Journal of Energy Bioscience 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 358-367 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 358 Feature Review Open Access Potential and Application Prospects of Sorghum as a Bioenergy Crop ShiyingYu Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: shiying.yu@jicat.org Journal of Energy Bioscience, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0030 Received: 29 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 11 Nov., 2024 Published: 27 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yu S.Y., 2024, Potential and application prospects of sorghum as a bioenergy crop, Journal of Energy Bioscience, 15(6): 358-367 (doi: 10.5376/jeb.2024.15.0030) Abstract This study explores the potential of sorghum as a bioenergy crop, with a focus on its genetic diversity, growth characteristics, and its applications in bioethanol and biomass production. The findings highlight several advantages of using sorghum for bioenergy purposes, including its efficient resource utilization, sustainability, and potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sorghum plays a valuable role in promoting renewable energy development and sustainable agriculture. Recent advances in genetic research and breeding technologies have led to the development of sorghum varieties specifically tailored for energy use. These energy-dedicated varieties exhibit desirable traits such as higher cellulose content, increased sugar accumulation during growth, and improved fermentation efficiency. The aim of this study is to provide a scientific foundation for the enhanced utilization of sorghum in bioenergy applications and to support its integration into global energy systems. Keywords Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor); Bioenergy crop; Biomass production; Bioethanol; Molecular breeding 1 Introduction As global energy demand continues to rise and traditional fossil fuels exacerbate climate change, there is a growing need to explore more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Bioenergy has emerged as a promising alternative. Derived from biological materials such as plants, bioenergy is renewable and, unlike petroleum, does not deplete finite resources. It also has the potential to achieve carbon neutrality (Xin and Wang, 2011; Appiah-Nkansah et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2023). The use of bioenergy can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the mitigation of global warming. Moreover, diversifying energy sources enhances the security of energy supply. The development of bioenergy also supports rural economies by creating new employment opportunities and promoting rural development (Batog et al., 2020; Lamb et al., 2021). Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a highly promising bioenergy crop due to its unique agronomic characteristics and strong environmental adaptability, making it a versatile resource with excellent development potential. As a C4 plant, sorghum offers several advantages, including a high photosynthetic rate, low water requirement, and efficient nutrient uptake. It can be cultivated on semi-arid or marginal lands and requires relatively low inputs of pesticides and fertilizers (Xin and Wang, 2011; Calvino and Messing, 2012; Yang et al., 2023). Sorghum is suitable for the production of various types of bioenergy. Its grains are rich in starch, its juice contains fermentable sugars, and its biomass is high in cellulose—all of which can be used to produce bioethanol, biogas, and other fuels (Mullet et al., 2014; Appiah-Nkansah et al., 2019; Mathias et al., 2023). Furthermore, sorghum has a deep root system that contributes to the increase of soil organic carbon and reduces fertilizer runoff. This enhances soil health and provides sorghum with a distinct advantage in sustainable agricultural systems (Lamb et al., 2021). This study investigates the genetic and agronomic traits that make sorghum suitable for use as a bioenergy crop. It introduces various methods and technologies for converting sorghum into different types of biofuels, such as ethanol and biogas. The research also evaluates the feasibility and environmental benefits of using sorghum for bioenergy production. Through this study, we aim to better understand the potential and application prospects of sorghum in the bioenergy sector, identify current challenges and opportunities in sorghum cultivation and bioenergy conversion, and propose practical strategies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of sorghum-based bioenergy utilization.
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