Characterization of development and stem elongation of reed canary grass under northern conditions

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is a potential crop for energy and paper production and might also be a useful forage crop under northern growing conditions. Knowledge of phenological traits is needed to adjust the production system according to various end-use requirements. This study aimed at describing variation in plant development, plant height and stem elongation among local and elite populations of reed canary grass. Field experiments were carried out between 1994 and 1997 in Finland. Six developmental stages were determined and plant height was measured at weekly intervals. Differences among groups of reed canary grass were statistically significant. Cultivars developed earlier than local groups, although they needed 3 days more for seed ripening. They were also taller than local populations at time of seed ripening. However, local groups were slightly taller than cultivars during early stages of development. At time of seed ripening some local populations were taller than elite material. Their places of origin could represent potential collection areas for populations showing increased plant height. Seed ripened approximately 95 days from the beginning of the growing season, when the temperature sum was 737 degreesC days of degree. At time of seed ripening 98% of maximum plant height was reached. A long latent period from reaching maximum plant height to harvest in the following spring is justified for non-food production because biomass continues to increase markedly after seed ripening. Stem elongation was fastest around flag leaf emergence and appearance of inflorescences. Knowledge of the fixed stage of plant development and plant height at each stage provides possibilities to adjust the production system and harvest time according to different end-uses: forage, non-food, and seed production. Information from this study will serve as a basis for further investigations and could be used in breeding reed canary grass. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.