Establishment, development and yield quality of fifteen Miscanthus genotypes over three years in Denmark

Fifteen miscanthus genotypes selected by European plant breeders were field tested in Denmark over a three-year period. The genotypes belonged to four groups: 1) M. x giganteus 2) M. sacchariflorus 3) Miscanthus hybrids and 4) Pure M. sinensis . All genotypes established well during the first summer with a maximum of 10% plant loss. Survival during the first winter varied from no survival of M. x giganteus to 85-99% survival of most pure M. sinensis and of the hybrids. Biomass yield harvested in October-November increased each year to a mean of 10.8 tonnes DM/ha in 1999. The highest yield was 18.5 tonnes DM/ha. Delaying harvest until February 2000 decreased moisture content from a genotype mean of 63% in October to 29%, and decreased mean yield by 35%. The contents of K, Cl and ash were significantly lower at delayed harvest, while N and S contents only decreased slightly. Genotype differences in time of flowering and in mineral contents are described.