Paper details

Title:

Effects of Temperature and Water Potential on the Emergence of Miscanthus and the Germination of Switchgrass

Author(s):

Demay, C., Cadoux, S., Boizard, H., Dürr, C.

Document(s):

Abstract:

The stand establishment of miscanthus and switchgrass is not yet mastered. However, there are few references on the factors affecting this stage. Soil temperature and water potential have a major influence on the establishment of most crops, particularly on the physiological process leading to germination and seedling growth. A controlled experiment was carried out to quantify the effects of water potential and temperature on miscanthus emergence and switchgrass germination. The calculated base temperature was 8.4°C and 8.5°C, respectively for miscanthus emergence and Switchgrass germination. Temperatures lower than 10°C decreased the germination rate of switchgrass by 50 % on average and no effect was noticed on miscanthus. The base water potential was -1.3MPa and -0.74MPa respectively for the emergence of miscanthus the germination of switchgrass. Water potential of ­0.13MPa or -0.4MPa decreased respectively the germination rate of switchgrass by 10% and 40% on average and no effect was observed on Miscanthus.

Keywords:

switchgrass, Miscanthus, temperature, water potential, germination, emergence

Topic:

Biomass resources

Subtopic:

Research on energy crops and algae (session 2)

Event:

18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

OE1.1

Pages:

235 - 239

ISBN-13:

978-88-89407-56-1

ISBN-10:

88-89407-56-5

Paper DOI:

10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-OE1.1

Price:

FREE