Miscanthus sacchariflorus – biofuel parent or new weed?

Abstract

<p>The perennial grass triploid <em>Miscanthus × giganteus</em> is a promising renewable bioenergy feedstock in the United States and Europe. Originating from eastern Asia, this species is a sterile hybrid cross between <em>M. sinensis</em> and <em>M. sacchariflorus</em>. While research has begun to examine the impacts of <em>M. sinensis</em> and triploid <em>M. × giganteus</em> on the landscape, <em>M. sacchariflorus</em> has been largely overlooked in the peer-reviewed literature. This review article discusses the origin, uses, distribution, and invasive potential of <em>M. sacchariflorus</em>. <em>M. sacchariflorus</em> is capable of producing high yields (10.7 t DM ha−1 yr−1), generally does not reproduce by seed, and can be challenging to establish due to poor cold tolerance, likely due to the limited germplasm used in evaluations. However, <em>M. sacchariflorus</em> has abundant and aggressively spreading rhizomes, which underscores its invasive risk. In the United States, it is listed as escaped from cultivation in at least eight states, primarily in the Midwest, although it is likely that not all populations have been reported. As such, it is essential to generate a comprehensive dataset of all known <em>M. sacchariflorus</em> populations and monitor any continued spread of this species.</p>