Given the sterility of giant reed (Arundo donax L.), mutagenesis can be a valid strategy to increase genetic diversity in the species and to enable the selection of superior genotypes with new agronomic and qualitative characteristics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative traits of selected three-year old giant reed mutants (UniBO3; Line10; and Line11). The mutants' performance was evaluated in comparison to the local non-mutagenized ecotype (Arun11) under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Yield differences among mutants were significant: Line11 produced the highest (24 Mg ha⁻¹), and UniBO3 the lowest (19 Mg ha⁻¹) biomass yield, while Line10 showed intermediate yield (22 Mg ha⁻¹). Such variable yields were in line with tiller density and WUE. Besides that, Line11 showed and enhanced plasticity in its water uptake sources and drought resistance. However, the effects of the irrigation and the genotype by irrigation treatment interaction were not significant. The irrigation treatment did not change either the qualitative characteristics of Line11: the cellulose content (42%) was higher than in the control and UniBO3 mutant. Whereas the hemicellulose and lignin contents remained unvaried, suggesting Line11 as a promising feedstock for conversion to advanced biofuels. As for the mineral composition, Line11 showed the most marked changes, especially in terms of K, Si, and Si/K ratio, suggesting a lowered quality for thermochemical conversion. The induced variability shows some promising characteristics that could lead to new specialized mutant lines with improved suitability to specific environmental conditions and conversion technologies.

鉴于巨型芦苇（Arundo donax L.）的不育，诱变可以成为增加物种遗传多样性并选择具有新农艺和定性特征的优良基因型的有效策略。这项研究的目的是评估选定的三岁大芦苇突变体（UniBO3，Line10和Line11）的数量和质量特征。在灌溉和雨水条件下，与当地未诱变的生态型（Arun11）相比，评估了该突变体的性能。突变体之间的产量差异显着：Line11产生的生物量最高（24 Mg ha ^-1），UniBO3产生的最低（19 Mg ha ^-1），而Line10的产量中等（22 Mg ha ^-1））。这样的可变产量与分till密度和WUE一致。除此之外，Line11还表现出并增强了其吸水源和抗旱性的可塑性。但是，灌溉和基因型之间的相互影响并不显着。灌溉处理没有改变Line11的定性特征：纤维素含量（42％）高于对照和UniBO3突变体。尽管半纤维素和木质素含量保持不变，这表明Line11是一种有前途的原料，可以转化为先进的生物燃料。至于矿物成分，Line11表现出最明显的变化，特别是在K，Si和Si / K比方面，表明热化学转化的质量降低。