Propagation of Arundo donax L. by means of rhizomes and stem cuttings in semi-arid Mediterranean environment

The aim of the research was to evaluate the performance of rhizome or stem cuttings in relation to planting date and water supply to propagate giant reed (Arundo donax L.), a new biomass crop for energy in Mediterranean environment. The field experiment was carried out in southern Italy (508 m. a.s.l., 37° 27' Lat. N, 14° 14' Long. E, Enna, Sicily). In six planting dates, from February 25th 2007 to April 23th 2008, rhizome cuttings with one or more buds ready to sprout (1.56 rhizomes m-2 plant density) and stem cuttings (1 m long pieces buried in double rows to get approximately 12.5 nodes m-2) were tested. Two irrigation volumes were applied: irrigation only during establishment (I0) and 100% ETM restoration (I1). In the favorable soil and weather conditions were the field experiments was carried out the further irrigation volumes did not give any significant improvement. A minimum temperature of 7.5 °C was necessary for buds emergence. Both rhizome and stem cuttings could be successfully used. The best method of propagation of Arundo donax L. was by rhizomes with transplanting between the end of February and the middle of March. However, the use of the less expensive stem cuttings give good results as well. These first results show how stem cuttings could be successfully used instead of rhizomes, giving in this experiment a plant density of 1 plant m-2 (1.4 plant m-2 from rhizomes). All planting dates allowed a good establishment of the crop, with the best result in the planting date of the middle of March.