Dry matter accumulation of elephantgrass, energycane, and elephantmillet in a subtropical climate

Tall genotypes of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and energycane (Saccharum spp.) are potential biomass energy plants in subtropical areas because annual dry matter (DM) yields often exceed 40 Mg ha -1 . A field study was conducted to characterize crop performance of these C 4 bunchgrasses during the 35- to 40-wk warm season in north-central Florida. Entries included two tall elephantgrasses (PI 300086 and N51), a tall energycane (L79-1002), and an intermediate pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] × elephantgrass hybrid (S41) (.)