Growth and agronomy of miscanthus × giganteus for biomass production

Miscanthus × giganteus is a highly productive, sterile, rhizomatous, C₄ perennial grass that should be considered as a feedstock for bioenergy production. Here, we review the current state of research and the future of M. × giganteus biomass production. Since the 1980s, the grass has been studied and used in Europe to produce heat and electricity via combustion. Since 2005, the US government has encouraged research using herbaceous feedstocks for conversion to ethanol for use as transportation fuel. M. × giganteus is being widely studied in the USA because of its potential to produce large quantities of biomass. This review examines the taxonomy and genetics, growth and development, physiology and agronomy, and modeled and potential ‘real-world’ yields of M. × giganteus in Europe and the USA. In addition, the invasiveness and the future perspective of M. × giganteus utility and research in the USA are also considered.