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.
Highlights
Renewables are widely believed to make a significant contribution to the world's energy balance in the foreseeable future
It has been established that under the conditions of plant introduction under the described local climate, all forms of switchgrass undergo a complete cycle of development from seed to seed, starting from the first year of life (Fig. 5)
Seeds of early-maturing switchgrass forms were fully ripened by the second ten-day period of September
Summary
Renewables are widely believed to make a significant contribution to the world's energy balance in the foreseeable future. In this context, biofuels are becoming an energy resource of growing importance. There are some high-yield and cost-effective sources of biofuels [1], similar to other promising perennial energy crops of the genus Panicum L [2 - 4]. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) deserves special attention. The high productivity and perennial nature of switchgrass enable the plantations to be retained for decades. 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
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