Arundo Donax

Arundo donax is a tall perennial? energy cane? that is being researched as a potential biomass crop? for cellulosic ethanol production in North Carolina. Literature indicates that Arundo donax can produce 20 dry tons per acre annually, making it one of the most productive of all energy biomass crops.

Arundo donax generally grows to 20 feet in height, with hollow stems 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. It is an asexually reproducing species due to seed sterility. Stems and rhizomes are used to establish new strands and are planted in late winter/early spring, preferably in March. Arundo donax can also be propagated through the vegetative process of cutting mature canes in the fall and burying them in the ground.

Research is being conducted through the Biofuels Center of North Carolina to address concerns about the possible invasiveness of Arundo donax, in order to establish protocols to control and responsibly grow the crop.

To determine the viability of Arundo donax as a potential energy crop and a replacement to Coastal Bermuda grass? in the hog lagoon sprayfields? of North Carolina, research is currently being conducted that examines the nitrogen uptake levels of the plant. Other key questions being addressed concern large-scale production, processing, and profitability.

Large acreages of Arundo donax has been grown successfully previously. In Italy, it was used as a feedstock for viscose production before World War II. The famous Italian Director, Michelangelo Antonioni, produced a movie about Arundo donax being used for clothing manufacturing called "Sette cani e un vestito", or, Seven Reeds, One Suit"