Multi-trait selection of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) genotypes for bioenergy production

The global demand for fuel from renewable sources has expanded rapidly in recent years and sweet sorghum is a crop with high potential for bioenergy production. This study aimed evaluate the performance of sweet sorghum hybrids belonging to the Embrapa Maize and Sorghum breeding program in different edaphoclimatic regions of Minas Gerais and to identify promising hybrids for bioenergy production, considering multiple traits of sweet sorghum. The study was conducted in two experimental areas of Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, in Sete Lagoas and Nova Porteirinha. A total of 36 sweet sorghum genotypes were evaluated, with 28 experimental hybrids and eight controls. The evaluated traits were: days from planting to flowering, plant height, fresh biomass yield, juice extraction, total soluble solids and tons of Brix per hectare. Analysis of variance, multiple comparison test, the Williams index of selection and the index suggested by Mulamba & Mock were performed. The results demonstrated the existence of genetic variability among the genotypes of sweet sorghum, demonstrating the possibility of selecting high-performance genotypes superior. The selection indexes employed were efficient in the selection of sweet sorghum hybrids with higher agroindustrial performance. It was possible to identify hybrids of sweet sorghum promising for bioenergy production.