Estimation of Rhizome Composition and Overwintering Ability in Perennial Sorghum spp. Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Abstract

Temperately adapted perennial sorghum feedstocks have recently begun to receive increasing interest as candidate energy crops, producing significant biomass and contributing agroecological benefits including increased soil organic carbon, reduced soil erosion, reduced input requirements, and higher net energy return. Rhizomes are the primary morphological feature facilitating overwintering in Sorghum species; however, underlying physiological mechanisms governing rhizome overwintering remain poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the composition of sorghum rhizomes from diverse germplasm before and after overwintering at two locations and three experimental environments. Significant positive correlations were found between rhizome overwintering and water-soluble carbohydrates, ethanol soluble carbohydrates, and fructan concentrations, while significant negative correlations were found between rhizome overwintering and both crude fat and starch. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration equations were developed to quickly and efficiently predict the concentrations of each of these assimilates in rhizomes.

Differential transcriptome profiling of chilling stress response between shoots and rhizomes of Oryza longistaminata using RNA sequencing

“…Soluble sugars play an important role in the protection of plant cells against damage caused by cold stress by serving as osmoprotectants and nutrients [ 32 , 33 ]. For example, soluble sugar levels have been found to be positively correlated with overwintering in sorghum [ 34 ]. In addition, proline accumulation is closely related to abiotic stress tolerance [ 35 ], and increased proline content has been observed to be accompanied by a rise in the concentration of soluble sugars [ 36 ].…”

Development of novel perennial Sorghum bicolor × S. propinquum hybrids

“…In the case of perennial sorghum, the longer, branching rhizomes are more prevalent. Washburn et al (2013b) tracked rhizome composition and found that nutrients are assimilated from rhizomes into above ground tissue, such as basal tillers. This observation by Washburn et al (2013b) could partially explain why basal tillers were more prevalent than rhizomederived shoots for our overwintering determination.…”

“…Washburn et al (2013b) tracked rhizome composition and found that nutrients are assimilated from rhizomes into above ground tissue, such as basal tillers. This observation by Washburn et al (2013b) could partially explain why basal tillers were more prevalent than rhizomederived shoots for our overwintering determination. Because of this information, our research placed an emphasis on basal tiller production when developing a breeding selection protocol as detailed below.…”

How does nitrogen and forage harvest affect belowground biomass and nonstructural carbohydrates in dual‐use Kernza intermediate wheatgrass?

“…Rhizomes and roots are used to store carbohydrates and proteins, which can be translocated and used to form new shoots during regrowth after dormancy. Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) stored in rhizome and roots are important for cold tolerance, winter survival, and regeneration and spring regrowth in perennial forage grasses (Bai, Xun, Li, Zhang, & Li, 2010; Carvalho, Asega, & Figueiredo‐Ribeiro, 2007; Harradine, 1980; Washburn et al., 2013; White, 1973). Two types of NSC have been identified as storage carbohydrates in grasses: starch (polymer of glucose, water insoluble) is the primary storage carbohydrate in warm‐season grasses, whereas water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) are the primary storage carbohydrate in cool‐season grasses (Chatterton, Harrison, Bennett, & Asay, 1989; Pollock & Cairns, 1991; Smith, 1972).…”