A Review on the Sorghum for biofuel and microRNAs

Abstract

Energy is lifeline in development and progress of a country, with pivotal use in industrial and agricultural sectors. While fossil fuels are primary source of energy, its rapid depletion is major concerns of the world today. Developed countries are finding alternates to strengthen its economic backbone by resolving limited supply of energy issues and meeting their enormous demands. Plants can offer better alternative as biofuels to address the energy crisis and meet projected energy demand. Recently, sorghum based research remained center of attention due to its exceptional properties to grow under dry, and hot environmental conditions with limited water requirement. All parts of sorghum have economic values with usage in syrup, sugar, fuel, alcohol, bedding and paper production. Whereas, Sorghum stalks are enriched source of carbohydrates with 16-18% of fermentable sugar that makes it potential candidate for bioethanol production. Bioethanol is considered environmental friendly as it reduces greenhouse gases and replaces MTBE (Methyl tert-butyl ether) pollutants in air. Yet, the benefits of sorghum as biofuels comes with a challenge of rapid degradation of sugar, therefore immediate harvest after maturity can ensure high sugar content. This review covers scope and recent research on sorghum in Pakistan and indicates its usage as an ideal feedstock to meet present energy crisis. Currently, developed countries are exploiting sorghum in bioethanol production due to its high tolerance to drought and salt, and improved sugar content in lieu of using sugarcane and maize. Moreover, studies involving high-tech research and role of microRNA in high yield and improved sugar content in biofuel production of sorghum are also addressed in this review.