The response of Arundo donax L. (C3) and Panicum virgatum (C4) to different stresses

• Published in: Biomass & bioenergy 2016-02, Vol.85, p.335-345
• Main Authors: Sánchez, E., Gil, S., Azcón-Bieto, J., Nogués, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arundo donax; Arundo donax L; Cold; Continuous darkness; Panicum virgatum; Panicum virgatum L; Salinity; Water stress
• ISSN: 0961-9534; 1873-2909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.12.021

In this work, two perennial rhizomatous grasses (Arundo donax L. (giant reed; C3) and Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass; C4)) considered as promising energy crops have been subjected to four different types of stress in two experiments: (i) both species were subjected to four salinity and water stress treatments [well-watered with non-saline solution (WW S−), low-watered with non-saline solution (WS S-), well-watered with saline solution (WW S+) and low-watered with saline solution (WS S+)]; and (ii) both species were subjected to three temperature and light treatments [ambient temperature and light (C), ambient temperature and darkness (AD) and cold temperature and darkness (CD)]. Photosynthetic and physiological parameters as well as biomass production were measured in these plants. It can be hypothesized that a higher photosynthesis rate (Asat) was be observed in switchgrass as a consequence of its C4 metabolic pathway. However, our results indicated a similar Asat at the beginning of the experiment for both species. This could be due to switchgrass being an NAD-ME C4 type whereas giant reed has been reported as a C3 species with a high photosynthetic rate. We showed that switchgrass seems to be more resistant to stresses such as water stress, salinity and cold than giant reed in our greenhouse conditions. •Photosynthetic inhibition due to stomatal limitation in water stress and salinity.•Switchgrass seems to have great tolerance to water stress and salinity separately.•Giant reed seems to be very affected by water stress and less affected by salinity.•Cold leads lower reduction in photosynthesis than ambient temperature.•Switchgrass seems to be more cold tolerant than giant reed.