Comparison of chemical composition and calculated ethanol yields of sugarcane varieties harvested for two growing seasons

In this study the agronomic properties, chemical composition, sugar yield, and calculated combined ethanol yield from different varieties of sugarcane were compared for two different harvest seasons. Results showed wide variations in agronomic parameters (cane yield, juice sugar and fiber content), chemical composition and sugar released after pretreatment-hydrolysis of bagasse, and calculated combined ethanol yield. Calculated combined ethanol yields ranged from 1695 to 15,975 L/ha. Classical breeding varieties showed improved biomass yield per hectare. Precision breeding varieties for improving sucrose content largely failed during growth season with sub-optimal rain fall. Prolonged drought also affected the performance of all varieties represented by lower and intermediate lignin content for cane yield compared to that had highest lignin content. Therefore, an attempt to reduce lignin content in the bagasse to reduce processing costs for ethanol production should also target improved crop tolerance toward drought.