and very few other inputs, and it adds significant amounts of organic matter to the soil.…”

Miscanthus Clones Display Large Variation in Floral Biology and Different Environmental Sensitivities Useful for Breeding

“…Differences have also been observed in flowering time in the Miscanthus genus [4,[19][20][21][22][23]. Clifton-Brown et al [4,20], Jensen et al [21,22], and Gauder et al [23] measured differences in the flowering time between and within Miscanthus sinensis, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, and interspecific hybrids of Miscanthus.…”

“…Clifton-Brown et al [4,20], Jensen et al [21,22], and Gauder et al [23] measured differences in the flowering time between and within Miscanthus sinensis, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, and interspecific hybrids of Miscanthus. This suggested a genetic variability for this trait in the Miscanthus genus.…”