Phenotypic Plasticity in Switchgrass.

Switchgrass is one of the most promising native warm-season grasses for bioenergy production across a wide range of environments in the eastern two-thirds of the USA. The objective of this study was to determine the level of phenotypic plasticity among 10 genotypes within two populations from the northern and one population from the southern Great Plains. The experimental design was a reciprocal transplant with locations in Oklahoma and South Dakota. Significant genotype x location interactions occurred in both populations and genotypes varied for pattern of phenotypic plasticity for biomass yield. In several cases, genotypes from the southern Great Plains produced more biomass in the northern Great Plains than in their region of origin. In general, the genotypes of northern origin produced more biomass in their home region. Genetic variation existed for phenotypic plasticity within all three populations, indicating that selection for wide adaptation may be possible.