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Sugarcane Internode Composition During Crop Development

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Abstract

Sugarcane sugar and bagasse can be utilized for the production of ethanol or other biofuels. A better understanding of the changes in composition with development along the stalk and with crop development will maximize the usage of sugarcane for this purpose. Two experiments were designed to elucidate internode composition changes during the growing season. In experiment 1, an internode of stalks of 5 modern cultivars were marked at the start of elongation, and then sampled every 1 to 2 weeks from July until October. Sugars were extracted and assayed, and a sequential detergent method was used to estimate hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin contents. In experiment 2, internodes 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 down the stalk were sampled in late July (grand growth) and late September (ripening). Internode length, fresh weight, dry weight, water content, and sugar contents were determined as well as cell wall composition. Both experiments were repeated in 2 years. As internodes elongated, total sugar increased, and hemicellulose decreased as a proportion of neutral detergent fiber, while cellulose and lignin increased. After elongation, sucrose and lignin increased, and cellulose content decreased with internode age. The variability in cell wall composition among the five cultivars suggests that selection for desirable composition may be possible. In Experiment 2, hemicellulose contents were lower, and lignin and ash contents were higher at ripening than during grand growth. Delaying sugarcane harvest to maximize sucrose content may decrease bagasse suitability for cellulosic ethanol production because of the increased lignin content.

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Abbreviations

SDS:

Sodium lauryl sulfate

EDTA:

Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid

CTAB:

Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide

NDF:

Neutral detergent fiber

ADF:

Acid detergent fiber

ADL:

Acid detergent lignin

FW:

Fresh weight

DW:

Dry weight

NIRS:

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank April Allen, Gwen Mullaney, and Scottie Sklanka for their assistance with these experiments. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Sarah E. Lingle

  2. USDA-ARS, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Jessica L. Thomson

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  1. Sarah E. Lingle
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  2. Jessica L. Thomson
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Correspondence to Sarah E. Lingle.

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Lingle, S.E., Thomson, J.L. Sugarcane Internode Composition During Crop Development. Bioenerg. Res. 5, 168–178 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-011-9153-3

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