Switchgrass variety choice in Europe.

Summary Switchgrass is a perennial C4 grass native to Nor th America, where it occurs naturally from 55o N latitude to deep into Mexico. It is used for soil conservation, forage production, as an ornamental g rass and more recently as a biomass crop for ethanol, fibre, electricity and he at production. In Europe research into the crop has just started and the cho ice of varieties for different geographical areas is an important issue. Some 20 d ifferent varieties have been evaluated for adaptation to different regions of Eu rope. The main factor determining area of adaptation of a variety is lati tude of origin. Yields of varieties are correlated to the latitude of origin of the variety, with southern varieties having higher yield potential. If varieti es are grown too far north they fail to winter-harden which decreases biomass quali ty (high nutrient and moisture content) and winter survival. It appears t hat in Europe switchgrass may be grown further north than in North America. The best variety for a given latitude or geographical area will be a compromise between yield and quality and long term winter survival.