Demand For Biofuels Research Articles

A Lagrangian relaxation approach for algae-based biofuel supply chain network design under uncertainty and pricing issue.

Biofuel has gained significant attention as a potential source to meet fuel demands instead of fossil fuel. The price of biofuel and alternative fuel have a considerable impact on biofuel demand. Thus, it is important to design a biofuel supply chain network that incorporates the biofuel price into an elastic demand. More precisely, a variable demand, including customer importance level (to the environment), biofuel price, and substituted fuel price, is considered in this research. Furthermore, this research presents a bi-objective mixed-integer quadratic formulation that aims to maximize the total profit of the supply chain and carbon absorption in harvesting areas. The problem is solved by the ε-constraint and lagrangian relaxation methods due to its complexity. Moreover, substituted fuel price uncertainty is addressed by two-stage stochastic programming. Finally, a real case study utilizing the data envelopment analysis approach is applied to assess the efficiency and currency of the addressed model. Several consequences are illustrated in the case study, such as rich areas for exporting algae, suggesting hub locations for biofuel production, etc.

Utilization of waste from paper industry as a heterogeneous base catalyst for the synthesis of biodiesel

AbstractTo meet the pressing demand for alternative biofuel in the contemporary world, the production cost of biodiesel has to be decreased. Hence, this work addresses the usage of CaCO3‐rich industrial waste produced in a local paper industry in Assam, India for the synthesis of a heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. The collected lime sludge waste was subjected to calcination at 800°C for 3 h producing a CaO‐rich catalyst which was then employed in the transesterification of cottonseed oil. The optimized reaction conditions obtained were 5 wt% catalyst concentration, oil to methanol molar ratio of 1:12 at 65°C temperature, and 3 h of reaction time. The catalyst's reusability was evaluated up to four cycles. Besides, the prepared catalyst has been characterized using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X‐ray Diffraction (p‐XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques and its basicity was measured using Hammett indicators. Moreover, the biodiesel obtained was characterized with 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C‐NMR, Gas Chromatography‐ Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), and FTIR techniques. A biodiesel yield of 98.03% was achieved and the quality of biodiesel formed during the transesterification of CSO also conforms to EN 14214 and ASTM D 6751 standards. Thus, our study highlights the sustainability and the potential for future industrial application of paper industrial waste in the production of biodiesel.

A comparative study of yield components and their trade-off in oilseed crops (Brassica napus L. and Brassica carinata A. Braun)

Canola (Brassica napus L.) and carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun) are two oilseed crops that have seen a surge in demand in recent years. However, current yields achieved by farmers are inconsistent and significantly lower than those achieved in research experiments. Therefore, a better understanding of the trade-off between yield components is crucial to help breeders develop new high-yielding cultivars and for farmers to manage their crops more effectively. Unfortunately, scientific literature focused on trade-offs between yield components in rapeseed is scarce for canola and lacking for carinata. To address this issue, we conducted field experiments in Uruguay over three consecutive seasons (2016–2018) using the cultivars “Rivette” and “Avanza 641” for canola and carinata, respectively. Our goal was to study yield compensation and determine the comparative performance of canola and carinata across a wide range of sowing dates. Our results showed that carinata yields ranged from 854 kg ha−1 to 7283 kg ha−1, while canola yields ranged from 1152 kg ha−1 to 4489 kg ha−1. Higher biomass production was linked to increased yields in carinata, while an increase in biomass did not necessarily result in higher yields in canola due to a harvest index reduction. Carinata yield was positively correlated with grain number, silique number, and grains per silique. In canola, moderate to large yield changes were primarily influenced by grain number and grain weight, as silique number had a negative trade-off with yield, while grains per silique had a neutral relationship with yield. Our study revealed a distinct yield building process in canola and carinata, despite the general belief that they share physiological similarities and can be managed alike. These findings enhance our understanding of crop knowledge and management, potentially leading to increased crop productivity, and generate more effective breeding programs. Enhancing the yield performance of canola and carinata will position them as economically profitable crops, allowing for greater crop diversification and meeting the growing global demand for biofuels.

PrDA1-1 and its interacting proteins PrTCP1/PrTCP9 in flare tree peony affect yield by regulating seed weight and number

Tree peony is an emerging woody oilseed crop that has the potential to help meet the growing demand for edible oil and biofuel, and breeding high-yield varieties is the key to increasing production. The DA1 gene regulates seed weight and number and effectively improves crop yield; however, its function in tree peonies has not yet been reported. In this study, three PrDA1 genes were first identified in the whole genome of ‘Jing Hong’ flare tree peony (Paeonia rockii). PrDA1-1, which contains three types of conserved structural domains UIM (ubiquitin-interacting motif), LIM (Lin11, Isl- 1, and Mec-3), and DA-like, is homologous to AtDA1. PrDA1-1 was strongly expressed during both the early and late stages of seed development, and its constitutive expression in Arabidopsis reduced seed number but increased seed weight, which ultimately led to a decrease in yield. PrDA1-1 interacted with PrTCP1/PrTCP9 in yeast and plants, and the constitutive expression of PrTCP1/PrTCP9 in Arabidopsis increased seed weight and number, which resulted in high yield. We showed that PrDA1-1 and PrTCP1/PrTCP9 regulate seed weight and number to affect yield; these new genetic resources will help improve the seed yield of tree peonies..

Optimizing sustainable multiple biomass-to-biofuel conversion network with integrated water resource management utilizing data-driven robust planning

Until now, the biofuel supply chain has lacked an integrated approach to address its fundamental challenges in real-world implementation. The first challenge is maintaining a continuous supply flow in the biofuel network, which can significantly impact economic outcomes and performance measures. The second challenge involves managing water resources for biofuel production to preserve freshwater reserves. The third challenge is managing operational risks, such as uncertainty in biofuel demand, which leads to conservative planning and underscores the need for realistic uncertain programming approaches. To address these challenges, the proposed study designs a biofuel conversion network that utilizes third-generation feedstocks and non-edible seed sources, sourcing necessary water from wastewater resources. This practical solution addresses water-energy relationship concerns, reducing dependency on limited freshwater supplies. To achieve a continuous and cost-effective feed supply, this study incorporates a pre-processing phase using a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making model. This approach ensures the feed supply remains consistent, economical, and sustainable. To manage the uncertainty in biofuel demand, we developed a robust optimization model with an intersected uncertainty set using a data-driven approach. This approach aims to reduce conservatism in the obtained solutions, making the model more practical for real-world implementation. The numerical results reveal some practical implementation for policymakers. The proposed robust optimization using the configured uncertainty set offers a tool to manage the conservatism of renewable energy demand uncertainty and operational risks more effectively than traditional approaches (0.914%). This formulation can help policymakers to maintain greater robustness against fluctuations in confidence levels. Additionally, the simultaneous use of third-generation and non-edible feedstocks creates a multi-biomass-to-biofuel conversion network, offering practitioners a practical solution that significantly reduces reliance on freshwater resources. Furthermore, policymakers can leverage the proposed pre-processing phase to promote economic and continuous supply feed based on geographical, resource accessibility, and infrastructure criteria.

Evonik expands sodium methylate catalyst production in Argentina to meet growing demand for biofuels

Evonik expands sodium methylate catalyst production in Argentina to meet growing demand for biofuels

PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FROM MICROALGAE CULTIVATED WITH VINASSE

Purpose: The objective of this work was to carry out the cultivation of the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana with diluted vinasse, verifying its potential for remediation of nutrients and increase of its lipid fraction, to produce biodiesel according to the current regulation. Theoretical Framework: The quest to reduce fossil fuels, which are responsible for negative environmental impacts, has boosted the demand for biofuels in recent years. Biodiesel has been gaining prominence as a promising alternative to replace petroleum derivatives since it can be produced from various raw materials, such as microalgae. Design/Methodology/Approach: Different vinasse dilutions were studied for the cultivation of Chlorella sorokiniana CTT 7727, being 5, 10 and 15% (v v-1) and N:P:K (20:5:20) 1% (v v-1) medium as a comparative standard. Biodiesel was produced by direct transesterification and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector, enabling the identification and quantification of the fatty acid profile. Findings: The results obtained indicated that vinasse 10% (v v-1) proved to be promising for application as a culture medium for this microalgae species, as it guaranteed a good cell growth rate, high biomass productivity and lipid yield. Considering the biodiesel produced, it fits the regulatory standards analyzed by the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Research, Practical & Social Implications: The research demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana with diluted vinasse, highlighting the 10% concentration as promising for optimizing cell growth and lipid yield. The results ensure compliance with ANP regulations for biodiesel production, indicating immediate and sustainable applicability on an industrial scale. Socially, it contributes to the pursuit of biofuels, reducing dependence on fossil sources and promoting more sustainable practices in the bioenergy industry. Originality/Value: The study's originality lies in the unique combination of Chlorella sorokiniana CTT 7727, diluted vinasse, and biodiesel production in accordance with ANP regulations. It stands out for identifying the optimal vinasse concentration (10%) for cultivation, presenting an economical and effective approach. The strategic value is in the use of an alternative raw material cultivated with an industrial residue, promoting the diversification of the energy matrix and mitigating environmental impacts associated with conventional fuels.

Energy, exergy, environmental and economy (4E) analysis of the existing of biomass-ORC plant with capacity 150 kWe: A case study

Biomass makes a substantial contribution to Italy’s renewable energy mix. In 2018, 19,235 GWh of energy were created, continuing a trend that began three years earlier. Italy’s demand for biofuel is expected to reach 2.8 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2025 and remain constant until 2040. Biomass combustion frequently generates high temperatures (900–1000 °C), which justifies the construction of high-temperature heat recovery units such as steam Rankine or supercritical carbondioxide (SCO2) cycles. However, these methods are only economically practical on a medium to large scale. Small-scale units have high component costs because of the high specific volume of steam, while high turbomachinery costs mostly hamper small sCO2 systems. So, another alternative way is to use an organic Rankine cycle (ORC). This study uses thermodynamic analysis to determine how much power can be achieved in terms of energy, exergy, economy and what impact on sustainability is achieved at the Bologna ORC plant. From the study results, it was found that the Bologna unit has a capacity of 150 kWe. When data was collected, the maximum power obtained was 85 kW at a temperature and pressure of 153 °C and 1.84 MPa, respectively. Biomass-ORC investment is economically competitive, with NPV and LCOE values of 238 kE and 0.93 E/kWh, respectively, and a simple payback period of 24 years for residents with yearly energy needs of 2000 h.

Ethanologenic fermentation by Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius with continuous hot microbubble gas-stripping

The increased use of biofuels in place of fossil fuels is one strategy to support the transition to net-zero carbon emissions, particularly in transport applications. However, expansion of the use of 1st generation crops as feedstocks is unsustainable due to the conflict with food use. The use of the lignocellulosic fractions from plants and/or co-products from food production including food wastes could satisfy the demand for biofuels without affecting the use of land and the availability of food, but organisms which can readily ferment all the carbohydrates present in these feedstocks often suffer from more severe bioethanol inhibition effects than yeast. This paper demonstrates the potential of hot gas microbubbles to strip ethanol from a thermophilic fermentation process using Parageobacillus thermoglucosidasius TM333, thereby reducing product inhibition and allowing production to continue beyond the nominal toxic ethanol concentrations of ≤ 2% v/v. Using an experimental rig in which cells were grown in fed-batch cultures on sugars derived from waste bread, and the broth continuously cycled through a purpose-built microbubble stripping unit, it was shown that non/low-inhibitory dissolved ethanol concentrations could be maintained throughout, despite reaching productivities equivalent to 4.7% v/v dissolved ethanol. Ethanol recovered in the condensate was at a concentration appropriate for dewatering to be cost effective and not prohibitively energy intensive. This suggests that hot microbubble stripping could be a valuable technology for the continuous production of bioethanol from fermentation processes which suffer from product inhibition before reaching economically viable titres, which is typical of most thermophilic ethanologenic bacteria.

Large-scale spatially explicit analysis of carbon capture at cellulosic biorefineries

The large-scale production of cellulosic biofuels would involve spatially distributed systems including biomass fields, logistics networks and biorefineries. Better understanding of the interactions between landscape-related decisions and the design of biorefineries with carbon capture and storage (CCS) in a supply chain context is needed to enable efficient systems. Here we analyse the cost and greenhouse gas mitigation potential for cellulosic biofuel supply chains in the US Midwest using realistic spatially explicit land availability and crop productivity data and consider fuel conversion technologies with detailed CCS design for their associated CO2 streams. Optimization methods identify trade-offs and design strategies leading to systems with attractive environmental and economic performance. Strategic and operational decisions depend on underlying spatial features and are sensitive to biofuel demand and CCS incentives. US CCS incentives neglect to motivate greenhouse gas mitigation from all supply chain emission sources, which leverage spatial interactions between CCS, electricity prices and the biomass landscape.

Modeling sustainable bioethanol supply chain in Australia: A system dynamics approach

The growing energy demand and concerns over fossil fuel consumption underscore the need for a shift to renewable energies and biofuels. Concurrently, the rising global population and increased biofuel demand strain the food supply system, requiring enhanced production capabilities. By using a system dynamics model, this study investigates the intricate relationship between bioethanol production and food security in Australia, emphasizing the essential balance for a sustainable bioethanol supply chain. The research explores the interplay among population, food supply, and energy supply subsystems, projecting diverse bioethanol production scenarios until 2050. Findings reveal constraints within the Australian bioethanol supply chain, with current capacity meeting demand at a 1.5 % bioethanol blend rate to gasoline. However, surpassing 3.4 % demands significant capacity expansions incurring substantial costs. At a 5 % blend rate, it is imperative to augment the production capacity to 1275 million liters of bioethanol by 2050. The study underscores the limitations of relying on sorghum for bioethanol production, emphasizing the strategic need to embrace alternative sources such as wheat starch waste and molasses. Addressing the challenge of supplying sufficient food for consumption and energy production, our research advocates for a shift towards fuels produced without edible resources. These insights are vital for policymakers and industry stakeholders, contributing to the understanding of complexities in establishing a sustainable bioethanol industry while ensuring food security and environmental sustainability.

Research priorities to leverage smart digital technologies for sustainable crop production

Agriculture faces several challenges including climate change and biodiversity loss while, at the same time, the demand for food, feed, biofuels, and fiber is increasing. Sustainable intensification aims to increase productivity and input-use efficiency while enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems to adverse environmental conditions through improved management and technology. Recent advances in sensing, machine learning, modeling, and robotics offer opportunities for novel smart digital technologies to enable sustainable intensification. However, developing smart digital technologies and putting them into agricultural practice, requires closing major research gaps, related in particular to (1) the utilization of multi-scale multi-sensor monitoring in space and time, (2) using artificial intelligence for linking process and data-driven methods, (3) improving decision making and intervention in plant production, and finally (4) modeling conditions and consequences of farmers acceptance. Closing these gaps requires an interdisciplinary approach. Here, we present a research agenda and steps forward to steer research efforts, highlighting research priorities, and identifying required interdisciplinary research collaboration. Following this agenda will leverage the full potential of smart digital technologies for sustainable crop production.

Bibliometric Analysis on Biobutanol Production Research Trends from 2010-2022 Using Scopus Database

The global demand for biofuels as an alternative energy source is on the rise due to the anticipated decline in fossil fuel (gasoline). Biobutanol, among various biofuels, has garnered significant attention for its advanced features and suitability as an alternative to fossil fuels. Recognizing the importance of understanding research issues and fostering collaborative networks, this bibliometric analysis focuses on synthesizing research trends in biobutanol production over the past 12 years. Examining 357 Scopus-indexed documents, the study shows that over 80% of relevant articles were published after 2010, indicating the recent emergence of literature in this field. Citation analysis identifies publishing trends dating back to 2010, highlighting leading scholars. In 2016, 47 publications in Chemical Engineering were attributed to the field, with Professor Sahaid authoring 12 publications, primarily affiliated with UKM. Chemical Engineering comprised the predominant subject area, with articles constituting 75.07% of total publications. Bioresource Technology was the primary source title, and the keyword Biobutanol was frequently associated with the research (92.16%). UKM led in institutional contributions with 12 publications, while India had the highest total publications at 17.65%, and Malaysia contributed 6.44%. The majority of publications (88.24%) originated from journal publications, and English was the predominant language, accounting for 96.64% of the publications. This paper underscores the recent surge in biobutanol research and the importance of collaborative efforts for further advancements.

Hydrocracking of non‐edible vegetable oil and waste cooking oils for the production of light hydrocarbon fuels: A review

AbstractThe high demand for biofuels by surfacing economies with environmental issues has resulted in a more in‐depth search for new biofuel feedstocks. Non‐edible oils have become the centre of investigation as biofuel feedstocks since they do not compete with food sources. This review evaluates hydrocracking as a biofuel production method and further elucidates different feedstocks, the effects of hydrocracking catalysts, and operating parameters to obtain optimum yields and selectivity of desired products. The bifunctional catalyst mechanism is also explained. The hydrocracking technique is found to be more advantageous than other biofuel production techniques such as transesterification and pyrolysis due to its ability to produce valuable products of better quality and with higher yields. Coke formation is one of the challenges faced by hydrocracking despite that it can be reduced by high hydrogen pressure; this will increase the cost of the entire process.

Pilot-scale processing of Miscanthus x giganteus for recovery of anthocyanins integrated with production of microbial lipids and lignin-rich residue

Chemical-free hydrothermal pretreatment of Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) at the lab scale using high liquid-to-solid ratios resulted in the recovery of anthocyanins and enhanced enzymatic digestibility of residual biomass. In this study, the process is scaled up by using a continuous hydrothermal pretreatment reactor operated at a low liquid-to-solid ratio (50 % w/w solids) as an important step towards commercialization. Anthocyanin yield was 70 % w/w at the pilot scale (50 kg of Mxg), compared to the 94 % w/w yield achieved at the lab scale (0.5 g of Mxg). The pretreated biomass was subsequently refined mechanically using a disc mill to increase the accessibility of cellulose by cellulases. Enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated and disc-milled residue yielded 238 g/L sugar concentration by operating in fed-batch mode at 50 % w/v solids content. Two strains of Rhodosporidium toruloides were evaluated for converting the hydrolysate sugars into microbial lipids, and strain Y-6987 had the highest lipid titer (11.0 g/L). Further, the residue left after enzymatic saccharification was determined to be enriched 1.7-fold in the lignin content. This lignin-rich residue has value as a feedstock for the production of sustainable aviation fuel precursors and other high-value lignin-based chemicals. Hence the proposed biorefinery based on Mxg creates an opportunity for generating revenue from multiple high-value products. As the demand for biofuels and biobased products is rising, the biorefinery products from Mxg would create a niche in the industrial sector.

Biomass production of 14 accessions of cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) under semi‐arid land conditions

AbstractIncreased food, feed, and biofuel demands of the future will require a greater reliance upon crop production systems in arid and semi‐arid regions around the world. Diminishing freshwater resources and hotter and drier climatic conditions will also necessitate the use of highly drought tolerant and water‐use efficient crops. Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica) is a low‐water input, climate‐resilient crop capable of high biomass production due to its use of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Cactus pear produces both food and forage/fodder, a wide variety of high‐value byproducts, and serves as a bioenergy feedstock for biogas or bioethanol production. Here, we evaluated the biomass productivity of 14 Opuntia spp. accessions from the National Arid Land Plant Genetic Resources Unit (NALPGRU) in Parlier, CA under semi‐arid conditions with a planting density of 6667 plants ha−1 over a 3‐year period to identify high‐yielding biomass producers. Mean annual cladode fresh weight (CFW) (73.7 Mg ha−1 year−1), cladode dry weight (CDW) (5.2 Mg ha−1 year−1), and cladode count (CC) (10.5 cladodes plant−1) increased by 2.9‐, 2.8‐, and 2.8‐fold in year 3 compared with year 1. PARL 845, hybrid no. 46 (O. ficus‐indica × O. lindheimerii), showed the highest annual mean CFW (152.8 Mg ha−1 year−1), CDW (13.3 Mg ha−1 year−1), CC (22.1 cladodes plant−1), and dry matter content (DMC, 11.2%) among all accessions tested. Non‐hybrid accessions PARL 242 (O. cochenillifera), PARL 582 (Opuntia sp.), and PARL 584 (Opuntia sp.) showed 100% cladode establishment rates and CDW productivity of >6 Mg ha−1 year−1. Such biomass productivity results indicate that cactus pear displays great potential as a crop with many uses with lower water inputs than conventional crops for arid and semi‐arid environments.

Differential gene expression and potential regulatory network of fatty acid biosynthesis during fruit and leaf development in yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium), an oil-producing tree with significant deployment values.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium (yellowhorn) is a woody oil plant with super stress resistance and excellent oil characteristics. The yellowhorn oil can be used as biofuel and edible oil with high nutritional and medicinal value. However, genetic studies on yellowhorn are just in the beginning, and fundamental biological questions regarding its very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis pathway remain largely unknown. In this study, we reconstructed the VLCFA biosynthesis pathway and annotated 137 genes encoding relevant enzymes. We identified four oleosin genes that package triacylglycerols (TAGs) and are specifically expressed in fruits, likely playing key roles in yellowhorn oil production. Especially, by examining time-ordered gene co-expression network (TO-GCN) constructed from fruit and leaf developments, we identified key enzymatic genes and potential regulatory transcription factors involved in VLCFA synthesis. In fruits, we further inferred a hierarchical regulatory network with MYB-related (XS03G0296800) and B3 (XS02G0057600) transcription factors as top-tier regulators, providing clues into factors controlling carbon flux into fatty acids. Our results offer new insights into key genes and transcriptional regulators governing fatty acid production in yellowhorn, laying the foundation for efforts to optimize oil content and fatty acid composition. Moreover, the gene expression patterns and putative regulatory relationships identified here will inform metabolic engineering and molecular breeding approaches tailored to meet biofuel and bioproduct demands.

Evaluation of Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles in Aquafeeds – A Review

Abstract The aquafeed industry faces many challenges, including reducing the cost of feed by reducing the quantity of fish meal and soybean meal and researching to replace them with other ingredients lower in cost. Furthermore, new low-cost feeds must improve growth and feed utilization while also ensuring fish health. During the past few decades, researchers have shown one of the low-cost and with appropriate nutritional value alternative protein sources to replace fish meal (FM) or soybean meal (SBM) is dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). Recently, the production of grain-based ethanol as a fuel additive has been increasing as the demand for biofuel has increased, and lessening dependency on fossil fuels has resulted in a dramatic rise in the amount of grains used for ethanol. DDGS are the primary co-product of dry-grind fuel ethanol plants. DDGS has the advantages of having high protein, fat, phosphorus, yield, and low cost. These valuable particles attributed to DDGS have raised controversy amongst feed nutritionists as to how they can proficiently replace fish meal or soybean meal. It has been discovered that DDGS can be replaced with fish meal or soybean meal without affecting growth. Therefore, the present review discusses the effects of dietary DDGS application in the fish feed formulation, the best dietary presence, the possible advantages in fish health, nutrient retention, and the economic benefits of DDGS application in aquafeeds.

Promising Insects for Sustainable Food and Biofuel

Food and energy security are global challenges due to growing demand for proteins and biofuels in the pursuit of a sustainable society. Although insects have emerged as environmentally-friendly sources that can replace meats, promising insect species as common resources for food and energy have not been examined. This study therefore identifies the insect species that can be utilized for sustainable food and energy based on their substance contents. These are nitrogen and phosphorus representing protein and minerals, respectively; lipids representing economic feasibility for biodiesel; and water representing drying energy requirement for storage. Fourteen species of the insects commonly farmed are examined: beetles, butterflies, cockroaches, flies, grasshoppers, and bees. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBS) larvae and termite are identified as promising species. The PBS larvae have the highest potential as a common resource for sustainable food and energy due to higher contents of nitrogen and phosphorus than beef, pork, and chicken; high oil content comparable to palm full fruit bunch (FFB) and soybean; and the lowest water content. This study can thus contribute to initiating new R&D and industrial endeavors to develop mass farming technology for such insects and securing sustainable resources for food and energy.

A SNP variation in the Sucrose synthase (SoSUS) gene associated with sugar-related traits in sugarcane.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an economically significant crop for both the sugar and biofuel industries. Breeding sugarcane cultivars with high-performance agronomic traits is the most effective approach for meeting the rising demand for sugar and biofuels. Molecular markers associated with relevant agronomic traits could drastically reduce the time and resources required to develop new sugarcane varieties. Previous sugarcane candidate gene association analyses have found single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with sugar-related traits. This study aims to validate these associated SNP markers of six genes, including Lesion simulating disease 1 (LSD), Calreticulin (CALR), Sucrose synthase 1 (SUS1), DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicase (RH), KANADI1 (KAN1), and Sodium/hydrogen exchanger 7 (NHX7), in a diverse population in 2-year and two-location evaluations. After genotyping of seven targeted SNP markers was performed by PCR Allelic Competitive Extension (PACE) SNP genotyping, the association with sugar-related traits and important cane yield component traits was determined on a set of 159 sugarcane genotypes. The marker-trait relationships were validated and identified by both t-test analysis and an association analysis based on the general linear model. The mSoSUS1_SNPCh10.T/C and mSoKAN1_SNPCh7.T/C markers that were designed from the SUS1 and KAN1 genes, respectively, showed significant associations with different amounts of sugar-related traits and yield components. The mSoSUS1_SNPCh10.T/C marker was found to have more significant association with sugar-related traits, including pol, CCS, brix, fiber and sugar yield, with p values of 6.08 × 10-6 to 4.35 × 10-2, as well as some cane yield component traits with p values of 1.61 × 10-4 to 3.35 × 10-2. The significant association is consistent across four environments. Sucrose synthase (SUS) is considered a crucial enzyme involved in sucrose metabolism. This marker is a high potential functional marker that may be used in sugarcane breeding programs to select superior sugarcane with good fiber and high sugar contents.