Title:
Assessment of Phenotypic and Genotypic Characteristics of 22 Giant Reed Ecotypes (Arundo donax L.) of Different Regions
Author(s):
Di Candilo, M., Grassi, F., Ceotto, E., Soave, C.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
This paper reports agronomic performances and genetic variability of clones of giant reed collected in 12 Italian regions, ranging from Piemonte (North) to Sicily (South) and in Lanzarote (Canarian Island, Spain). A field experiment was carried out in Anzola dell’Emilia (Bologna, Northern Italy) in the years 2008-2010, where the following traits were measured: i) culm density; ii) culm height and diameter; iii) number of stem nodes; iv) moisture content at harvest; v) annual dry matter yield. AFLPs markers were used to investigate the effective genetic diversity of giant reed. Our findings indicate the compared clones are very similar for both biometric traits and productivity. On the other hand, AFLP analysis indicated low but sufficient level of genetic diversity (GD=0,101±0,005; SH=0,148±0,007). Most likely, the polymorphic characters observed by AFLP analysis are located in neutral areas of the chromosomes (DNA not coding, introns or spacers) not linked with biometric and productive characteristics. Moreover, no association between geographic and genetic distance has been detected on Mediterranean giant reed samples: this absence of spatial pattern of genetic variation can be explained by considering that the present distribution of giant reed genotypes was influenced mainly by extraordinary events such as floods and human activity. For instance, similar genotypes found in distant sites may be interpreted as a result of recent dispersal through the travel or trade among the human community.
Keywords:
clones, distribution, perennial energy crops
Topic:
Biomass Resources
Subtopic:
Energy crops (session 5)
Event:
19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
VP1.3.27
Pages:
629 - 633
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-55-4
ISBN-10:
88-89407-55-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-VP1.3.27
Price:
FREE
