Researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, conducted a study in Illinois, USA, on the biomass yield of sorghum hybrids, evaluating the bioenergy feedstock production potential of 13 varieties under local conditions. Published in GCB Bioenergy, this study provides data support for sorghum hybrid breeding.

The research team carried out two-year field trials at Urbana and Ewing in Illinois, comparing the biomass yield performance of different sorghum hybrids under varying nitrogen fertilizer application levels. The trials included two nitrogen application gradients—0kg/ha and 112kg/ha—to systematically assess the biomass yield potential, nutrient uptake characteristics, and feedstock composition of the sorghum hybrids.

Results showed that hybrids H1 and H13 exhibited superior biomass yield at both locations. These varieties demonstrated strong photoperiod sensitivity, along with high biomass accumulation capacity and minimal nutrient loss. Hybrids H7, H8, H11, and H12, with moderate photoperiod sensitivity, were able to form grain panicles, but accumulated potassium in the biomass tissue while transferring nitrogen and phosphorus to the grain panicles, resulting in higher nutrient loss.

Shorter-statured hybrids H5 and H6, as well as varieties recessive at the Dw3 gene locus, showed relatively lower biomass yield. By analyzing the correlations between compositional traits and agronomic traits, the researchers provided a basis for optimizing regional productivity and improving end-user conversion efficiency. Data from these sorghum hybrids will aid in breeding varieties more suitable for bioenergy production.

This sorghum hybrid research offers a reference for bioenergy feedstock selection in the U.S. Midwest. Future studies will continue to optimize nitrogen management strategies and evaluate the potential ecosystem service benefits of these novel sorghum hybrids.