Biomass yield stability of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) cultivars

The development of viable bio-based energy systems offers many potential benefits relative to energy availability, national security, a cleaner environment, and associated economic rewards [4]. Large-scale bioenergy use will require the deployment of environmentally acceptable energy crops and cropping systems for producing large quantities of low-cost, high-quality biomass feedstocks [5]. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a perennial herbaceous species indigenous over much of the contiguous USA, was chosen by the DOE as the model herbaceous species for development as a bioenergy feedstock crop. It was chosen on the basis of its wide adaptation, high production potential on marginal soils, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress agents [2]. Identification and/or development of switchgrass cultivars adapted to different climatic-edaphic environments and having capability for sustained high biomass production and quality are required to ensure successful deployment of the species as a dedicated energy crop. We report here the results from a 7-yr experiment testing the magnitude and stability of biomass yields of nine switchgrass cultivars and three cultivar blends in Oklahoma. Materials and Methods The switchgrass cultivars were ‘Alamo’, ‘Kanlow’, ‘PMT 279’, (lowland ecotypes) and ‘Blackwell’