Invasion risks associated with switchgrass biomass production: A discussion

Background/Question/Methods and Results/Conclusions

Switchgrass is an important feedstock that supports a number of bioproduct applications. It is widely adapted and native in the US, east of the Rocky Mountains, and provides environmental benefits such as soil and wildlife conservation. Breeding programs within the federal government, universities and private industry are developing and releasing high-yielding switchgrass cultivars that are expected to increase yields by 40% with minimal fertilizer or irrigation requirements. However, selectively bred switchgrass shares many characteristics with our most invasive plant species including a rapid growth rate, copious seed production and high drought-tolerance. Little is known about the invasion risk posed by selective breeding and hybridization of native grasses. We will characterize the ecological risk associated with switchgrass cultivars, explore management strategies to mitigate such risk, and present a roadmap for future research to better understand and manage invasion potential of switchgrass cultivars. We will also discuss the status of experimental plots established in spring 2012 to test 1) invasion of switchgrass cultivars into remnant and restored prairie in central Minnesota and 2) the use of buffer strips to limit the potential spread of switchgrass cultivars.