Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.P009
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, P009 (2022)
Effect of biostimulants on growth and metal accumulation in Miscanthus × giganteus
Karolina Jaros1*, Piotr Sugier1, Jolanta Jaroszuk-Ściseł1, Jaco Vangronsveld1 and Małgorzata Wójcik1
1Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: karolinajaros430@gmail.com
Abstract
Miscanthus x giganteus (giant miscanthus) is a perennial grass, a hybrid of Miscanthus sinensis and Miscanthus sacchariflorus. Of the genus Miscanthus, this species is characterised by the highest growth and biomass production. Miscanthus x giganteus has a very strong and deep root system (up to 2.5 m deep) and a well-developed aboveground part (height up to3-4 m). It is known from its low soil and agrotechnical requirements, high water efficiency and significant carbon sequestration resulting in a high yields up to 30 tons of dry matter ha−1. This plant is widely used for its aesthetic value in gardens or as a natural hedge, however, the biggest interest is concentrated on its application as an energy crop. The energy value of miscanthus can be compared to wood, it can be used both as a raw material for solid biofuels and for liquid biofuels or biogas. Another application of miscanthus is for phytoextraction, i.e. one of the phytoremediation techniques in which plants are used to clean up the environmental pollutants such as heavy metals. By harvesting the plant biomass, enriched with metals taken up from the soil, the level of soil contaminants is gradually decreased. As a part of the international research project entitled: “Bridging the gap between phytoremediation solutions on growing energy crops on contaminated lands and clean biofuel production” (acronym GOLD), research was carried out to check if some biostimulants can enhance the growth and shoot metal concentration of Miscanthus x giganteus grown on metal-polluted soils in the green house conditions. Biostimulants are substances that have a positive effect on the growth of plants and their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, which is manifested, among others, by production of larger biomass. Several biostimulants (protein hydrolysates, humic/fulvic acids and mycorrhiza used separately or in combinations) were tested. The highest fresh biomass and shoot growth were achieved by plants treated with humic/fulvic acids and also with humic/fulvic acids together with mycorrhiza. These plants accumulated also the largest concentrations of zinc, lead and cadmium in their shoots. In the next step, the selected biostimulants will be applied in the field conditions and the obtained biomass will be tested for its usefulness for clean biofuel production.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101006873.
How to cite
K. Jaros, P. Sugier, J. Jaroszuk-Ściseł, J. Vangronsveld, M. Wójcik, 2022. Effect of biostimulants on growth and metal accumulation in Miscanthus × giganteus. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/P009