Growth of the whole root system for a plant crop of sugarcane under rainfed and irrigated environments in Brazil

Sugarcane crops are managed over 8 million hectares in Brazil and future extensions might occur on less favorable lands where irrigation would be necessary to increase and stabilize yields. Root growth was studied by sequential soil coring under rainfed and irrigated conditions for one cultivar widely planted in Brazil. Root length densities (RLD) were measured 34, 49, 125, 179, 241 and 322 days after planting (DAP) down to a depth of 1 m. At the harvest (332 DAP), root intersects (a proxy for RLD) were counted on two vertical trench walls in each water supply regime, down to a depth of 6.0 m. The highest RLD in deep layers (below a depth of 0.6 m) were observed in the rainfed crop from 125 DAP onwards. By contrast, the highest RLD in the upper layers during dry periods were found in the irrigated crop. The maximum depth reached by roots at the harvest was little affected by irrigation: 4.70 m and 4.25 m in the rainfed and irrigated crop, respectively. About 50% of root intersects were observed below the depth of 1 m in the two water supply regimes. This pattern suggested a strong genetic control of root growth in deep soil layers. The total amount of root intersects 332 DAP was 49% higher in the rainfed crop than in the irrigated crop, and root distribution was more homogeneous. Mean root front velocity was about 0.5 cm day⁻¹ the first 4 months after planting and increased thereafter up to the end of the harvest (1.86 cm day⁻¹ and 1.75 cm day⁻¹ on average in the rainfed and the irrigated crops, respectively). Our study pointed out the necessity to take into account the development of sugarcane roots in deep soil layers to improve our understanding of net primary production control by water availability.     

巴西蔗糖产业特点及对我国蔗糖业的借鉴

通过对巴西蔗糖产业种植、管理、贸易、政策、加工等方面的详细分析可知,巴西是世界上最大的甘蔗生产国和出口国,拥有先进的技术水平和管理经验,其制糖成本低、国际竞争力强。其甘蔗病虫害防控实行:⑴重点培育和推广抗病虫甘蔗良种;⑵通过种苗检疫、脱毒和健康种苗繁育技术严防病虫害的发生与传播;⑶建立病虫害监测预警和防控系统;⑷生物防控技术和化学药剂相结合。其糖厂已实行全网络自动化控制系统,蔗糖生产采用两步法生产精制糖。其蔗糖产业发展特点:重视氮高效品种的选育、甘蔗生产全程机械化率高、采用酒精发酵液定量还田技术、燃料乙醇工业发达、多种糖料蔗供应渠道、加工技术先进生产效率高、甘蔗运输成本较高等特点。我们可从中得到的借鉴为:重视强宿根蔗的选种计划、加速推进甘蔗生产全程机械化进程、建立完善的甘蔗病虫害防控系统、加强蔗糖高值化及副产物综合利用。     

应用飞机大面积喷施抗旱型甘蔗増糖增产剂的效果研究

研究应用飞机大规模喷施抗旱型增糖增产剂的实际效果,为在生产上提高甘蔗的抗旱性,实现增产增糖提供依据。本研究在2008/2009和2009/2010两个年度于广西蔗区甘蔗生长后期应用飞机大面积喷施抗旱型甘蔗增糖增产剂共2 400 hm2,以后分别调查其对甘蔗品质及产量构成因素的影响。结果表明:喷施抗旱型甘蔗增糖增产剂后甘蔗绿叶数和叶绿素都有所增加,并提高了蔗汁锤度和重力纯度、甘蔗纤维分和蔗糖分,降低了蔗汁还原糖分,其中以2009～2010年度喷施50 d时表现最为明显,新植和宿根蔗平均甘蔗蔗糖分比对照提高2.23%(绝对值,下同),新植蔗增糖效果优于宿根蔗;不同时期总平均甘蔗蔗糖分比对照提高1.33%。甘蔗株高、茎径、单茎重有一定的提高,平均甘蔗产量比对照增加14.3%,以宿根蔗增产效果优于新植蔗。应用抗旱型甘蔗增糖增产剂可以防止甘蔗叶片早衰,实现增糖增产,节本增效。     

Comparative growth of spring-planted canola, brown mustard and camelina

With increased emphasis for diesel substitution, production of brown mustard (Brassica juncea), canola (Brassica napus) and camelina (Camelina sativa) used as biodiesels may increase in the High Plains. Since these are new crops to this region, understanding their growth is critical for their acceptance. The objective was to elucidate the growth pattern of these crops when spring-planted in western Nebraska. Field trials were conducted in 2005, 2006 and 2007 with early May planting. Plots were seeded 2 cm deep at 200 plants m⁻². Four plants were destructively sampled at about 28, 40, 53, 61, and 82 days after planting (DAP). Canopy growth was field measured. Canopy heights peaked by 61 DAP at 95, 85 and 70 cm for brown mustard, canola and camelina, respectively. Stem length increased to 82 DAP at the rates of 1.24, 1.22 and 0.85 cm/d for brown mustard, canola and camelina, respectively. Root weight accumulated linearly from 28 to 61 DAP. The Brassica grew roots faster and achieved higher weights than camelina. From 28 to 40 DAP, vine fresh weight accumulated rapidly for these crops, leveled and then gradually declined as leaves desiccated. Vine dry weight increased to 61 DAP and then plateaued. The maximum vine dry weights, reached at 61 DAP, were 4.3, 4.5 and 3.0 g/plant for brown mustard, canola and camelina, respectively. By 61 DAP, pods were present and accumulated dry matter while leaves senesced. Pod fresh weight reached its peak at 61 DAP while its dry weight increased linearly to 82 DAP at rates of 0.36, 0.24 and 0.096 g/d for brown mustard, canola and camelina, respectively. Harvest in 2006 showed no significant (p < 0.05) difference between crops with a mean yield of about 1500 kg ha⁻¹. Fatty acid composition was dramatically different between the crops as previously reported. The growth patterns of these crops indicated that all three would be suitable for production in the northern High Plains.     

Comparative analysis of physiological characteristics and yield components in sugarcane cultivars

Sugarcane in an important crop due to the economic value of its products. Physiological characteristics and yield components of sugarcane were studied in three field-grown sugarcane cultivars B 63118, POJ 2878 and Ja 60-5. Three growth stages were identified: formative phase (until 140 DAP), grand growth (140–300 DAP) and maturity (after 300 DAP). Results indicated that cultivars showed contrasting yield mainly after 300 DAP. At ripening, the most productive cultivar (Ja 60-5) achieved higher leaf area, an optimum leaf area index for light interception, a high and stable net assimilation rate and an elevated leaf area and biomass duration. In addition, this cultivar showed the higher density and lower area of leaf sieve elements as compared with other, which could influence the high translocation rate (1.85 cm min⁻¹) at 8 MAP. The higher efficiency of this process in Ja 60-5 might also be supported by a higher (15–25%) apparent free space of stem parenchyma as compared with POJ 2878 and B 63118. Our results suggest that Ja 60-5 reduced carbon partitioned to foliar respiration which led to a higher partitioning of sucrose to stems evidenced by a higher Pol%.     

四川甘蔗品种选育之对照品种选择的探讨

根据气候条件和品种现状,四川盆地蔗区糖蔗品种选育,宜只选育早熟品种,用川蔗17号做对照品种;果蔗品种选育对熟期的要求并不严格,可用华南54-11;糖果兼用蔗品种选育,选育早熟品种,用川蔗23号,若选育中熟品种,则用川蔗6号;在攀西蔗区,糖蔗品种选育,应偏重早熟品种和中熟品种,早熟品种选育用桂糖1号做对照品种,中熟品种选育用川蔗6号,晚熟品种选育用川蔗13号。盆地蔗区不宜用川蔗13号做对照品种。     

Optimization of ethanol production from microwave alkali pretreated rice straw using statistical experimental designs by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ethanol production from agro-waste provides an alternative energy-production system. Statistical experimental designs were used for optimization of critical nutrients and process variables for ethanol production. The critical nutrients and process variables were initially selected according to a Placket-Burman (PB) design. Selected factors (inoculum level 1-5%, pH 4.5-7, temperature 25-35 °C and urea concentration 0.25-0.75 g/L) were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three-level four-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD). Under optimum conditions of inoculum level 3%, pH 5.75, temperature 30 °C and urea concentration 0.50 g/L maximum ethanol production obtained 13.2 g/L from microwave alkali pretreated rice straw with ethanol productivity 0.33 g/L/h. Under optimum conditions ethanol production studied at fermenter level and obtained ethanol concentration 19.2 g/L, ethanol productivity 0.53 g/L/h and ethanol yield to consumed sugar 0.50 g/g. These results indicated that ethanol production can be enhanced by optimization of nutritional and process variables.     

我国糖料甘蔗叶有效处理与利用

以往每年榨季糖料蔗砍收后,在田间留下大量的蔗叶(叶梢),通常以就地焚烧的方式处理。但近年来因污染环境已被明令禁止。如何有效处理利用糖料蔗叶,已成为糖料甘蔗生产亟待解决的问题。本文综述了糖料蔗叶的营养成分,以及蔗叶还田、蔗叶作为饲料、栽培食用菌、生产木糖等方面的研究结果和存在问题。建议通过研究开发小型实用多用途的蔗叶粉碎机械设备,形成农机专业服务组织,为蔗农提供蔗叶粉碎还田作业服务;研发推广蔗叶回收机械,扩大利用蔗叶处理加工生产规模,形成工厂化、产业化生产,多头并进,有效处理利用糖料蔗叶,以促进蔗糖产业持续发展。     

2008—2009年广西合浦甘蔗品种区试结果分析

2008—2009年广西甘蔗品种区域试验合浦试点结果表明:12个参试品种中桂糖02/770产量最高,分别比新台糖22号(CK1)和新台糖16号(CK2)增产18.3%和27.6%,但前期11月蔗糖分(9.8%)和平均蔗糖分(12.27%)较低。柳城03/1137比两对照分别增产9.4%和18.1%,蔗糖分13.44%,比CK1略高,比CK2略低。桂糖02/901和柳城03/182蔗茎产量比CK1略高,桂糖02/208和柳城03/296蔗茎产量比CK2高,比CK1略低,但4个品种(系)都表现早熟,前期11月蔗糖分分别为15.03%、14.36%、14.74%和13.78%,平均蔗糖分分别为15.52%、15.17%、15.41%和14.71%,明显高于两对照。桂糖02/833比两对照增产,但平均蔗糖分(12.16%)最低。桂糖01/122、桂糖02/133和桂糖02/1247蔗茎产量和蔗糖分表现均不突出。     

砍后露天堆放对甘蔗品种工艺性状和鲜重的影响

通过测定3个主要栽培品种的原料蔗不同堆放期主要工艺性状和鲜重的变化情况,探讨品种间砍后露天堆放原料蔗工艺品质方面的差异,筛选出符合榨季生产需要的栽培品种。结果表明:露天堆放3d,甘蔗蔗糖分和蔗汁重力纯度的变化不大,而蔗汁还原糖分、甘蔗纤维分和鲜重的变化较大;随着堆放时间的延长,甘蔗蔗糖分和蔗汁重力纯度的降幅也在增加,而蔗汁还原糖分和甘蔗纤维分的增幅不断加大,鲜重的损失也在增大,显示原料蔗工艺品质变劣加剧。结果还表明,台糖90-7909是个工艺性状相对较稳定的栽培品种。     

Effects of an indigenous and a commercial Lactobacillus buchneri strain on quality of sugar cane silage

The aim was to evaluate the effects of adding a novel Lactobacillus buchneri strain and a commercial inoculant on the fermentation and aerobic stability of sugar cane silages (Saccharum spp.). In the first experiment samples were collected from sugar cane silage at 5, 20, 40 and 80 d after ensilage in experimental silos and microorganisms belonging to the Lactobacillus genus were isolated and identified, with a wild strain of L. buchneri, UFLA SIL 72, being selected as an inoculant. In the second experiment sugar cane was inoculated with either the novel bacteria or a commercial inoculant at the moment of ensiling and compared with a control silage prepared without an inoculant. Experimental silos were opened at 0, 3, 10, 30, 60 and 90 d of ensilage and their chemical composition measured. The silages opened after 90 d were also assessed for aerobic stability. The addition of L. buchneri resulted in a higher concentration of acetic acid and reduced populations of yeasts in silage compared to the other silage treatments, and a lower ethanol concentration in the silage. The novel L. buchneri isolate and the commercial inoculant also improved aerobic stability of the sugar cane silages. It was concluded that the addition of the novel inoculants L. buchneri UFLA SIL 72 to sugar cane silage can be recommended.     

Nitrogen in sugarcane derived from fertilizer under Brazilian field conditions

Nitrogen (N) fertilization of sugarcane crops is a common practice used to reach sustainable levels of productivity, both for plant cane and especially for the ratoon. However, when evaluating the amount of N in the plant derived from fertilizer (NDDF) at harvest, this contribution is approximately 20% of total plant biomass N, which raises questions regarding the efficiency of N fertilization. The goal of this study was to evaluate the N derived from fertilizer (NDFF) during the sugarcane crop development, for both plant cane and first ratoon crop cycles. Two field experiments were performed in São Paulo State, Brazil, in Arenic Kandiustults and in Typic Eutrustox. The sugarcane was mechanically harvested without burning. N fertilizer for both the plant cane (doses of 40, 80 and 120 kg ha⁻¹ of N as urea) and the first ratoon (doses of 50 and 100 kg ha⁻¹ of N as ammonium sulfate) was labeled ¹⁵N. The results showed that NDFF contributed up to 40% of the total N in the plant cane at initial stages of development. The magnitude of this contribution decreased during stages of maturity to approximately 10% of total N at harvest. In the first ratoon, application of N fertilizer was more effective for crop nutrition, constituting up to 70% of total N in initial stages of development and decreasing through the cycle, reaching approximately 30% at harvest. Therefore, studies that evaluate NDDF only at harvest can lead to underestimating the role of N fertilizer for sugarcane nutrition. The higher NDFF in ratoon explains why this crop cycle presents a more consistent response to N fertilization than plant cane, as observed in several studies developed under Brazilian conditions in the last decades.     

Evaluation of bioethanol production from five different varieties of sweet and forage sorghums (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench)

Cultivars of sweet (Rio, M81E and Della) and forage sorghums (Tato and Thor) were planted in Northeast Mexico in order to estimate optimum harvesting time, sugar production, biomass composition and ethanol yields. The juices were characterized in terms of sugar composition, free amino nitrogen (FAN) and phenolics and then yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-fermented into ethanol. The cultivars yielded different volumes of sweet juice and total sugars. They also had different optimum harvesting times. Glucose was the most abundant sugar in raw juices, followed by fructose and sucrose. FAN concentration ranged from 19 to 36 mg L⁻¹ therefore, nitrogen supplementation was required for adequate fermentation. After 18 h fermentation, there were no differences in efficiencies among cultivars but the sweet sorghums yielded more ethanol Ha⁻¹ compared to the two forage sorghums (approximately 1000 L Ha⁻¹ versus 770 L Ha⁻¹). Della was the cultivar with the highest productivity with 1051 L Ha⁻¹ ethanol produced after the first cut.     

Peanut variety response to postemergence applications of carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl

Field experiments were conducted in the south Texas and Texas High Plains area in 2005 and 2006 to evaluate peanut variety tolerance to carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl. Lactofen was used as the standard. Carfentrazone-ethyl at 0.03 and 0.04 kg ai/ha, pyraflufen-ethyl at 0.003 and 0.004 kg ai/ha, and lactofen at 0.22 kg ai/ha were applied 35 days after planting (DAP) in south Texas and 51–56 DAP in the High Plains area in weed-free plots. Peanut cultivars selected for evaluation were those normally used in each area. In south Texas, Tamrun 96, Tamrun OL 01, and Tamrun OL 02 were evaluated while in the High Plains area, Flavor Runner 458, GP-1, and Tamrun OL 02 were evaluated. No peanut cultivar by herbicide interaction was observed in south Texas but an interaction did occur in the High Plains. In south Texas, peanut stunting was 10% or less with both herbicides and rates. In 2005, carfentrazone-ethyl at 0.04 kg/ha resulted in a yield reduction when compared with the untreated check while in 2006 both rates of carfentrazone-ethyl and the high rate of pyraflufen-ethyl reduced yield compared to the untreated check. No grade differences were noted among herbicide treatments. In the High Plains area, the high dose of both carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl caused the greatest peanut injury (at least 25%) compared with lactofen (6% or less). In 2005, the high dose of pyraflufen-ethyl and lactofen reduced yield compared with the untreated check while in 2006 both carfentrazone-ethyl and pyraflufen-ethyl reduced yield compared with the untreated check.     

甘蔗育种经济权重选择指数法的应用研究Ⅰ. 目标性状经济权重模型的构建

选育及推广应用甘蔗良种能带给蔗糖产业最大化的经济效益,从市场经济的角度客观高效地筛选和评价甘蔗品种对蔗糖生产的可持续发展具有重要意义。本研究旨在对甘蔗的多个目标性状进行经济权重模型的构建,客观评价目标性状的相对重要性,为完善甘蔗育种评价体系和甘蔗良种的推广应用奠定基础。依据云南省18家糖厂3个榨季的调查问卷数据和云南省多年从事甘蔗生产的农户及农场管理人员的调研反馈数据,对整个蔗糖产业各个环节进行成本核算,计算不同经济性状的经济权重,获得了如下主要结果：（1）构建了甘蔗11个育种目标性状的经济权重模型,包括3个直接目标性状（蔗茎产量、甘蔗蔗糖分、纤维分）,8个间接目标性状（茎径、有效茎、株高、蒲心、脱叶性、57号毛群、侧芽、芽突起程度）;（2）基于新植产量63 t/hm ²、糖分12.5%、纤维分12.0%和甘蔗1 a新植2 a宿根生产周期总产量170.73 t/hm ²的条件下,每吨糖的总生产成本为4643.99元,蔗农的生产成本占总成本的68.15%,糖厂的生产成本占总成本的31.85%;当每吨甘蔗的收购价格为440元时,蔗农每吨甘蔗的收益为44.38元,当市场糖价突破每吨糖5000元时,糖厂每吨糖的收益超过356.01元;（3）基于目前人工收获生产模式条件下,甘蔗11个目标性状的绝对经济权重值为：蔗茎产量（t/hm ²）37.95元、商业糖分（%）328.44元、纤维分（%）-22.28元、茎径（cm）320元、有效茎（条/m ²）-80元、株高（cm）0元、蒲心（分级）-760元、脱叶性（分级）-320元、57号毛群（分级）-160元、侧芽（分级）-159.82元、芽突起程度（分级）-63.26元;（4）结合性状遗传增益的分析得到11目标性状的相对经济权重值,依次为商业糖分400.99元、蔗茎产量130.51元、茎径36.93元、株高0元、芽突起程度-5.22元、纤维分-8.25元、脱叶性-21.15元、侧芽-24.30元、有效茎-28.61元、毛群-30.72元、蒲心-200.04元。通过对整个蔗糖产业各个环节成本的核算,利用边际效益的方法构建的目标性状经济权重模型可为甘蔗品种选育和推广应用提供参考和依据。     

Bioethanol production from sweet sorghum bagasse by Mucor hiemalis

The present work deals with production of ethanol from sweet sorghum bagasse by a zygomycetes fungus Mucor hiemalis. The bagasse was treated with phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide, with or without ultrasonication, prior to enzymatic hydrolysis by commercial cellulase and β-glucosidase enzymes. The phosphoric acid pretreatment was performed at 50 °C for 30 min, while the alkali treatment performed with 12% NaOH at 0 °C for 3 h. The pretreatments resulted in improving the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis to 79-92% of the theoretical yield. The best hydrolysis performance was obtained after pretreatment by NaOH assisted with ultrasonication. The fungus showed promising results in fermentation of the hydrolyzates. In the best case, the hydrolyzate of NaOH-ultrasound pretreated bagasse followed by 24 h fermentation resulted in about 81% of the corresponding theoretical ethanol yield. Furthermore, the highest volumetric ethanol productivity was observed in the hydrolyzates of NaOH pretreated bagasse, especially after ultrasonication in pretreatment stage.     

高抗黑穗病甘蔗新品种‘中糖2号’的选育

本文详细阐述了高抗黑穗病、高产高糖的‘中糖2号’甘蔗新品种的选育过程,并就其蔗茎产量、抗黑穗病鉴定、特征特性等进行综合分析。‘中糖2号’（ZT2）是中国热带农业科学院热带生物技术研究所从‘热引1号’ב新台糖22号’（ROC22）杂交组合后代中选育出的甘蔗优良新品种,2019年获得农业农村部认定的非主要农作物新品种登记[编号：GPD甘蔗（2018）460029]。该品种表现为出芽整齐均匀、直立、易脱叶、抗倒伏、适宜机械化,高抗黑穗病。在海南临高的试验结果表明,‘中糖2号’1 a新植2 a宿根连续种植3 a平均蔗茎产量（117 080 kg/hm²）比对照‘新台糖22号’（96 330 kg/hm²）增产21.54%,其中宿根1 a和宿根2 a宿根甘蔗的蔗茎产量分别是112 875 kg/hm²和110 625 kg/hm²,分别比对照‘新台糖22号’增产27.82%和34.73%。‘中糖2号’1 a新植2 a宿根连续种植3 a单位面积平均含糖量（14 756 kg/hm²）比对照‘新台糖22号’增18.61%,其中宿根1 a和宿根2 a的宿根甘蔗的含糖量分别为14 516 kg/hm²和13 874 kg/hm²,分别比对照‘新台糖22号’增25.29%和29.17%。多年的黑穗病自然发病调查结果显示,‘中糖2号’对黑穗病表现为高抗,人工接种结果也表明其为高抗。‘中糖2号’为高抗黑穗病的高产高糖新品种,既为甘蔗育种提供抗病的亲本材料,也为甘蔗生产提供抗病的生产用种。     

甘蔗新品种桂糖33号的选育

桂糖33号(原编号桂糖02-770)是广西甘蔗研究所从桂糖69-156×新台糖22号杂交组合后代中选育的最新甘蔗优良品种。该品种表现为中熟、高糖、丰产、易剥叶等优良特性。2008—2009年广西区试结果显示,平均蔗茎产量114.83 t/hm2,分别比对照种CK1(ROC22)和CK2(ROC16)增产13.01%和22.90%,平均含糖量为15.81t/hm2,分别比CK1与CK2增产9.64%和17.02%。其中,新植蔗产蔗量为118.92 t/hm2,分别比CK1和CK2增产16.47%和26.19%;平均含糖量为16.42 t/hm2,分别比CK1与CK2增产14.58%和21.63%。该品种适应性广,蔗茎粗大且生长均匀,增产幅度大。该品种于2011年5月通过广西农作物品种审定委员会审定正式命名为桂糖33号。     

Interpretation of genotype × environment interactions of sugarcane: Identifying significant environmental factors

An understanding of the causes of genotype × environment (G × E) interactions is essential for the implementation of efficient selection and evaluation networks. Currently, studies involving the interpretation of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) G × E interactions are limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative influence of environmental factors on the G × E interactions of sugarcane under rainfed conditions in South Africa through a comprehensive analysis of a multi-environment trial (MET) dataset. Fifteen commercial cultivars were evaluated over 147 environments (trial × ratoon combinations) across the coastal (C), hinterland (H) and midlands (M) regions of the sugar industry. Environments were characterized according to five site covariates (soil depth, clay percentage, organic matter percentage, nitrogen mineralization category, and total available moisture) and nine seasonal covariates (time of harvest, age at harvest, average daily heat units, solar radiation, rainfall, evaporation, and three derived water stress indices).Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) biplots for cane yield (TCANE), estimated recoverable crystal percent (ERC) and tons ERC (TERC) revealed overlapping of C and H environments, while M environments formed unique clusters characterized by specific cultivar adaptabilities. Principal components analysis (PCA) allowed visualization of the covariates determining the regional separation patterns. AMMI interaction principal components axes (IPCA) 1 and 2 scores were correlated to the covariates and showed that harvest age, temperature, and water stress were mainly responsible for separation of M environments from C and H environments on the TCANE and TERC biplots. Time of harvest was identified as an important covariate influencing ERC G × E patterns in the C and H regions. The third water stress index (based on a ratio of observed yields to simulated irrigated yields) was a dominant factor influencing G × E patterns within the C and H regions and was identified as a superior indicator of water deficient environments for future studies. The M trials were characterized by shallower soils with lower total available moisture and greater variability in this regard compared with the C and H trials. Nitrogen mineralization category, organic matter percent, and clay percent were not significantly correlated to IPCA scores, while soil depth was identified as a major site selection criterion in the M region. The M region should be treated as a single mega-environment, while the C and H regions could be combined for future interpretive studies, where covariates should be summarized within growth phases. The results of this study will assist in restructuring the MET network through exploitation and targeting of the relevant environmental factors within the different regions.     

Optimization of ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFPEDA 1238 in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of delignified sugarcane bagasse

Ethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFPEDA1238 was performed in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of delignified sugarcane bagasse. Temperature (32 °C, 37 °C), agitation (80; 100 rpm), enzymatic load (20 FPU/g cellulose and 10%, v/v β-glucosidase or 10 FPU/g cellulose and 5% β-glucosidase) and composition of culture medium were evaluated. Ethanol concentration, enzymatic convertibility of cellulose and volumetric productivity were higher than 25 g/L, 72% and 0.70 g/L h, respectively, after 30 h, when the culture medium 1 and 20 FPU/g cellulose/10%, v/v β-glucosidase or the culture medium 2 and 10 FPU/g cellulose/5% β-glucosidase were used in SSF at 37 °C and 80 rpm. In the SSF with culture medium 2 (supplemented with ammonium, phosphate, potassium and magnesium), 150 L ethanol/t bagasse was achieved, with minimum enzyme loading (10 FPU/g cellulose and 5%, v/v β-glucosidase) for 8%, w/v of solids, which is often an important requirement to provide cost-efficient second generation ethanol processes.