FIRST INSIGHT OF DIVERSE PERENNIAL GRASSES UNDER DRYNESS

Bioenergy perennial grasses (BPGs) are efficient from a water perspective and can afford a lowenergy cultivation system. This work reports the results of the first-year harvest that screened several genotypes of three species (Miscanthus hybrids, Arundo donax and Saccharum spontaneum spp. aegyptiacum) under two irrigation levels at the establishment year. The results highlighted the effect of irrigation water at establishment to improve biomass yield. However, significant differences were observed between species and ecotypes/hybrids: S. spontaneum showed the highest reduction in biomass yield when irrigation water was reduced, while A. donax and the two new seed-based hybrids showed similar biomass yield at both irrigation levels. The leaf to mass ratio was highest in GNT3 and GNT43; this is an interesting trait for advanced biochemical conversions. This is the first time these new Miscanthus hydrid (GNT3 and GNT43) are grown in Sicily and compared with well-known perennial grasses, including M. x giganteus The results refer to the biomass production of stands during the first year after plant establishment. Species have not yet reached the optimal age for biomass productivity, hence, the potential of these genotypes will be evaluated in the next growing seasons.