A comprehensive method to select energy sorghum hybrids for bioethanol production

Authors: XU, YI - China Agricultural University; Wang, Ming; DEVLET, ABDULGANI - Agriculture And Natural Sciences, Bilecik Seyh Edebali University; HAN, LIPU - Chinese Academy Of Sciences; TANG, CHAOCHEN - Guangdong Academy Of Agricultural Sciences; TAN, TIANSU - Hunan Agricultural University; XIE, GUANGHUI - China Agricultural University

Submitted to: Biomass and Bioenergy
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/12/2024
Publication Date: 10/21/2024
Citation: Xu, Y., Wang, M.L., Devlet, A., Han, L., Tang, C., Tan, T., Xie, G. 2024. A comprehensive method to select energy sorghum hybrids for bioethanol production. Industrial Crops and Products. 191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107436.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107436

Interpretive Summary: Breeding energy sorghum hybrids with heterosis is an effective way to provide high-quality biomass feedstock for bioethanol production. Ninety-six sorghum hybrids were evaluated at two sites (with distinct environmental conditions in North China) based on ten energy-related traits. Results showed that 96 hybrids present extensive genetic diversity. These 96 sorghum hybrids can be classified into four groups: Group ' (sorghum type unsuitable for bioethanol production), Group ' (ideal sorghum type for bioethanol production), Group ' (sweet sorghum type), and Group ' (biomass sorghum type). The hybrids No. 28 and 30, hybrids No. 64 and 33, and hybrid No. 10 were identified as optimal candidates for ideal sorghum type, sweet sorghum type, and biomass sorghum type for bioethanol production, respectively. Those results highlight that our comprehensive evaluation method can be effective to select sorghum hybrids for different cultivation locations and bioethanol bioconversions, which can facilitate the breeding process of high-quality energy sorghum hybrids.

Technical Abstract: Breeding dedicated energy sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] hybrids is an effective way to provide high-quality biomass feedstock for bioethanol production. However, there exist very limited energy sorghum cultivars/hybrids suitable for bioethanol production with different bioconversions, which require a comprehensive evaluation method that can select elite sorghum germplasms effectively. Here, an integrated approach (combing cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and grey relational analysis) was applied to evaluate the bioethanol potential of 96 sorghum hybrids at two locations with distinct environmental conditions in North China based on 10 energy-related traits. Results showed that 96 hybrids present extensive genetic diversity as reflected by a high coefficient of variation of theoretical ethanol yield and chemical components including soluble sugars, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash content at two locations. The 96 sorghum hybrids can be consistently sorted into 4 groups targeted for different bioconversions for both locations, namely Cluster I (unsuitable sorghum type for bioethanol production), Cluster II (ideal sorghum type for bioethanol production), Cluster III (sweet sorghum type) and Cluster IV (biomass sorghum type). Hybrids No. 28 and 30, hybrids No. 64 and 33, and hybrid No. 10 were identified as optimal candidates for ideal sorghum type, sweet sorghum type, and biomass sorghum type for bioethanol production, respectively. Those results highlight that our comprehensive evaluation method can be effective to select elite sorghum hybrids targeted for different bioethanol bioconversions, which can facilitate the breeding process of high-quality energy sorghum hybrids.