Sugar Potential of Populations and Varieties of Sorghum in Algeria Performing as Promising Bioethanol Source

The study explored the potential of local Oasian sorghums from the Algerian Sahara, alongside the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) varieties, focusing on their sap and sugar yield capabilities, for selecting the most appropriate ones as good sources for bioethanol production. The method used in this study consisted of a complete randomized block design with three repetitions in open field. Harvesting was carried out at two vegetative stages: milky-pasty and hard-grain. Morphometric measurements and estimation of the produced biomass yields followed. The second step of the study concerned the extraction of the sap from the stems and the determination of its volume and sugar content. Depending on the physiological stage, the volume of produced sap fluctuated as much as the sugar rate. The diameter of the stems varied the bark-to-pith ratio of populations. According to this ratio, the largest fraction of pith, which contains sap, was found in the populations: Hamra, Kharssi, Beïda-Adrar, respectively, 0.65, 0.83, and 0.91. The stems yield of Biofuel and Beïda-Adrar were notably high at milky-pasty stage, approximately 1.87 and 1.51 kg m-², respectively; indicating their suitability for bioethanol production. The research highlighted the variation in sap volume across different growth stages and populations, with a proportional relationship observed between sap volume and sugar concentration. The analysis demonstrated significant differences across all the studied parameters. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further categorized the parameters into two distinct groups based on growth phases, facilitating a deeper understanding of the determinants of sorghum’s bioethanol potential. The findings emphasize the need for a balanced selection of sorghum populations for bioethanol production, considering sap volume, sugar yield, and biometric parameters. This study not only underscores the viability of sorghum as a bioethanol source but also aligns with sustainable agriculture and renewable energy goals, especially in arid regions like the Algerian Sahara.