Growth curve in elephant grass genotypes based on morpho-agronomic traits for energy production

Abstract

The elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone) is one of the species with great prominence for energy production because of its favorable traits, such as high yield and short cycle, combined with several biomass quality characteristics. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the morpho-agronomic traits of eight elephant grass genotypes under different cutting ages. A randomized block design with three replicates was applied to the experiment, and plots were composed of a 12 m long line divided into six subplots for each of the bimonthly cuts. Eight genotypes were evaluated in the plots, and the cutting ages (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12-mo) were analyzed in the subplots. The following traits were assessed: DM yield, (DMY) percentage of DM, and average plant height (HEI). All genetic-statistical analyses were conducted using the Genes Program. The evaluated genotypes showed nonsignificant differences, indicating that, for the evaluated traits, these genotypes are genetically similar. Most genotypes presented linear effect of 2 nd degree in the two assessment cuts, pointing they did not reach their maximum capacity of DMY in the time interval of the evaluated cuts. The maximum %DM achieved for the most genotypes occurred at about 9-mo age, while genotypes Vruckwona and BAG-86 at about 10-mo age. The maximum points for HEI trait were between 8 and 10-mo age. Increasing the cutting interval leads to increases in DM yield, with the 10-mo cutting age being the most efficient, resulting in higher yields.

Productive performance of elephant grass clones from full-sib families in an advanced stage of breeding

“…Based on the estimated increase in repeatability as the number of measurements performed increases, the repeatability level of 60% would be reached with four measurements. These data suggest that increasing precision to values greater than 60% would require a significant increase in the time to recommend new genotypes, given that the interval required between measurements is 10 months (Vidal et al 2022b). The increase in number of evaluations entails operational expenses, a lot of time, and work.…”

“…The first measurement was performed after the establishment of the plot, when a plot-leveling cut was made on February 13, 2019. Subsequent measurements were taken at regular 10-month intervals (Vidal et al 2022b). The experiment was evaluated by three consecutive measurements, which took place on December 17, 2019, September 29, 2020, and August 16, 2021.…”

Genetic diversity based on multivariate techniques in elephant grass genotypes for bioenergy

“…Among the crops used for biomass energy production, elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] has been gaining notoriety due to its high dry matter yield (59.26 t ha -1 year -1 ) (Silva et al, 2020) and rapid growth, which allows for harvesting at 10 months (Vidal et al, 2022). However, despite its relevance, there is still a need to advance research focusing on the development of new cultivars.…”