and transformation of high-biomass yielding perennial grass Arundo donax

In recent years there has been significant interest in harvesting renewable fuels and value-added chemicals from plant feedstocks, especially from perennial grasses such as Arundo donax L. [1, 2, 3]. Some reasons why perennial grasses are desirable as next-generation bioenergy feedstock are: (i) their low soil management requirements and growth on marginal land; (ii) their ability to prevent soil erosion and increase soil organic carbon; (iii) few natural pests; and (iv) the capacity to reliably produce biomass [4]. In the USA, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a widely adapted biomass feedstock whereas in Europe, Arundo may fulfill an important role as a perennial grass feedstock [5, 6]. Compared with switchgrass, Arundo has a much higher photosynthetic capacity, despite being a C3 plant [7, 8], leading to the production of significant biomass [9]. In addition, Arundo is salt tolerant, and has Research Article