Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #231019
Title: The Role of Sugarcane Breeding and Selection in the Development of Bioenergy Systems

Author
item Richard Jr, Edward
item RICHARD, C - SPRI, NEW ORLEANS, LA
item MCKEE, M - SPRI, NEW ORLEANS, LA
item TRICHE, R - SPRI, NEW ORLEANS, LA
item GODSHALL, M - SPRI, NEW ORLEANS, LA

Submitted to: Sugar Journal
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2008
Publication Date: 9/30/2008
Citation: Richard Jr, E.P., Richard, C.A., Mckee, M., Triche, R., Godshall, M. 2008. The Role of Sugarcane Breeding and Selection in the Development of Bioenergy Systems. Sugar Journal. 71(4):9.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sugarcane can play a role in helping the United States meet its need for renewable transportation fuel as well as food and feed. Research being conducted at the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Sugarcane Research Laboratory at Houma, Louisiana is geared to developing high biomass (sugar and cellulose) yielding varieties with levels of cold tolerance that will allow an expansion of the geographic range of adaptation to areas of the South beyond where sugarcane is traditionally grown. The use of companion cane-type grasses are also being explored to further extend the harvest season. Research being conducted by Sugar Processing Research Institute is geared to examine chemical variations between various species of sugarcane and related genera to determine differences that could either enhance or inhibit energy production. This paper discusses the role of both organizations in providing for a more focused approach to breeding for higher value sugarcane crops.