Bioenergy Crops

Project Goals: Our long term goal is to establish a new paradigm to accelerate energy cane breeding programs and maximize the biomass yield for biofuel production. Our specific objectives are: (1) Phenotyping extreme segregants of the F2 population for exploring the molecular basis of high biomass yield from transgressive segregation; (2) Mapping genes affecting biomass yield by transcriptome sequencing of the extreme segregants; (3) Identifying differentially expressed genes and alleles through analyses of transcriptomes of extreme segregants from the F2 population; (4) Developing geneand allele-specific markers for implementation of marker-assisted selection in energy cane breeding programs.

This comprehensive study delves into the taxonomical classification and anatomical intricacies of
Saccharum spontaneum, the wild progenitor species of cultivated sugarcane, unveiling a tapestry
of insights that hold profound implications for sugarcane improvement and sustainable agricultural
practices. Through thorough taxonomic investigation, the systematic location of S. spontaneum
has been solidly anchored within the grass family Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe
Andropogoneae, and genus Saccharum, clarifying its evolutionary ancestry and phylogenetic
relationships. The morphological characterisation thoroughly documented the characteristic traits
of this perennial grass, including its imposing culms, broad leaf ornamented with serrated borders,
and the exquisite architecture of its terminal panicle inflorescence. The anatomical research
disclosed a treasure trove of structural marvels underpinning S. spontaneum's exceptional
endurance and adaptability across multiple ecological settings.The fibrous root structure,
supplemented by adventitious outgrowths, shows an intelligent approach for maximum resource
acquisition. The culm anatomy, with its reinforced epidermis, cortex saturated with
sclerenchymatous bands, and conspicuous pith reservoir, orchestrates a harmonic balance of form
and function. The neatly formed vascular bundles promote efficient nutrition transfer. The leaf
anatomy boasts features for optimal photosynthesis and water conservation, including a leafrolling mechanism helped by bulliform cells, distinct mesophyll tissue for gaseous exchange, and
a dense stomatal distribution.

Current global temperature increases resulting from human activity threaten many ecosystems and societies, and have led to international and national policy commitments that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bioenergy crops provide one means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy production and two novel crops that could be used for this purpose are Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. This research examined the existing scientific literature available on both crops through a systematic review. The data were collated according to the agronomy, uses, and environmental benefits of each crop. Possible challenges were associated with high initial planting costs, low yields in low rainfall areas, and for Sida hermaphrodita, vulnerability to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. However, under appropriate environmental conditions, both crops were found to provide large yields over sustained periods of time with relatively low levels of management and could be used...

Maize is recognized as the queen of cereals, with an ability to adapt to diverse agroecologies (from 58oN to 55oS latitude) and the highest genetic yield potential among cereals. Under contemporary conditions of global climate change, C4 maize crops offer resilience and sustainability to ensure food, nutritional security, and farmer livelihood. In the northwestern plains of India, maize is an important alternative to paddy for crop diversification in the wake of depleting water resources, reduced farm diversity, nutrient mining, and environmental pollution due to paddy straw burning. Owing to its quick growth, high biomass, good palatability, and absence of anti-nutritional components, maize is also one of the most nutritious non-legume green fodders. It is a high-energy, low-protein forage commonly used for dairy animals like cows and buffalos, often in combination with a complementary high-protein forage such as alfalfa. Maize is also preferred for silage over other fodders due to...

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the mining industry worldwide. It occurs as a result of natural oxidation of sulphide minerals contained in mining wastes at developmental, operating and closed/decommissioned mine sites. This contamination occurs when moving fresh surface water interacts with the rock through fissures, pores and faults, and over time it is changed chemically. These changes often make the water less than ideal for domestic use, and in extreme cases it can be dangerous. AMD may also adversely impact the surface water in streams and groundwater quality and land use due to its typical low pH, high acidity and elevated concentrations of metals and sulphate content. The development of AMD must be put under check because once it develops at a mine; its control can be difficult and expensive. Many a mining environment especially coal mining areas have suffered degradation as a result of acid mine drainage. The proposed ...

Sewage sludge is rich in organic matter, and plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus andpotassium. Nevertheless, using sludge as fertilizer for crops to produce food or feed is limited due to thepresence of trace contaminants such as heavy metals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigatethe use of sewage sludge as a nutrient source for bioenergy crops such as fibre hemp, oilseed rape andwhite lupin. Specific attention is paid to the biomass accumulation and the quality of the plant material aswell as the ability of the crops to take up the heavy metals from soils in order to ensure that the amount ofpollutant does not cumulate.Fibre hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cv. Uso, oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) cv. Wildcat and whitelupin (Lupinus albus L.) cv. Amiga were sown in 5-L pots in a greenhouse. Three potting mixes wereused: a standard peat-based potting compost with 50% sludge, sludge with peat (50%:50% by weight), or100% sludge, and a constant mass of 666 g potting mi...

Background Interest on the use of short-rotation willow as a lignocellulose resource for liquid transport fuels has increased greatly over the last ten years. Investigations have shown the advantages and potential of using Salix spp. for such fuels but have also emphasized the wide variations existing in the compositional structure between different species and genotypes in addition to their effects on overall yield. The present work studied the importance of tension wood (TW) as a readily available source of glucose in two-year-old stems of four Salix clones (Tora, Björn, Jorr, Loden). Studies involved application of a novel approach whereby TW-glucose and residual sugars and lignin were quantified using stem cross-sections with results correlated with HPLC analyses of milled wood. Compositional analyses were made for four points along stems and glucose derived from enzyme saccharification of TW gelatinous (G) layers (G-glucose), structural cell wall glucose (CW-glucose) remaining ...

Background Salix (willow) species represent an important source of bioenergy and offer great potential for producing biofuels. Salix spp. like many hardwoods, produce tension wood (TW) characterized by special fibres (G-fibres) that produce a cellulose-rich lignin-free gelatinous (G) layer on the inner fibre cell wall. Presence of increased amounts of TW and G-fibres represents an increase source of cellulose. In the presence study, the presence of TW in whole stems of different Salix varieties was characterized (i.e. physical measurements, histochemistry, image analysis, and microscopy) as a possible marker for the availability of freely available cellulose and potential for releasing D-glucose. Stem cross-sections from different Salix varieties (Tora, Björn) were characterized for TW, and subjected to cellulase hydrolysis with the free D-glucose produced determined using a glucose oxidase/peroxidase (GOPOD) assay. Effect of cellulase on the cross-sections and progressive hydrolysi...

Background Interest on the use of short-rotation willow as a lignocellulose resource for liquid transport fuels has increased greatly over the last ten years. Investigations have shown the advantages and potential of using Salix spp. for such fuels but have also emphasized the wide variations existing in the compositional structure between different species and genotypes in addition to their effects on overall yield. The present work studied the importance of tension wood (TW) as a readily available source of glucose in two-year-old stems of four Salix clones (Tora, Björn, Jorr, Loden). Studies involved application of a novel approach whereby TW-glucose and residual sugars and lignin were quantified using stem cross-sections with results correlated with HPLC analyses of milled wood. Compositional analyses were made for four points along stems and glucose derived from enzyme saccharification of TW gelatinous (G) layers (G-glucose), structural cell wall glucose (CW-glucose) remaining ...