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

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.