Characterisation of Miscanthus genetic resources : a combined analysis of plastid and nuclear microsatellites, nrDNA sequences, flow cytometry and morphology

Abstract

Miscanthus is a highly important forage and horticultural genus of perennial grasses (Poaceae) primarily native to South East Asia. Miscanthus is under intense global investigation as a biomass source for renewable energy production and several breeding initiatives are underway to develop new genotypes optimized for improved biomass and tolerance to a range of environmental stress conditions.