Biomass and Bioenergy Potential of Novel Interspecific and Intergeneric Hybrids of Saccharum Under Subtropical Climate

Abstract

Sugarcane-derived biomass is an emerging source of renewable energy, which offers a promising opportunity to meet growing demands of biofuel. The modern cultivars do not fulfill required biomass and bioenergy potential due to their narrow genetic base and succumb to many stresses. We evaluated 24 hybrids derived from diverse genetic background of Saccharum spp. and allied genera with commercial checks. Intergeneric hybrids, viz ., KGS 99-100 (43.37 t ha −1 ) and GU 04-432 (35.24 t ha −1 ) involving Erianthus arundinaceus in their ancestry, produced significantly higher biomass than commercial check. Analysis of means showed that hybrids (viz., 99-489, KGS 2004-13, KGS 2004-60, KGS 2004-186, GU 07-3704, KGS 99-100) possess significantly greater bioenergy than experimental mean (461.61 Gj/ha/year). Interspecific hybrids, viz. , GU 07-3704 (37.24 t ha −1 ) and 99-489 (33.25 t ha −1 ) obtained from Saccharum officinarum and S. spontaneum , KGS 2004-13, KGS 2004-60, and KGS 2004-186 from S. barberi and S. sinense produced significantly higher biomass. These clones were also resistant to red rot and borer insects. Cluster analysis revealed genetic diversity present in these species for biomass-contributing traits, which could serve as potential donors for high biomass and bioenergy traits into cultivated canes along with tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses.