Abstract
Sugarcane-derived biomass is a promising source of renewable energy to meet the growing demands for biofuel. Currently, modern sugarcane cultivars are unable to provide enough biomass due to their narrow genetic base and susceptibility to abiotic and biotic stresses. We have evaluated total of 23 hybrids derived from diverse genetic backgrounds of different Saccharum spp. and allied genera, one inbred and compared with commercial checks. Intergeneric hybrids (IGHs) KGS 99-100 and GU 04-432, produced significantly higher biomass (43.37 t ha−1 and 35.24 t ha−1, respectively) than commercial sugarcane have genes derived from Erianthus arundinaceus. Interspecific hybrids (ISHs) GU 07-3704 and 99-489, also produced significantly higher amounts of biomass (37.24 t ha−1 and 33.25 t ha−1, respectively) than commercial checks have genes from S. officinarum and S. spontaneum backgrounds. ISHs recorded significantly higher biomass yield, number of stalks and total dry matter percentage whereas, IGH group recorded significantly higher fibre percent. Furthermore, the clones resistant to red rot and sugarcane borers were identified. The estimated energy value for seven hybrid clones was found to be very high. Cluster analysis of genetic traits revealed two major clusters in traits improving biomass. Our study has revealed that the genetic diversity present in these hybrids could be used for improving biomass production and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses in cultivated sugarcanes.
Highlights
Sugarcane-derived biomass is a promising source of renewable energy to meet the growing demands for biofuel
The interaction term for year and clone identity was significant for all traits except numbers of millable canes (NMC), which indicates that the performance of the clones varied between the two years of growth
The genetic variation found in Saccharum germplasm may play a very significant role in improving sugarcane for biomass production through breeding and biotechnological approaches
Summary
Sugarcane-derived biomass is a promising source of renewable energy to meet the growing demands for biofuel. Our study has revealed that the genetic diversity present in these hybrids could be used for improving biomass production and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses in cultivated sugarcanes. Fawzy et al (2020)[1] have lately evaluated several mitigation strategies to reduce CO2 emissions by using renewable energy sources, fuel switching, efficiency gains, nuclear power, and carbon capture storage and utilization methods. Amongst these strategies, plant biomass-derived biofuels hold great potential as replacements for fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The major forms of NET currently in use include technologies for bioenergy carbon capture and storage, and Scientific Reports | (2020) 10:21560
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