Fiber composition of a diversity panel of the world collection of sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) and related grasses

Authors: Todd, James; SANDHU, HARDEV - Everglades Research Center; BINDER, JOSEPH - Bp Biofuels North America, Llc; ARUNDALE, REBECCA - Bp Biofuels North America, Llc; Gordon, Vanessa; SONG, JIAN - University Of Florida; GLAZ, BARRY - Retired ARS Employee; WANG, JIANPING - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Bragantia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/8/2017
Publication Date: 12/18/2017
Citation: Todd, J.R., Sandhu, H., Binder, J., Arundale, R., Gordon, V.S., Song, J., Glaz, B., Wang, J. 2017. Fiber composition of a diversity panel of the world collection of sugarcane (Saccharum sp.) and related grasses. Bragantia. 77(1):48-61. http://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4499.2016525.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4499.2016525

Interpretive Summary: Sugarcane and energy cane breeding requires diverse gene sources or germplasm. The world collection of sugarcane and related grasses contains a diverse selection of germplasm. Bioenergy is an emerging field and requires cultivars that produce high biomass with the appropriate fiber composition to improve energy conversion of. The dry matter is made up of components such as glucan or cellulose which can be converted to energy and components such as lignin and ash reduce conversion efficiency. To simplify the evaluation of these accessions a sample or core of 300 plants was planted in Canal Point FL. The dry matter was chemically analyzed and the fiber component composition determined. There was found a correlation between lignin and ash which may make it difficult to select against both negative traits. The principal component analysis indicated a large amount of diversity within each species suggesting that positive selections could be made within each species. It was found that there were 8 accessions lower in lignin than the commercial sugarcane checks and 8 accessions significantly higher for glucan. The information in this study will aid breeders as they adjust fiber characteristics and thereby improve performance of sugarcane and energy cane in energy production.

Technical Abstract: The world collection of sugarcane (Saccharum hybrids) and related grasses (WCSRG) is an important genetic resource for sugarcane and energy cane (Saccharum hybrids) breeding. Fiber components and structural carbohydrates in bioenergy feedstocks are utilized for conversion to lignocellulosic biofuel. Knowledge of the fiber composition in the WCSRG is important for sugarcane and energy cane breeding. The objective of this study was to analyze the fiber components of a diversity panel selected from WCSRG. From a container planted plot, 292 accessions replicated three times were collected, dried and chemically analyzed. The acetyl groups, acid insoluble lignin, acid soluble lignin, arabinan, glucan, holocellulose, total lignin, structural ash, xylan, and nonstructural ash were quantified. Significant differences for holocellulose, lignin, acetyl, acid soluble lignin, nonstructural ash, and glucan were observed between species or hybrid groups of accessions. Saccharum spontaneum had significantly more holocellulose, glucan, lignin, and nonstructural ash, and less acetyl and acid soluble lignin than the other groups. Holocellulose had the lowest variability and ash traits had the highest variability. Ash was negatively correlated with lignin and acetyl and positively with holocellulose. Principal component analysis indicated that a large amount of diversity exists within each of the species. The results suggested that strategic use of the WCSRG could provide germplasm for both positive and negative selection of fiber-related traits across all species of the collection. The fiber data evaluated in this study will allow breeders to make informed decisions about potential effects of parental selection on fiber content of progeny.