Miscanthus is a tall perennial rhizomatous grass with C-4 photosynthesis wh
ich originated in East Asia. This article provides an overview of the most
important results and experience gained with miscanthus in Europe over the
past 10 years. Field trials have been established throughout Europe from th
e Mediterranean to southern Scandinavia. Most reported trials have used a v
igorous sterile clone Miscanthus x giganteus, which has been propagated veg
etatively either by rhizome cutting or in vitro culture. Yields in autumn h
ave been reported in excess of 30 tha(-1) (12 t acre(-1)) for irrigated tri
als in southern Europe. Without irrigation autumn yields of 10-25 tha(-1) (
dry matter) can be expected. The quality of miscanthus biomass for combusti
on is in some respect comparable to woody biomass and normally improves by
delaying harvesting until the spring, although harvestable yields are thus
reduced by 30-50% compared with autumn yields. Different technical options
for establishment, harvesting and handling of miscanthus have been develope
d and these significantly effect production costs. Miscanthus production is
characterized by low fertilizer and pesticide requirements making it a rel
atively benign crop environmentally. The main limitations to miscanthus pro
duction from M. x giganteus are the high establishment costs, poor over-win
tering at some sites and insufficient water supply in southern regions of E
urope. New agronomic techniques and new genotypes with improved characteris
tics are being developed and screened over the wide range of ecological con
ditions in Europe. Against this background of European experience the prosp
ects for growing miscanthus in North America are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevi
er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.