Breeding of sorghum hybrids for solid biofuel

Abstract

Purpose. Today, the search, research and implementation of new technologies for the production of solid fuel is important for the agro-industrial complex and renewable energy. Sorghum is considered as a strategic crop in the provision of feedstock for bioenergy and reclamation of degraded soils. The purpose of the study was to study and select the material for the creation of high-yielding hybrids of sugar and grain sorghum for the production of solid biofuel. Materials and methods. The two-year results of the sorghum variety test at the Synelnykivska Experimental Station are highlighted. 68 samples were studied. They had a yield of green mass in the range of 23–79 t/ha. Results. F1 hybrids (Nyzk.93s x Karlykove 45) formed the highest average yield of green mass — 65.2 t/ha; F1(Early776s x Karlykove 45) — 61.4 t/ha and F1(Dn71s x Karlykove 45) — 60.1 t/ha. The yield of hybrids Mammoth and F1(A158x Karlykove 45) was slightly lower, and amounted to 53.3 and 52.8 t/ha, respectively. F1 (Nyzkorosle 93s x Karlykove 45) stood out according to the average yield of dry matter of green mass — 17.6 t/ha; F1 (Dn17s x Karlykove 45) — 13.8 t/ha. According to the average indicators of the yield of solid fuel from 1 ha, the combinations F1 (Nyzk.93s x Karlykove 45) were the best — 12 t/ha; F1 (Dn17s x Karlykove 45) — 8.2 t/ha; F1 (Early 776s x Karlykov 45) — 7.9 t/ha. The best indicators in terms of energy output were the following combinations: F1(Low 93s x Karlykove 45) — 197.7 Gj/ha, F1(Dn71s x Karlykove 45) –135.5 Gj/ha, F1(Early 776s x Karlykove 45) — 129 Gj/ha. Conclusions. High-yielding sorghum hybrids are the most economical and energetically expedient measures to provide feedstock for the bioenergy industry. A selected hybrid for the bioenergy application F1 (Nyzkorosle 93s x Karlykove 45) differs from the standard in terms of productivity and manufacturability. The value of the Karlykove 45 variety as a pollinator for the creation of hybrids for solid biofuel was also clarified. The agricultural sector of Ukraine has enough potential resources for biofuel production.