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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Houma, Louisiana » Sugarcane Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #232723
Title: Evaluation of Energycane for Biomass Production in Starkville, MS.

Author
item RUSHING, B. - MISS. STATE UNIV, MS
item HORTON, D. - MISS. STATE UNIV, MS
item BALDWIN, BRIAN - MISS. STATE UNIV, MS
item Richard Jr, Edward

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/15/2008
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The current energy crisis has given rise to the development of alternative energy programs that includes the production of ethanol. Energycane (Saccharum spp.) is a domestic feedstock that can be used to reduce the need for foreign oil and provide America’s farmers with more opportunities to decrease the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels. This hybrid formed from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), is well adapted for tropical and subtropical regions due to its efficient conversion of solar energy to biomass, its tolerance to above and below ground plant pests, and its high biomass yields with relatively low soil fertility and moisture. Current cultivars of sugarcane can’t be grown in the temperate regions of the U.S. because of winterkill. Nine cultivars of energycane were planted at Starkville, MS in 2006 to determine biomass yields, average height, overwintering success, and sugar content (%Brix). Trials were planted by burying cut stalks, (USDA-ARS-SRRC in Houma, LA), 10-20 cm deep on September 26, 2006. The trial consisted of five randomized blocks with nine rows in a block. Overwintering ratings taken in March 2007 and 2008 indicated five of the nine cultivars might be suitable for “northern” growth. Height and %Brix were measured three times during the growing season, and biomass yields were taken at the end of the 2007 growing season. Tallest average height also belonged to the US 72-114 cultivar. Highest %Brix was US 02-144 (10.88%). Total yield data was achieved through harvesting with a custom Carter flail harvester leaving cultivar HO 00-961 with the largest amount at 7544 kg/ha. Success through the 2007/2008 winter resulted in US 02-144 having the greatest amount of regrowth post-harvest. Average heights, %Brix, and biomass yields for 2008 growing season have yet to be determined.