Biometrics, Productivity and Technological Quality of 23 Energy Sugarcane Hybrid Clones with Higher Lignocellulosic Biomass

The development and identification of sugarcane clones with higher amount of lignocellulosic biomass are essential to increase the potential for generation of electrical energy or biofuel. Considering the potential for increased portfolio of products to be explored from the cane energy, the objective of this study was to compare the average results of biometrics, productivity and technological quality of 23 hybrids of cane energy with the commercial variety RB92579 (as a standard). Finally, we will identify energy cane clones of types 1 and/or 2 to become commercial cultivars. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications of 24 plots, where each plot consisted of 6 furrows of 10 linear meters with double spacing cycled from 0.9 x 1.5 meters. The evaluated variables were the number of stems per linear meter, stem diameter, dry and fresh matter and industrial quality. The results were submitted to statistical analysis using the Scott-Knott test for comparison of means. The diameter of stem in energy cane was lower (1.172 to 1.772 cm) than the average of sugarcane (2.302 cm). On the other hand, a greater number of stems per linear meter were found for 15 clones evaluated (average 24.19) compared to traditional sugarcane (12.5). All clones had low juice sugars concentration but nine clones reached fiber contents higher than 23.6%, representing a 42% increase compared to the fiber content of cultivar RB92579. The hybrids 1, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18 and 23 showed a better development potential with high tillering and high fiber content.