First results on evaluation of Arundo donax L. clones collected in Southern Italy

Abstract

The research of alternative crops for biomass production for energy indicates giant reed ( Arundo donax L.), widespread spontaneous plant in Mediterranean regions, among the species at high aptitude for accumulation of biomass. Within the activity of an E.U. programme (CEE FAIR CT 97-2028 “Giant reed ( A. donax L.) Network. Improvement, productivity and biomass quality”, germplasm of giant reed were collected to evaluate potential production and the phenotypic and genotypic variability, the heritability in order to selecting the best genotypes. In 1997 and 1998, trials were carried out in Primosole site (Piana of Catania, sea level, 37°25′N latitude; 15°30′E longitude), utilizing rhizomes of 39 clones collected in Sicily and Calabria. The rhizomes were transplanted in springtime. Phenological (date of flowering), biometrical (stem density, stem height, number of nodes per stem, diameter and thickness of stems, weight of fresh and dry biomass of leaves, stems and inflorescence) and productive (yield) data were measured. Harvest were carried out in February 1988 and 1989. Yield of 39 clones studied was, in the average, 10.6 t ha −1 of dry matter in the first year and 22.1 t ha −1 in the second one. The clone no. 4 (Piazza Armerina) and the clone no. 20 (Capo d’Orlando) maintained their high productive aptitude in both years; they yielded respectively, 13.1 and 14.1 t ha −1 in the first year and 34.2 and 26.9 t ha −1 in the second one. The yield results positively correlated to stem density, stem weight and plant height. Four characters: biomass yield, stem weight, stem density and stem height showed a significant variance among clones without significant interaction with year. Among the eleven characters measured only yield, stem weight, stem density and stem height had moderate heritability ( h 2), comprised between 23 and 48% showing promise for genetic improvement.