Characterization, Genetic Variation, and Combining Ability of Maize Traits Relevant to the Production of Cellulosic Ethanol

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Crop Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2008.06.0306· OSTI ID:1023063

Lorenz, A J; Coors, J G; de Leon, N; Wolfrum, E J; Hames, B R; Sluiter, A D; Weimer, P J

Maize (Zea mays L.) stover has been identified as an important feedstock for the production of cellulosic ethanol. Our objectives were to measure hybrid effect and combining ability patterns of traits related to cellulosic ethanol production, determine if germplasm and mutations used for silage production would also be beneficial for feedstock production, and examine relationships between traits that are relevant to selective breeding. We evaluated grain hybrids, germplasm bred for silage production, brown-midrib hybrids, and a leafy hybrid. Yield and composition traits were measured in four environments. There was a 53% difference in stover yield between commercial grain hybrids that were equivalent for other production-related traits. Silage germplasm may be useful for increasing stover yield and reducing lignin concentration. We found much more variation among hybrids than either in vitro ruminal fermentability or polysaccharide concentration. Correlations between traits were mostly favorable or nonexistent. Our results suggest that utilizing standing genetic variation of maize in breeding programs could substantially increase the amount of biofuels produced from stover per unit area of land.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1023063
• Journal Information: Crop Science, Journal Name: Crop Science Journal Issue: 1, January-February 2009 Vol. 49; ISSN 0011-183X; ISSN CRPSAY
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
BIOFUELS
BREEDING
Bioenergy
CELLULOSIC ETHANOL
GENETICS
IN VITRO
LIGNIN
MAIZE
MUTATIONS
POLYSACCHARIDES
PRODUCTION