Variation in Winter Survival of Miscanthus Genotypes Under Ontario Conditions.

Miscanthus is a perennial C4 grass which has shown high biomass yield potential in Europe, but productivity in northern latitudes appears to be genotype specific due to variability in winter survival. The objective of this research is to assess for variation in miscanthus winter survival and yield potential under Ontario conditions. A secondary objective is to determine whether correlations exist between winter survival and developmental and morphological characteristics. Trials were established with clonal genotypes in 2008, and included 9 Miscanthus sacchariflorus x Miscanthus sinensis hybrids and 3 Miscanthus x giganteus genotypes which included the University of Illinois M. x giganteus accession. Testing occurred at three field sites in Ontario with varying degrees of winter severity. Developmental measurements include fall tiller winter survival assessment, spring 50cm regrowth date, flower emergence scale and fall regrowth assessment. Morphological measurements were comprised of basal circumference measurements. Fall biomass yield measurements commenced in 2009. Significant variations in measurements were observed. Mean winter survival of genotypes across all sites ranged from 42-90%, while site-specific survival measurements ranged 0-100%. Winter survival of the Illinois clone ranged from 3% in Kemptville to 100% in Leamington. Dry matter yields of genotypes in top 50th percentile of winter survival across all sites ranged from 6.7 to 11.6 tonnes/hectare. Correlations between winter survival and development and morphological measurements will be presented.