Miscanthus is a genus of high-yielding perennial rhizomatous grasses with C
-4 photosynthesis. Extensive field trials of Miscanthus spp. biomass produc
tion in Europe during the past decade have shown several limitations of the
most widely planted clone, M. x giganteus Greef et Deu. A 3-yr study was c
onducted at five sites in Europe (Sweden, Denmark, England, Germany, and Po
rtugal) to evaluate adaptation and biomass production potential of four acq
uisitions of M. x giganteus (No. 1-4) and 11 other genotypes, including,11.
sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Benth. (No. 5), AL sinensis Andersson (No. 11-15),
and hybrids (No. 6-10). At each site, three randomized blocks containing a
5- by 5-m plot of each genotype were established (except in Portugal where
there were two blocks) with micropropagated plants at 2 plants m(-2). In S
weden and Denmark, only M. shiensis and its hybrids satisfactorily survived
the first winter following planting. Mean annual yields across all sites f
or all surviving genotypes increased each year from 2 t ha(-1) dry matter f
ollowing the first year of growth to 9 and 18 t ha(-1) following the second
and third year, respectively. Highest autumn yields at sites in Sweden, De
nmark, England, and Germany were 24.7 (M. shiensis hybrid no. 8), 18.2 (AL
sinensis hybrid no. 10), 18.7 (M. x giganteus no. 3), and 29.1 t ha(-1) (M.
x giganteus no. 4), respectively. In Portugal, where irrigation was used,
the top-yielding genotype produced 40.9 t ha(-1) dry matter (M. sinensis hy
brid no. 7). Highest-yielding genotypes in Sweden and Denmark were among th
e lowest yielding in Portugal and Germany, demonstrating strong genotype x
environment interactions.