Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) has been a cash crop in the Deep South since 1795, but the area of production has been limited by its lack of cold hardiness. Energycanes, are complex hybrids derived from crosses of domestic sugarcane varieties and S. spontaneum (a cold-hardy relative). They are typically low in sugar, but high in fiber and biomass yield. The objective was to evaluate energycane hybrids for biomass yield. Replicated field trials of five genotypes (Ho02-144 & 147; Ho 06-9001 & 9002; and Ho 72-114) were conducted across five states in the Southeast to evaluate the potential production and sustainability of energycane as a bioenergy feedstock resource. Test locations were: Tifton & Athens, GA; Starkville & Raymond, MS; St. Gabriel, LA: and Beaumont & College Station, TX. Data collected by location years included: date of emergence, monthly height and Brix, and end of season biomass yield. After two full year's growth, data indicated greatest plant height was observed during mid to late September at all locations. Termination of growth corresponded to a decrease in soil temperature below 30 C. Brix varied with location and genotype, but maximum Brix was observed in mid-October. A genotype by location interaction was also observed for yield. Generally, clones that did the best at southern most locations had lower biomass yields at the northern most locations. Yields in the first full year of production ranged from 8.72 Mg/ha (Ho02-144 @ Raymond, MS) to 57.04 Mg/ha (Ho 06-9001 @ Beaumont, TX). Record cold weather did impact yield, but no clones were lost.

Energycane (Saccharum spp) sugarcane goes north

245th National Meeting (2013)

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