Selection of Hybrids & Optimization of Planting to Facilitate Just-In-Time Harvest for Sweet & Energy Sorghum

2009 DOT-RITA Integrated Award

 

PI: Dr. William Rooney (Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Soil & Crop Science)
Co-PI: Dr. Jürg Blumenthal (Texas Cooperative Extension, Soil and Crop Sciences)
Co-PI: Dr. Howard “Sonny” Viator (LSU AgCenter, Iberia Research Station)

Funded: $298,399

Start Date: 12/01/2009

End Date: 5/31/2013

 

Expected Outcomes

This research will maximize both yield and distribution for biomass delivery to a conversion facility. Depending on their specific interests, collaborators in this project will use this information in several ways. For example, Louisiana Green Fuels will utilize information generated within the Lacassine location to assess economic feasibility of sweet sorghum production for ethanol conversion in Louisiana. In addition, if preliminary results are positive, then larger scale, pilot production will be initiated as early as 2011.

 

Hybrid and variety choices for advanced production will be based on results in this study. We expect other companies interested in biomass production on the Gulf Coast will access this information on bioenergy sorghum production. Ceres is a bioenergy seed company; results herein will be combined with their own internal testing of hybrids to identify appropriate hybrids for release and to make recommendations for planting and harvest for clients in sweet sorghum production.