In this work, two perennial rhizomatous grasses (Arundo donax L. (giant reed; C-3) and Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass; C-4)) considered as promising energy crops have been subjected to four different types of stress in two experiments: (i) both species were subjected to four salinity and water stress treatments [well-watered with non-saline solution (WW S-), low-watered with non-saline solution (WS S-), well-watered with saline solution (WW S-) and low-watered with saline solution (WS S+)]; and (ii) both species were subjected to three temperature and light treatments [ambient temperature and light (C), ambient temperature and darkness (AD) and cold temperature and darkness (CD)]. Photosynthetic and physiological parameters as well as biomass production were measured in these plants. It can be hypothesized that a higher photosynthesis rate (A(sat)) was be observed in switchgrass as a consequence of its C4 metabolic pathway. However, our results indicated a similar A(sat) at the beginning of the experiment for both species. This could be due to switchgrass being an NAD-ME C4 type whereas giant reed has been reported as a C3 species with a high photosynthetic rate. We showed that switchgrass seems to be more resistant to stresses such as water stress, salinity and cold than giant reed in our greenhouse conditions. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.