Performance of 15 Miscanthus Genotypes at Five Sites in Europe

Miscanthus is a genus of high‐yielding perennial rhizomatous grasses with C 4 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.