Search Results (22)

Rapid, non-destructive assessment of biomass composition is essential for advancing Miscanthus spp. breeding and bioenergy production. This study aimed to develop and validate high-throughput near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) models for key chemical components in Miscanthus biomass. A robust calibration set was constructed from 107 diverse samples by combining two key species, Miscanthus sacchariflorus and M. lutarioriparius, to enhance chemical variability and create broadly applicable models. Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models were developed using this dataset, comparing full-spectrum performance against models optimized with three feature selection algorithms: CARS, VCPA-GA, and VCPA-IRIV. All feature selection methods significantly enhanced predictive accuracy. Notably, the CARS-PLS models yielded excellent performance for cellulose (R²v = 0.98; RPD = 7.38), hemicellulose (R²v = 0.95, RPD = 4.35), lignin (R²v = 0.96, RPD = 5.40), and moisture (R²v = 0.98, RPD = 7.18), while the VCPA-IRIV-PLS model was superior for ash content (R²v = 0.96, RPD = 5.13). Overall, NIRS coupled with advanced feature selection provides a powerful, rapid protocol for Miscanthus biomass analysis, poised to accelerate germplasm evaluation and industrial quality control in the bioenergy sector. Full article

Land-based bioenergy systems are increasingly promoted for their potential to support climate change mitigation and energy security. Building on previous productivity and efficiency analyses, this study applies the MiscanFor and SalixFor models to evaluate land use energy intensity (LUEI) for Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and willow (Salix spp.) under baseline (1961–1990) and future climate scenarios, and Business-as-Usual (B1) and Fossil Intensive (A1FI) scenarios, projected to 2060. The study also assesses the impact of biomass transport on energy use efficiency (EUE) and quantifies soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration by Miscanthus. Under current conditions, Miscanthus exhibits a higher global mean LUEI (321 ± 179 GJ ha⁻¹) than willow (164 ± 115.6 GJ ha⁻¹) across all regions (p < 0.0001), with energy yield hotspots in tropical and subtropical regions such as South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Colder regions, such as Europe and Canada, show limited energy potential. By 2060, LUEI is projected to decline by 9–15% for Miscanthus and 8–13% for willow, with B1 improving energy returns in temperate zones and A1FI reducing them in the tropics. Global EUE for Miscanthus declines significantly (p < 0.0001) by 21%, from 15.73 ± 7.1 to 12.37 ± 5.2 as biomass transport distance increases from 50 km to 500 km. Mean SOC sequestration is estimated at 1.20 ± 1.46 t C ha⁻¹, with tropical hotspots reaching up to 4.57 t C ha⁻¹ and some cooler regions exhibiting net losses (–7.93 t C ha⁻¹). Climate change significantly reduces SOC gains compared to baseline (p < 0.0001), although differences between B1 and A1FI are not statistically significant. These findings highlight the importance of region-specific, climate-resilient biomass systems to optimize energy returns and carbon benefits under future climate conditions. Full article

We aim to provide a theoretical basis for improving the cold tolerance of Miscanthus spp., a widely recognized C4 perennial bioenergy crop, and extending its application in the industry. This study evaluated its cold tolerance by measuring the relative electrical conductivity (REC) of detached leaves. We calculated the half-lethal temperature (LT₅₀) during non-acclimation and acclimation treatments in the 12 wild genotypes of M. sacchariflorus and M. lutarioriparius from different regions of China. In this study, five temperature treatments were carried out to simulate the natural early spring cold process, with temperatures of 0 °C, −4 °C, −8 °C, −12 °C, and−16 °C. We compared the REC and LT₅₀ during the non-acclimation and acclimation treatments, and the results show that the REC of the 12 genotypes increased with a decrease in the treatment temperature, forming an S-shaped curve, which was significantly negatively correlated with the corresponding temperature. Under non-cold acclimation, the M. sacchariflorus B0111 from Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, had the lowest LT₅₀ of −9.49 °C, showing extraordinarily strong cold tolerance. However, M. lutarioriparius A0630 from Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, had the highest LT₅₀ of −6.43 °C, demonstrating the weakest cold tolerance. After 21 days of cold acclimation, B0111 still exhibited the most substantial cold tolerance. While A0630 showed an enhanced cold tolerance, it remains the weakest in this study. The cold acclimation abilities of the 12 genotypes varied from −0.016 to 0.666 °C. Additionally, we found that the tolerance abilities of Miscanthus were enhanced after acclimation. Furthermore, its tolerance capacity was found to vary according to the geographic factor of its original location, which shows the significance of the correlation with latitude. However, there was no correlation found with altitude or longitude. Full article

Lake Winona is a 129-hectare urban lake which occupies part of an old side channel of the Mississippi River and has been modified significantly over the past 125 years. The entire shoreline (>8 km) is publicly owned, with current shorelines created mostly during two periods of lake dredging and filling of fringe wetlands 70 and 110 years ago, respectively. Since then, some sections were allowed to revegetate naturally with trees and shrubs, some were armored with riprap, and others have been maintained mostly as turfgrass parklands. Shoreline vegetation assessments and tree stand surveys were completed prior to beginning targeted shoreline rehabilitation in 2017. These rehabilitation activities (encompassing the majority of shoreline) include the following: (1) repeated removal and chemical treatment of woody invasive shrubs/trees (primarily common buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica and nonnative bush honeysuckles Lonicera spp.) by contractors and volunteers; (2) chemical spraying and hand pulling of nonnative invasive ornamental grasses (Miscanthus spp.) and forbs (Japanese hops Humulus japonica; leafy spurge Euphorbia esula) annually or as needed; (3) killing of turfgrass and overseeding with native prairie species; (4) shrub and sapling plantings and overseeding with native species in both wooded and turfgrass sections; (5) installation of wave barriers (using cut woody invasives) and planting of emergent aquatic macrophytes; (6) prescribed burns of prairie plantings; (7) establishment of fixed photo reference points to document changes; and (8) altered park mowing practices to maintain a shoreline buffer of vegetation. These ongoing management activities aim to replace more turfgrass with native prairie, plant more shrubs and trees on shorelines, suppress nonnative invasives, and encourage the development of aquatic macrophyte beds to reduce, or eliminate shoreline erosion. Future management activities will continue to emphasize invasive species control, turfgrass conversion to native vegetation, and shoreline erosion reduction. Full article

Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Willow (Salix spp.) are promising bioenergy crops due to their high biomass yields and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This study applies the MiscanFor/SalixFor models to assess the sustainability of these crops under current and future climate scenarios, focusing on biomass productivity, carbon intensity (CI), and energy use efficiency (EUE). Under present conditions, both crops show high productivity in tropical and subtropical regions, with Miscanthus generally outperforming Willow. Productivity declines in less favourable climates, emphasising the crops’ sensitivity to environmental factors at the regional scale. The average productivity for Miscanthus and Willow was 19.9 t/ha and 10.4 t/ha, respectively. Future climate scenarios (A1F1, representing world markets and fossil-fuel-intensive, and B1, representing global sustainability) project significant shifts, with northern and central regions becoming more viable for cultivation due to warmer temperatures and extended growing seasons. However, southern and arid regions may experience reduced productivity, reflecting the uneven impacts of climate change. Miscanthus and Willow are predicted to show productivity declines of 15% and 8% and 12% and 7% under A1F1 and B1, respectively. CI analysis reveals substantial spatial variability, with higher values in industrialised and temperate regions due to intensive agricultural practices. Future scenarios indicate increased CI in northern latitudes due to intensified land use, while certain Southern Hemisphere regions may stabilise or reduce CI through mitigation strategies. Under climate change, CI for Miscanthus is projected to increase by over 100%, while Willow shows an increase of 64% and 57% for A1F1 and B1, respectively. EUE patterns suggest that both crops perform optimally in tropical and subtropical climates. Miscanthus shows a slight advantage in EUE, though Willow demonstrates greater adaptability in temperate regions. Climate change is expected to reduce EUE for Miscanthus by 10% and 7% and for Willow by 9% and 6%. This study underscores the need for region-specific strategies to optimise the sustainability of bioenergy crops under changing climate conditions. Full article

The dwindling availability of agricultural land, caused by factors such as rapid population growth, urban expansion, and soil contamination, has significantly increased the pressure on food production. To address this challenge, cultivating non-food crops on contaminated land has emerged as a promising solution. This approach not only frees up fertile soil for food production but also mitigates human exposure to contaminants. This work aimed to examine the impact of soil contamination with Cd, Pb, Ni, and Zn on the growth, productivity, metal accumulation, and the tolerance of five lignocellulosic non-food crops: switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), giant reed (Arundo donax L.), African fodder cane (Saccharum spontaneum L. spp. aegyptiacum Willd. Hackel), and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.). A two-year pot experiment was conducted in Greece, Italy, and Portugal, following the same protocols and applying various levels of metals: Cd (0, 4, 8 mg kg⁻¹), Pb and Zn (0, 450, 900 mg kg⁻¹), and Ni (0, 110, 220 mg kg⁻¹). The experimental design was completely randomized, with three replicates for each treatment. The results showed that switchgrass and sorghum generally maintained their height and productivity under Cd and Pb stress but were adversely affected by high Zn and Ni concentrations. Giant reed and African fodder cane showed reduced height and productivity at higher Ni and Zn levels. Miscanthus exhibited resilience in height but experienced productivity reductions only at the highest Zn concentration. Heavy metal uptake varied among crops, with switchgrass and sorghum showing high Cd and Pb uptake, while giant reed accumulated the most Cd and Zn. Miscanthus had the highest Ni accumulation. The tolerance indices indicated that switchgrass and sorghum were more tolerant to Cd and Zn at lower concentrations, whereas miscanthus had lower tolerance to Cd but a higher tolerance to Zn at higher concentrations. Giant reed and African fodder cane demonstrated stable tolerance across most heavy metals. Accumulation indices highlighted the effectiveness of switchgrass and sorghum in Cd and Pb uptake, while miscanthus excelled in Ni and Zn accumulation. The cluster analysis revealed similar responses to heavy metal stress between African fodder cane and giant reed, as well as between sorghum and miscanthus, with switchgrass displaying distinct behavior. Overall, the study highlights the differential tolerance and accumulation capacities of these crops, indicating the potential for phytoremediation applications and biomass production in heavy metal-contaminated soils. Full article

Miscanthus × giganteus biomass plays a crucial role in producing renewable energy and bio-based products, supporting global sustainability objectives. However, its introduction into the European Union has made it susceptible to the ectoparasitic needle nematode Longidorus spp., which are known vectors of severe viral diseases. The aim of the presented research was to assess the effectiveness of the following soil amendments: vermicompost from Eisenia fetida and silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) applied to the soil with Miscanthus plants following artificial inoculation of Longidorus elongatus. A two-year experiment was conducted at the National Institute of Horticulture Research in Skierniewice using concrete rings filled with medium sandy soil amended with 10% peat. Treatments included: control (no amendments), vermicompost (4 L of E. fetida vermicompost), and Ag-NPs (60 mg/L soil). Each treatment was replicated four times. Application of both vermicompost and Ag-NPs positively influenced soil parameters and crop yield while suppressing nematode populations. Significant reductions in L. elongatus density were observed: vermicompost reduced nematode population by 80% and Ag-NPs by 90% compared to the control (15%). Full article

Miscanthus spp. has been regarded as a promising industrial plant for the sustainable production of bio-based materials. To assess its potential for microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) production, 50 representative clones of M. sinensis and M. floridulus were selected from a nationwide collection showcasing the extensive diversity of germplasm resources. Descriptive analysis indicates that the dry biomass weight of M. floridulus is advantageous whereas M. sinensis demonstrates higher MCC and CNCs yields as well as a smaller CNCs particle size. Correlation analyses indicated that MCC yield is solely influenced by the cellulose content whereas the yield of CNCs is affected by both the cellulose content and CrI. Comparative analyses of the chemical composition, physical features (degree of polymerization, crystalline index, particle size distribution and zeta potential), and scanning electron microscopy indicated that the MCC and CNCs extracted from M. sinensis and M. floridulus exhibited remarkable stability and quality. Additionally, the CNCs derived from M. sinensis and M. floridulus exhibited a distinctive ball-shaped structure. Notably, machine learning has demonstrated its efficacy and effectiveness in the high-throughput screening of large populations of Miscanthus spp. for predicting the yield of MCC and CNCs. Our results have also laid the theoretical foundation for the exploration, cultivation, and genetic breeding of M. sinensis and M. floridulus germplasm resources with the purpose of MCC and CNCs preparation. Full article

High-yield potential perennial crops, such as Miscanthus spp. and Arundo donax are amongst the most promising sources of sustainable biomass for bioproducts and bioenergy. Although several studies assessed the agronomic performance of these species on diverse marginal lands, research to date on drought and zinc (Zn) resistance is scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the drought and Zn stress tolerance of seven novel Miscanthus hybrids and seven Arundo clones originating from different parts of Italy. We subjected both species to severe drought (less than 30%), and Zn stress (400 mg/kg⁻¹ of ZnSO₄) separately, after one month of growth. All plants were harvested after 28 days of stress, and the relative drought and Zn stress tolerance were determined by using a set of morpho-physio-biochemical and biomass attributes in relation to stress tolerance indices (STI). Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and stress tolerance indices (STI) were performed for each morpho-physio-biochemical and biomass parameters and showed significant relative differences among the seven genotypes of both crops. Heatmaps of these indices showed how the different genotypes clustered into four groups. Considering PCA ranking value, Miscanthus hybrid GRC10 (8.11) and Arundo clone PC1 (11.34) had the highest-ranking value under both stresses indicating these hybrids and clones are the most tolerant to drought and Zn stress. In contrast, hybrid GRC3 (−3.33 lowest ranking value) and clone CT2 (−5.84) were found to be the most sensitive to both drought and Zn stress. Full article

Microbial-assisted phytoremediation is considered a more effective approach to soil rehabilitation than the sole use of plants. Mycolicibacterium sp. Pb113 and Chitinophaga sp. Zn19, heavy-metal-resistant PGPR strains originally isolated from the rhizosphere of Miscanthus × giganteus, were used as inoculants of the host plant grown in control and zinc-contaminated (1650 mg/kg) soil in a 4-month pot experiment. The diversity and taxonomic structure of the rhizosphere microbiomes, assessed with metagenomic analysis of rhizosphere samples for the 16S rRNA gene, were studied. Principal coordinate analysis showed differences in the formation of the microbiomes, which was affected by zinc rather than by the inoculants. Bacterial taxa affected by zinc and the inoculants, and the taxa potentially involved in the promotion of plant growth as well as in assisted phytoremediation, were identified. Both inoculants promoted miscanthus growth, but only Chitinophaga sp. Zn19 contributed to significant Zn accumulation in the aboveground part of the plant. In this study, the positive effect of miscanthus inoculation with Mycolicibacterium spp. and Chitinophaga spp. was demonstrated for the first time. On the basis of our data, the bacterial strains studied may be recommended to improve the efficiency of M. × giganteus phytoremediation of zinc-contaminated soil. Full article

To date, economically and energy-costly vegetative propagation using rhizomes and tissue culture are the only options for the cultivation of Miscanthus spp. Some genotypes of miscanthus produce fertile seeds, offering a valid alternative to vegetative propagation. A preliminary study has been conducted on the seeds of two hybrids of miscanthus obtained via interspecific cross-pollination between M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis: ‘GRC14’ (maternal: M. sacchariflorus) and ‘GRC10B’ (maternal: M. sinensis). Seeds were assessed for germination traits in a laboratory (at 25 °C in the dark) just after panicle harvest, and during 1-year storage at room temperature or at 8 °C. In a second experiment, the effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) solution at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 300, 500 ppm) on the germination of freshly matured seeds were assessed. Poor germination just after harvest (<30%) indicates the occurrence of a physiological dormancy. Indeed, two months later, germination rose up to 76.7% in ‘GRC14’ and 50.8%, in ‘GRC10B’, and peaked at 95.6% in ‘GRC14’ and at 78% in ‘GRC10B’, 6 months after harvest. After a total of 12 months, germination was significantly reduced in both hybrids (≈60%). Seeds stored at room temperature lost dormancy earlier than those stored at 8 °C. Overall, germination was significantly improved by GA₃, but the extent of the GA effect was genotype-dependent. In conclusion, a low establishment rate may result from direct seeding when fresh seed is used in the field. In this case, the use of GA₃ is a possible strategy to ameliorate the impact of dormancy on seed germination. In the case of delayed sowings in late winter–early spring, seeds stored at room temperature after harvest may better perform than those stored at 8 °C. Full article

The cultivation of perennial biomass crops (PBCs) on marginal lands is necessary to provide feedstock for the bio-based EU economy and accrue environmental benefits through carbon (C) sequestration in soil. Short rotation coppice (SRC) species, e.g., willow, black locust, and poplar, and perennial rhizomatous grasses, e.g., miscanthus, switchgrass, and giant reed, have been tested in many EU projects in the last 10 years to investigate their productive potential and contribution to the mitigation of climate change. A major knowledge gap regarding PBCs is the fate of accumulated soil organic carbon (SOC), once PBC plantations are reverted to arable crops. In this study, the effects of PBCs reversion on SOC and carbon-dioxide emission (CO₂) were monitored over a 2-year period in a long-term (11-year) multispecies trial of six PBCs: Three SRC species including poplar (Populus spp.), willow (Salix spp.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and three herbaceous rhizomatous grasses including miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and giant reed (Arundo donax). The SOC change and GHG emissions were then modeled with the ECOSSE model. Two years after the reversion, SOC increased significantly for all PBCs with no significant difference between them. During the PBC cultivation phase, 5.35 Mg SOC ha⁻¹ was sequestered while 10.95 Mg SOC ha⁻¹ was added by reversion, which indicated that 67% of SOC sequestration occurred after the reversion. The ECOSSE model was successfully used to simulate SOC sequestration trajectories (R² = 0.77) and CO₂ emission from soil (R² = 0.82) after the reversion of the six PBCs. This indicated that the high SOC sequestration rate after the reversion was due to humification of belowground biomass (roots + rhizomes/stumps), which had been mulched and incorporated into the reversion layer (0–30 cm). This occurred in the first 2 months (on average 5.47 Mg SOC ha⁻¹ y⁻¹) and in the first year after the reversion (1.3–1.8 Mg SOC ha⁻¹ y⁻¹). Considering the entire PBCs cultivation cycle (13 years of PBCs + reversion), PBCs showed annual SOC sequestration rates higher than 1 Mg SOC ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, placing PBCs cultivation and reversion as one of the most promising agricultural practices to combine biomass production, with the recovery of marginal lands to agricultural production through increasing the SOC. Full article

The need to achieve the sustainability goals and to reduce the continuous exploitation of the limited urban areas increases requests for the regeneration of brownfields. The current study aims to review the state of brownfields in the Northern Czech Region and neighboring German (Saxony) and Polish (Silesian) Regions which share a common geological background and environmental problems. The peculiarities of the brownfield’s properties related to the term, classification, legislative framework, access to available data, degree of contamination, and remediation methods were the focus of this review. It was established that the state with brownfield identification and transformation is better in the Czech Republic, followed by Germany, with lower awareness in Poland. The relevant examples of successful brownfield revitalization and the importance of educational components were introduced. A prospective application of the phytotechnology with the second-generation crops for the remediation of brownfields was discussed. The utilization of Miscanthus spp. for marginal lands with low contamination can provide an economic return by having biomass converted into energy or bioproducts and the utilization of the accompanied waste as carbon-rich biochar which can indeed support phytoremediation, enhance plants’ growth and serve as a medium for carbon sequestration. The next steps in the research have to concentrate on comparison of the rehabilitation methods introduced for the targeted regions with the global approach in brownfield redevelopment along with the practical ensuring the phytotechnology potential at the selected brownfields. Full article

In this study, polyploid Miscanthus lutarioriparius (PML) was introduced as a new sustainable and scalable source for cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). The agronomic traits of PML were significantly different from Miscanthus × giganteus (MG), but their chemical components and physical features were similar. Notably, a remarkable co-extraction of hemicellulose, lignin and ash and non-crystalline cellulose was observed during crude cellulose isolation from PML than it from MG by modified alkaline peroxide pretreatment. In addition, subjecting crude cellulose of PML and MG biomass to sulfuric acid hydrolysis provided high-quality CNC. The analysis of particle size distribution, zeta potential, crystalline index, the degree of polymerization, SEM and yield potential suggested that the CNC extracted from PML showed higher stability, processability and productivity than that from MG. Therefore, it provides a new theoretical basis for the applications of CNC prepared by PML and MG. The results also revealed potential genetic approaches for Miscanthus spp. to enhance biomass and CNC yield. Full article

Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae), are an economically important pest to sorghum in the Americas. Previous studies have found that a super-clone that belongs to multilocus lineage (MLL)-F predominated in the U.S. from 2013 to 2018 and uses multiple hosts besides sorghum. In contrast, previous studies found that aphids in South America belong to MLL-C, but these studies only examined aphids collected from sugarcane. In this study we sought to determine if the superclone persisted in the U.S. in 2019–2020 and to determine the MLL of aphids found on sorghum in the largest country in South America, Brazil. Melanaphis spp. samples (121) were collected from the U.S. in 2019–2020 and Brazil in 2020 and were genotyped with 8–9 Melanaphis spp. microsatellite markers. Genotyping results showed that all samples from the U.S. in 2019 and Brazil in 2020 had alleles identical to the predominant superclone. Of the 52 samples collected in the U.S. in 2020, 50 samples were identical to the predominant super-clone (multilocus lineage-F; M. sorghi), while two samples from Texas differed from the super-clone by a single allele. The results demonstrated that the super-clone remains in the U.S. on sorghum, Johnsongrass, and giant miscanthus and is also present on sorghum within Brazil. Full article