ARS | Publication request: Evaluation of new energy cane varieties for Louisiana

Submitted to: American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 2, 2010
Publication Date: June 18, 2010
Citation: Rukavina, H., Dufrene Jr, E.O., Hale, A.L., Tew, T.L. 2010. Evaluation of new energy cane varieties for Louisiana. Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. 30:155.

Technical Abstract: Renewed interest in U.S bioenergy markets may offer an alternative source of income for Louisiana sugarcane growers. High-fiber sugarcane or energy cane varieties are currently being developed. As with traditional sugarcane varieties, energy-cane varieties need to be evaluated across the sugarcane belt on commercial farms with different soil types and agronomic practices. Three candidate energy cane varieties Ho 99-51, Ho 02-113 and Ho 03-48 were evaluated over four years, from plant cane (2005) through third ratoon (2009), at Schriever, LA and Welsh, LA. In a second experiment initiated in the fall of 2008, the experimental energy cane varieties US 72-114, Ho 01-07, Ho 02-144, Ho 02-147, Ho 06-9001 and Ho 06-9002 were evaluated in the first year (plant cane crop) at Centerville, LA and Vacherie, LA. For comparison, two commercial energy cane varieties were included in the experiments as standards; L 79-1002 at Schriever and Welsh and Ho 00-961 at Centerville and Vacherie. Net cane yields (tons/acre) were determined by harvesting cane with a chopper harvester whose extractor fan was turned off. A sample of 10 stalks was randomly collected from each plot prior to harvest to determine sugar and fiber yields. Ho 02-113 produced the greatest total fiber and sugar yield (21 dry tons/acre) averaged over four years at Schriever and Welsh. This variety also had the greatest average fiber (15 tons/acre) and sugar yield (6 tons/acre). In the second experiment, US 72-114 produced the greatest total fiber and sugar yields (25 tons/acre). Ho 01-07, Ho 06-9001 and Ho 02-147 had fiber and sugar yields of 24, 22 and 20 tons/acre, respectively. US 72-114 had the greatest fiber yield (17 tons/acre), but the greatest sugar yield (10 tons/acre) was produced by Ho 01-07. Of the varieties tested, Ho 02-113, US 72-114, Ho 01-07, Ho 02-147 and Ho 06-9001 appear to be the best varieties for biofuels production in Louisiana. Based on the results of the long term study, at least one variety, Ho 02-113, could be released in 2010.