Growth and photosynthesis of upland and lowland ecotypes of Panicum virgatum L.

摘要

Research is being conducted on the management and productivity of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a bioenergy crop. The objective of the study was to examine lowland (Alamo, Kanlow) and upland (Blackwell, Caddo) cultivars of switchgrass for differences in response to water deficit and nitrogen fertilizer. Cultivars were grown in pots with fritted clay at two water levels (-1.0 and -0.1 MPa) and nitrogen levels (10 and 100 kg ha-1). Nitrogen determined growth potential of the cultivars moreso than water. The lowland cultivars yielded the greatest biomass production. However, upland cultivars showed a lesser response to drought stress. Alamo demonstrated the greatest biomass production among all cultivars.