Phytomasss production from Silybum marianum for bioenergy

Sitybum marianum Gaertner is a herbaceous thorny member of the compositae family' common in the native flora of the Mediterranean basin. Sitybum marianum seeds contain a complex substance called silymarin, well apprecrated for treating human liver diseases and animal wellbeing. Because of its extremely aggressive vegetative growth, causing stress on'adJacent plants, it is known as a dangerous weed in cropping areas. On the other hand, the rusticity and the high growth of S. marianum make it interesting for bioenergy purposes in rainfed mediterranean environmenti. A research work was started in Sardinia in order to evaluate the performance of this species in terms of biomass production under low input conditions. Data on undisturbed dry matter accumulation, yield, and phytomass partitioning into its components (leaves, stems and heads) were collected. The heating value and the energy balance of the crop were also assessed The first year results are reported in this paper.