Genetic Variability for Biofuel Traits in a Circumglobal Reed Canarygrass Collection

Abstract

ABSTRACTReed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), a cool‐season perennial forage crop that grows well in cool, wet climates, has potential value as an energy crop. Nevertheless, little breeding effort has gone into its development as an energy crop. We evaluated 94 reed canarygrass accessions for agronomic and quality traits at Ames, IA, and Arlington, WI, in 1999 and 2000. Variation among accessions was observed for all variables. Biomass yield was not correlated with acid detergent fiber (cellulose plus lignin) or with acid detergent lignin, indicating good potential for developing favorable feedstocks for co‐firing or for fermentation. Analysis of regional geographic variation as well as principal component analysis showed that phenotypes varied considerably among geographic regions, with much of the variation attributable to differences between Europe and Asia. Except for North American germplasm, European germplasm tended to have higher biomass yield than other germplasm, suggesting that it may be better suited for use in direct breeding programs in the north central United States. Overall, sufficient variation exists among wild and cultivated germplasm to warrant further breeding of reed canarygrass as a biofuel feedstock.