Louisiana State University Breed Energycanes for Biofuel Production

Louisiana State University researchers continue to evaluate energycane varieties in Louisiana as a possible biofuel feedstock for producers to grow.

Energycane is a cross between sugarcane and its wild relatives grown for its high fiber or biomass rather than sugar content. Researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service Sugarcane Research Unit in Louisiana are breeding sugarcane with ancestral species of sugarcane to produce a number of different energycane varieties that can be grown in colder climates.

"The plants have survived the cold temperatures common during north Louisiana winters. They are yielding well and don't appear to be suffering from any damages caused by frigid temperatures," said Collins Kimbeng, an LSU AgCenter plant breeder.

"Creating an energycane variety that is cold-tolerant will extend the range of cultivation and allow for producers outside the traditional cane growing areas to produce energycane crops," Kimbeng added.

In addition to creating new varieties of cane, researchers also are studying management practices involved with growing energycane in colder climates.