In drawing up this manual, Chemtex 

Italia, Alasia Franco Vivai and For 

Energy undertake to encourage rapid 

development of the cultivation of Arundo donax (giant cane) for the production 

of biomass intended for conversion into 

second-generation ethanol.

The aim is to provide support for small, 

medium and large-scale farmers wishing 

to learn the most up-to-date techniques 

for growing Arundo donax, by making 

available to them, concisely and clearly, 

the results of our experience and experimental activities conducted in recent 

years.

We have decided to divide this manual 

into four sections:

> The project

Illustrating the goals pursued by the 

Arundo donax growers for conversion to 

2nd generation ethanol.

> Research and selection

Providing technical and scientific information on the giant cane and the process 

of selecting the best genotypes.

> Crop management

Describing the basic technique for managing giant cane crops, from rhizomes 

for the preparation of propagules to harvesting.

> The partners

Illustrating the activities conducted by 

every company that has undertaken this 

initiative.

introduction
the Project
The idea to implement this project aro

-

se from the M&G Group’s belief that 

biofuels can contribute decisively both 

to reducing greenhouse gases and cur-

bing dependence on imported fossil 

fuels.

In order to trigger off this virtuous cir-

cle, a number of fundamental condi-

tions should be met:

1. Sustainability for farmers: farmers 

must be able to grow this biomass even 

on marginal fields, obtaining a fair in-

come and profiting from a net impro-

vement in terms of water consumption, 

use of fertilizers and plant protection 

products.

2. The price of the biomass meeting 

requirement 1 must be such as to make 

the resulting biofuel (in this case etha-

nol) competitive in comparison with 

traditional fuels (petrol and Diesel 

fuel).

3. The technology of bio-ethanol pro-

duction must be fully efficient so as to 

ensure profit on the free market, even 

without subsidies.

Based on these pre-requisites, the 

M&G Group has demonstrated the fe-

asibility of the processing cycle under 

laboratory conditions by completing a 

120 million euro research programme 

on ethanol from biomass (PRO.ESA 

Bio-ethanol production from ligno-

cellulosic biomass Pre-treatment and 

hydrolysis).

The Project Clean fuel

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In order to identify the ideal crop, va

-

rious plants have been tested from the 

agronomic standpoint, considering both 

yield per hectare and minimization of 

agronomic inputs. In this respect, the 

giant cane (Arundo donax L.) proved 

to offer a very high biomass potential 

yield per hectare (up to 50 tons/hecta-

re), resulting in an ethanol output of 

over 10 tons per hectare.

Lab tests, in particular on the bio-

mass treatment (experimental enzy-

matic hydrolysis and fermentation), 

have confirmed total ethanol yields of 

over 95%, thereby making the process 

competitive even in comparison with 

traditional fuels.

The data collected, both from on-farm 

agronomic experiments and experi-

mental lab tests, constitute the basis for 

the management of both the growing 

cycle as well as the production pro-

cess. In 2009 the M&G Group will 

collect data on the pilot plants, some 

already installed, others in completion 

phase, and according to programme 

will begin, in 2010, construction of the 

first demo/industrial plant powered by 

breakthrough technology. The aim will 

be to process 160,000 tons per year of 

(anhydrous) Arundo donax, correspon-

ding to around 3,500-4,000 hectares.

It is therefore fundamental to create an 

agro-industrial supply chain close to 

the processing site, in order to ensure 

a consistent and constant biomass sup-

ply over time.

The Project Clean fuel The Project from nature Clean fuel

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The M&G Group has asked Alasia 

Franco Vivai, located in Savigliano 

(Cuneo), to conduct a study on va-

rious Arundo donax varieties aimed at 

selecting the best ecotypes/origins and 

their propagation.

Alasia Franco Vivai will therefore be 

responsible for growing and supplying 

the rhizomes with which to set up the 

new plantations in the future.

In addition, ForEnergy, a company lo-

cated in Vigevano (Pavia), will handle 

farming and supply contracts, as well 

as logistic services and shipment to the 

production plant.
Research

and selection
The Giant cane (Arundo donax L.) is a 

perennial graminaceous plant. Its area 

of origin stretches from the Mediterranean countries to the Middle East and 

even India.

It is found in Italy from the hillside 

areas to the coast.

It is the largest cane found in Europe, 

generally reaching a height of 6 metres. 

In ideal conditions it can even grow 

over 10 m in a year, with hollow stems 

having a diameter of 2-3 cm. The greygreen lanceolate leaves are alternate, 

30-60 cm long and 2-6 cm wide.

This variety blossoms in SeptemberOctober, producing sterile, spindleshaped, plume-like flower-heads, 40-

60 cm long, with colours from pale 

green to violet.

Propagation is routinely done by planting rhizomes (Picture 1) or parts of 

the stem, which readily establish.

Picture 1

Giant cane rhizome

Picture 2

Giant cane plantation

The arundo donax

varieties

Research and selection Clean fuel

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Research and selection Clean fuel

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Careful research and selection activities have been carried out at the Alasia 

Franco Vivai company, in collaboration with Chemtex Italia, aimed at 

identifying the best origins. Other discriminating factors taken into consideration, apart from productivity, were 

the energy inputs needed to grow the 

cane. This will ensure the farmers greater freedom from price fluctuations 

of fertilizers, plant protection products 

and fuels, widely used for traditional 

crops, and imply a milder environmental impact.

It was shown by extensive cultivation 

that, as is also stated in the bibliography, it is practically impossible to obtain reproduction by gamic tactics, that 

is to say by the union of two inflorescences (Picture 3).

Picture 3

Controlled breeding tests on plumes

of Arundo donax L.

Genetic improvement

of the giant cane

As a part of this qualitative selection 

process, Alasia Franco Vivai collected 

89 phenotypes of Arundo Donax harvested in the entire area where it grows 

– Southern Europe, North Africa and 

South China – and planted them in a 

number of plots to compare the selected varieties (Picture 4) and to assess 

their morphological and physiological 

features (Pictures 5, 6 and 7).

Picture 4

Comparative plots of the collected phenotypes

Picture 5

Recording the heights of the different phenotypes

Research and selection Clean fuel

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Research and selection Clean fuel

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Results were recorded in terms of 

height, phenology, growth, droughtresistance, growth rate, resistance to 

adverse biotic and abiotic conditions, 

alcohol output and yields. 

Picture 6

Measurements on shoots from the same phenotype

Picture 7

Bud break in Arundo plots with comparisons between several phenotypes, showing the variability 

between different origins belonging to the same variety. Ecotypes with differing phenology are used to 

enable harvesting at different times.

Careful selection work led to the identification of highly productive varieties, characterized by a remarkable 

growth rate, able to ensure very high 

yields reaching 40 tons of dry matter 

per hectare per year.

Picture 8 shows a selected genotype 

(R2F1, two years’ root and one year’s 

growth) which has reached a height of 

6-7 metres in a single vegetative season.

Picture 8

Research and selection Clean fuel

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Crop management
Crop management Clean fuel

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To allow rapid and effective germination, it is advisable to transplant the 

rhizomes. It is necessary to use portions of rhizomes at least 8 cm long, 

containing one or more buds, even if 

dormant.

For this purpose the propagules are 

produced in special rhizome beds from 

which, one year after sowing, dense 

clusters of rhizomes are uprooted (Picture 9), cut into fragments of about 8 x 

4 cm (Picture 10) and used in the actual plantations.

Preparing

the rhizomes

Picture 9

Cluster of rhizomes uprooted for selection
Crop management Clean fuel

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Between 2007 and 2009 numerous experimental plantations were set up in 

fields in Savigliano in the Province of 

Cuneo (Picture 11) and Tortona in the 

Province of Alessandria.

Picture 10

Rhizome before planting

Picture 11

Experimental plot

Crop management Clean fuel

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Preparing the sowing bed is an important preliminary operation to ensure 

that the rhizomes take well.

In highly calcareous and clayey soils 

only, subsoiling is necessary (70-80 

cm), followed by shallow ploughing 

(30 cm).

Subsoiling is indispensable to break 

up any hardpans or more compact layers that may be caused by the repeated passage of farm machinery or by 

alluvial sediments never removed in 

previous years.

Ploughing (Picture 12) needs to be carried out to a depth of 30 cm. On rather 

sandy soils it is advisable to carry it out 

just before transplanting the rhizomes, 

so that any residual weeds are buried 

and the soil can stay clear as long as 

possible.

If the soil tends to be clayey, ploughing 

is to be done in the autumn before transplanting, since weather conditions 

(frost, sun, heat fluctuations etc.) have 

a significant influence on the structural 

improvement of the soil.

Preparing

the sowing beds

Picture 12

Ploughing to a depth of 30 cm
Crop management Clean fuel

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After ploughing it is fundamental for 

the soil to be carefully smoothed by 

harrowing it two or more times with 

a trailed or rotary harrow (Picture 13). 

The purpose of this process, which 

should preferably be done immediately before transplanting, is to prepare 

the soil for planting the rhizomes.

This smoothing process avoids the formation of excessively large lumps of 

earth and consequently the accumulation of air near the rhizomes, which 

would hinder root emission, potentially hampering germination and development of the epigeous part.

Picture 13

Smoothing the soil

Crop management Clean fuel

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The rhizomes are planted with a modified transplanting machine (Picture 14) 

which lays them at a depth of 10 cm 

in such a way that they are completely 

covered by the soil. This operation is 

performed by companies managed by 

ForEnergy.

It is advisable to foresee a containment 

area around the field of about 3 m, that 

should be cleared with a disc harrow 

at least once a year (Picture 15). It is 

advisable to avoid planting when the 

soil is frozen.

Transplanting

and first year care 

Picture 14

Sowing the rhizomes

Picture 15

Containment area
Crop management Clean fuel

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After transplanting the rhizomes it is 

necessary to apply a pre-emergence 

(anti-germination) herbicide, distributed by a boom sprayer. The herbicides 

allowed in the post-planting phase are 

Oxadiazon, Pendimethalin and Oxifluorfen in the concentrations shown 

on the label.

If planting is done later than midMarch, this treatment is to be applied 

immediately after transplanting.

These treatments must in any case be 

applied before emergence of the shoots (Picture 16).

Picture 16

Anti-germination weeding

Crop management Clean fuel

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Between the end of April and the beginning of May the shoots begin to 

emerge from the soil (Picture 17). By 

late May the rhizome shows 2-3 developed buds (Picture 18) while the 

epigeous part reaches a height varying 

between 40 and 60 cm.

Picture 17

Shoot emerging after sowing

Picture 18

Rhizome vegetating (May of first year)
Crop management Clean fuel

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At the beginning of June of the first 

vegetative season the plants reach a 

height of about 1 metre (Picture 19). In 

the first year only, it is possible to limit 

weeds by using a spring tooth harrow 

between the lines (Picture 20). By the 

end of June ground coverage is practically complete (Picture 21). At this 

stage the root structures reach a depth 

of 1.3 metres (Pictures 22 and 23).

Picture 19

Growth in the month of June of the 1st year 

Picture 20

Harrowing

Crop management Clean fuel

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Picture 21

Growth at the end of June (1st year)

Picture 22

The root structure has reached

a depth of 1.3 metres

Picture 23

Detail of the root structure
Crop management Clean fuel

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After the winter cutback the regrowth 

of the canes is very vigorous and from 

the second vegetative season the number of shoots per stem increases significantly (Picture 24). Picture 24

Vegetative regrowth at the beginning of the 2nd year

(sucker growth)

2nd year care 

Crop management Clean fuel

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From this stage onwards, management 

of the site no longer calls for any special attention since the density of the 

shoots resulting from rapid growth (a 

feature taken into consideration in genotype selection) and the virtual absence of pests make for a very rustic 

kind of crop (Pictures 25 and 26).

Picture 26

July of the 2nd year on a semi-hilly soil

Picture 25

Plantation seen from inside
Crop management Clean fuel

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By July of the second year the root 

structure of the Arundo stump has reached a depth of 2.2 m (Pictures 27 and 

28). Picture 27

The root structure has already reached the water table

Crop management Clean fuel

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By penetrating the soil to such a depth, 

the Arundo donax root structure is able 

to reach the water table and the nitrates available in it. For this reason irrigation and additional use of chemical 

fertilizers are not required, resulting in 

significant environmental benefits and 

a substantial reduction in management 

costs.

Picture 28

The stump roots reach a depth of over 2 m

250

200

150

100

50

0

0,25

0,2

0,15

0,1

0,05

0

Use of water

Use of nitrogen

Arundo donax Sorghum fibre Corn biomass Corn grain

m3/ton d.m. Kg N/ton d.m.

Arundo donax Sorghum fibre Corn biomass Corn grain
Crop management Clean fuel

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At the end of the second vegetative season, if managed correctly, the canes 

should reach a height of 6-7 metres 

with an average output varying, according to the phenotypes and the prevailing conditions, from 30 to 50 Tss/

hectare/year (Picture 29).

Picture 29

Plantation in autumn before harvesting

Crop management Clean fuel

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The harvest is fully-mechanized (Picture 30) and performed by suitably 

equipped sub-contractors managed by 

ForEnergy. The harvesting period extends for 11 months and stops in December. By correct planning of the 

harvesting calendars, 12 harvests can 

be made in 10 productive years.

The selected genotypes of giant cane 

can reach a productivity per hectare of 

40 t/ss/year (80 t/green/year).

The first cut must be made at a height no 

greater than 10 cm from the ground.

Canes harvested at a distance of over 

15 km from the biorefinery must be 

taken directly to the biorefinery or to 

a collection point accessible to trailer 

trucks or semi-trailer trucks for loading and subsequent transport. If they 

are harvested within a range of 15, km 

they are delivered directly by farm 

trailers.

An Arundo donax plantation may last 

many years, theoretically for ever, given that the plant is a perennial; however the bibliographical data refer to 

observations made over a maximum of 

10 years, which is also the reference 

period used by Chemtex and its partners.

Harvesting

Picture 30

Mechanized harvesting
On the day of the last harvest, a herbicide (glyphosate) should be applied on 

the freshly cut surface.

This operation allows the herbicide to 

be absorbed immediately by the plant 

and has a 95% kill rate. A few days after this treatment the rhizomes need to 

be removed with an excavator similar 

to a beet-harvester.

Removal at the end 

of the cycle

Picture 31

Growth at 15th July of Arundo donax coppiced at different 

times.

Plot coppiced at the beginning of March Plot coppiced in mid June

Crop management Clean fuel

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the Partners
Chemtex Italia, Gruppo M&G

The M&G Group is a family-run mul-

tinational company with headquarters 

at Tortona (Alessandria).

M&G is the world leader in PET pro-

duction for packaging and the second 

chemical manufacturer in Italy thanks 

to 2,400 employees (30% of the staff 

consists of engineers and researchers), 

16 companies located in 4 continents, 

an output of 1.7 million tons of poly-

mers and a $2,600 million turnover.

Since 2004, also following the acqui-

sition of Chemtex Int. Inc., the M&G 

Group has grown in the field of engi-

neering, supply and production of po-

lyesters (fibres and polymers), petrolchemical products, special chemical 

products and bio-fuels, extending its 

presence into China and India.

ForEnergy srl

ForEnergy S.r.l., with head offices in 

Vigevano (Pavia), plays a leading role 

in Italy in the sector of cellulosic bio-

fuels, relying on its legacy as a pioneer 

in this field and on its over 3,000 hec-

tares of dedicated ligneocellulosic bio-

mass currently under management.

ForEnergy s.r.l. seeks to exchange ex-

perience, develop group synergies and 

identify new partners, while investing 

consistently in its strategy dedicated 

to the development of biofuel produc-

tion and supply chains on a variety of 

scales, from more local ones aimed at 

developing Energy Farms and local 

energy plans, to broader ones to sup-

port larger energy production plants by 

always focusing to the best of its abili-

ty on short supply chains.

In this way ForEnergy intends to act as 

a fundamental interface between far-

mers and manufacturers with a view 

to promoting greater profitability for 

farms and the long-awaited take-off 

of the biofuel sector.

the Partners Clean fuel

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CHEMTEX ITALIA

the Partners Clean fuel

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the Partners Clean fuel

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Italian Bio Product S.p.A.

ITALIAN BIO PRODUCTS S.P.A. 

will work in the ex-Teksid area at Cresentino (Vercelli) to produce bio-ethanol from biomass energy crops: corn 

straw, rice straw and Arundo donax 

(giant cane).

The factory, which requires an overall 

investment of 110 million euro, will 

produce 40,000 tons of bio-ethanol per 

year and demonstrate, for the first time 

on an industrial scale, the validity of 

this innovative technological option.

the Partners Clean fuel

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Alasia Franco Vivai

Alasia Franco Vivai s.s. of Savigliano 

(Cuneo) was the first company in Italy 

to set up a biofuel supply chain based 

on dedicated crops for vegetable biomasses.

Since 1998, in fact, it has worked in 

close collaboration with the major 

players in the sector, such as farmers 

and manufacturers, becoming a fundamental point of reference for all those 

working in the field of short rotation 

crops.

The main areas of expertise at Alasia 

Franco Vivai are the genetic improvement of fast-growing varieties for biomass plantations and the production of 

the vegetable material necessary to set 

up these same plantations.