Assessment of sweet sorghum inbred lines for bioethanol, biogas and forage production potential in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean environment

Sweet sorghum possesses remarkable potential for both bioenergy and forage production because it has a high yield potential, drought tolerance, fermentable sugar content, low input requirements, and wide adaptability. This study aimed to assess the bioethanol, biogas, and forage production potential of 13 sweet sorghum inbred lines by comparing them to sweet and forage sorghum cultivars. The results showed that IS 4755 and IS 2331 were the most prominent lines for whole-crop bioethanol production (juice + bagasse). This was due to their comparable theoretical total ethanol yields (66677 and 62838 L ha −1 , respectively) to the best check variety, supported by high dry bagasse yields (18.44 and 18.41 t ha −1 , respectively) and holocellulose contents (59.77% and 59.04%, respectively). For biogas production, IS 4755, Yellow Bonnet, and Umbrella exhibited statistically higher or similar methane hectare yields relative to the best check variety, reaching 11808, 10073, and 9058 Nm 3 ha −1 , respectively, mainly associated with their high dry matter yields (37.90, 31.92, and 27.81 t ha −1 , respectively). Besides, IS 4755 and Yellow Bonnet also demonstrated strong forage potential, achieving satisfactory fresh biomass and dry matter yields along with favorable chemical composition for forage quality. Consequently, the promising inbred lines identified in this study could function as substitutes for local sorghum varieties and serve as strategic parents in future breeding programs aimed at improving hybrid varieties. In this context, it can be stated that they have the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable bioenergy and forage production in semi-arid Mediterranean environments. • Sweet sorghum inbred lines were compared with sweet and forage sorghum cultivars. • Some inbred lines showed promising results for whole-crop ethanol production. • Inbred lines IS 4755, Yellow Bonnet, and Umbrella stand out for biogas and forage. • Cultivar Icsv 93046 were best check variety for biogas and forage production. • Promising inbred lines may serve as strategic parents in future breeding programs.

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