Effect of ^(12)C^(6+) Ions Beam Irradiation on Seed Germination and Enzymes Activity in Seedlings of Sweet Sorghum

[ Objective] The aim was to study the effect of 12C6 ＋ ions beam irradiation to two varieties of sweet sorghum on seed germination and some enzymes activity in seedlings with different doses, and provided a theoretical foundation for sweet sorghum breeding. [ Method] After germination, the germination potential, germination fraction and enzyme activity were detected, respectively. [ Result] The results showed that with the dose increased, the germination potential of sweet sorghum increased first and then decreased, while their germination fraction presented ＂shoulder like shape＂ ; the activity of LDH, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px increased first and then decreased with doses, they presented slight differences among different enzymes. [ Conclusion] Low dose radiation could accelerate germination of sweet sorghum seeds and enzyme activity could remain at a relatively high level. Enzyme activity decreased with high doses and the growth of sweet sorghum was inhibited.

Effects of Planting Density and Row Spacing on Grass Yield of Forage Sweet Sorghum(Sorghum bicolor [L.]Moench)

[Objective] The aim was to explore high-yielding cultivation techniques for forage sweet sorghum. [Method[ The effects of planting density and row spacing on plant productivity and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum （Sorghum bicolor （L.） Moench） were compared using split-plot design and LSD method of IBMSPSSStatis- ticsv22. [Result]The planting density and row spacing had important influence on the plant productivity and yield of forage sweet sorghum. The optimum planting density- row spacing combination for plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum was A1B,, i. e., planting density of 75 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm, and the opti- mum combination for yield of forage sweet sorghum was A2B,, i.e., planting density of 225 000 plants/hm2 and row spacing of 40 cm. [Conclusion] This study will pro- vide theoretical basis and technical support for the production practice of forage sweet sorghum.

Effects of Heavy-ion Beams Irradiation on Survival Rate and Antioxidant Enzymes of Sweet Sorghum Seedlings

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy-ion beams irradiation on the seed germination potential, survival rate, antioxidant enzyme activi- ties and lipid peroxidation of sweet sorghum. [Method] The dry seeds were irradiated by ＇2（36. heavy ion beams with absorbed doses： 0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 Gy, respectively. Then, the seed germination potential, survival rate, antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation of sweet sorghum were measured. [Result] Heavy-ion beams irradiation exhibited different influence on germination potential and survival rates. Germination rate showed a downward trend, but the corresponding survival curve of seedlings was saddle-shaped. The activities of SOD, POD, CAT and ASA- POD changed in different trends as well. The MDA content rose toward increasing irradiation dose, suggesting that high dose of heavy-ion beams irradiation enhanced the damage to membrane of sweet sorghum seedlings. [Conclusion] After being irra- diated, germination potential and survival rates of sweet sorghum were decreased, and antioxidant enzymes activity changed greatly. This study laid the basis for fur- ther work on breeding and improvement of sweet sorghum irradiated by ,^（12）C^（6＋） heavy ion beams.

Sweet sorghum and Miscanthus：Two potential dedicated bioenergy crops in China

Among the potential non-food energy crops,the sugar-rich C4 grass sweet sorghum and the biomass-rich Miscanthus are increasingly considered as two leading candidates.Here,we outline the biological traits of these energy crops for largescale production in China.We also review recent progress on understanding of plant cell wall composition and wall polymer features of both plant species from large populations that affect both biomass enzymatic digestibility and ethanol conversion rates under various pretreatment conditions.We finally propose genetic approaches to enhance biomass production,enzymatic digestibility and sugar-ethanol conversion efficiency of the energy crops.

Germination and Expression of α-Amylase of KF0680-1 and KF0680-2(Cultivars of Sweet Sorghum) under Salt Stress

[Objective] The aim was to study on germination and expression of α-amy- lase of KF0680-1 and KF0680-2 （cultivars of sweet sorghum） under salt stress. [Method] In the research, KF0680-1 and KF0680-2, cultivars of sweet sorghum, were used to measure related indices of germination and expression of co-amylase to discuss effect of salt stress on two cultivars. [Result] Germination of sweet sorghum would be promoted if treated with salt in low concentration and inhibited if treated in high concentration. In the latter condition, roots and seedlings were smaller than that of control group in length, but expression of s-amylase in the two cultivars was pro- moted under proper salt stress. [Conclusion] The research indicates that KF0680-1 and KF0680-2 are inhibited in growth by salt stress and the latter is stronger in salt resis- tance than the former under low salt concentration. In addition, expression of α-amy- lase could be promoted by salt in proper volume. The results provide references for selection of sweet sorghum which could be planted in northwestern areas.

Synergistic responses of NHX, AKT1, and SOS1 in the control of Na^+ homeostasis in sweet sorghum mutants induced by ^(12)C^(6+)-ion irradiation

Sweet sorghum mutants induced by^(12)C(6+)-ion irradiation were planted under different soil salinity conditions to investigate the mechanisms maintaining the transport and spatial distribution of Na^+. The functions of the synergistic responses of NHX, AKT1, and SOS1 related to Na^+ accumulation were investigated in control(KFJT-CK) sorghum and KF1210-3 and KF1210-4 mutants. The results indicated that the NHX, AKT1, and SOS1 proteins in sweet sorghum are mainly involved in the transport, exclusion, and spatial distribution of Na^+,respectively. In addition to physiological parameters, we also measured the expression levels of NHX, AKT1, and SOS1 genes. The experimental results indicated that 150 m M Na Cl induced marked increases in the transcripts of NHX and SOS1 after 8 and 12 h in the KF1210-3,KF1210-4, and KFJT-CK cultivars. In contrast, however, a decrease in AKT1 was observed. On the basis of our results, we propose a model in which cooperation amongNHX, AKT1, and SOS1 facilitates Na^+ homeostasis in sweet sorghum in response to an increase in salt concentration. Accordingly, study of the regulatory mechanisms in sweet sorghum generated by carbon ion irradiation is essential for the selection of salt-tolerant cultivars.

A novel aeration strategy in repeated-batch fermentation for efficient ethanol production from sweet sorghum juice

To improve the efficiency of ethanol production in a batch fermentation from sweet sorghum juice under a very high gravity(VHG)condition(~290 g/L of total sugar)by Saccharomyces cerevisiae NP01,repeatedbatch fermentation under an aerated condition(2.5 vvm for the first 4 h during every cycle)was done in a5-L fermenter.The average ethanol concentration(P),productivity(Qp)and yield(Yp/s)for five successive cycles were 112.31 g/L,1.55 g/L·h^-1 and 0.44,respectively with 80.97%sugar consumption.To complete sugar consumption,the total sugar of the juice was reduced to a high gravity(HG)level(~240 g/L).The results showed that yeast extract was not necessary for ethanol production,and aeration during every other cycle i.e.,alternating cycles,was sufficient to promote both yeast growth and ethanol production.The average P,Qpand Yp/svalues for eight successive cycles with aeration during alternating cycles were97.58 g/L,1.98 g/Láh and 0.41,respectively with 91.21%sugar consumption.The total fatty acids in the yeast cells under the aerated condition were^50%higher than without aeration,irrespective the initial sugar concentration,whereas the ergosterol contents under aeration condition were^29%to 49%higher than those without aeration.

Nutritional Quality of Mixed Silage of Lablab purpureus and Sweet Sorghum

[ Objective ] The paper was to evaluate the fermentation quality of mixed silage of Lablab purpureus and sweet sorghum, and to find out the appropriate mixing ratio. [ Method] L. purpureus were mixed with sweet sorghum at different proportions, to identify the sensory character and quality of silage. [ Result] The nutrient content of mixed silage of L. purpureus and sweet sorghum at different proportions decreased significantly at 30 - 60 d, while no significant changes were observed after 60 d. Mixed silage of L. purpureu.s and sweet sorghum had the best effort at the proportion of 3：7 ; followed by the proportion of 5： 5. These two proportions significantly improved dry matter （DM） content and effectively alleviated the crude protein （CP） loss of raw materials; significantly improved the contents of crude fiber and crude ash; and significantly reduce ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen （AT/TN）. [ Conclusion ] From the perspective of silage quality, the appropriate mixing ratio ofL. purpureus and sweet sorghum is 3：7 or 5：5.

Effects of Replacing Maize Silage with Silage Sweet Sorghum on Milk Production and Blood Biochemical Indexes of Dairy Cows

In order to study the effects of replacing different proportions of silage maize with silage sweet sorghum treated by different fermentation methods on the production performance and blood biochemical indexes of dairy cows,25 Chinese Holstein lactating cows were randomly divided into 5 groups,5 in each group.The control check (CK) was fed the basal diet;for the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2,50% of the silage maize in the basal diet was replaced with the additive silage sweet sorghum and the conventional silage sweet sorghum,respectively;and as to the experimental group 3 and the experimental group 4,all the silage maize in the basal diet was replaced with additive silage sweet sorghum and conventional silage sweet sorghum,respectively.The preliminary trial period was 7 d,and the trial period was 35 d.The results showed that the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 3 had the dry matter intake significantly higher than that of the experimental group 2,the experimental group 4 and the CK ( P <0.05).The daily milk yields of the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2 were significantly lower than that of the CK ( P <0.05),and the experimental group 3 and the experimental group 4 were significantly lower than the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2 ( P <0.05).The milk protein percentage of the experimental group 2 was extremely significantly higher than that of the experimental group 4 ( P <0.01).The experimental group 1,the experimental group 2 and the experimental group 3 showed the blood glucose levels extremely significantly higher than that in the CK ( P <0.01).The blood urea nitrogen contents in the experimental group 2 and the experimental group 4 were significantly higher than those in the experimental group 1 and the CK ( P <0.01).There were no significant differences in other blood biochemical indexes between various groups ( P >0.05).It is feasible to use silage sweet sorghum to feed dairy cows,but the proportion should not be too large,and attention should be paid to the energy and nitrogen balance of the diet.

Effects of Sowing Time on the Growth, Development and Productivity of Sweet Sorghum

The experiments were conducted to determine suitable sowing time in order to achieve high plant biomass and sugar content of sweet sorghum for bioethanol manufacture. The results showed that germination rate reached > 80% in all trial times (p > 0.05). The growth and development speed of sweet sorghum reduced when seeds were sowed in August and was significantly different from other sowing times (p < 0.05). Sowing from March to June obtained the highest plant height during all growth and development stages. Lodging and diseases observed in all periods of sowing, and planting began in July and August had lower percentage. In contrast, the productivity of fresh weight (1310.4 g/whole plant), sugar content (14.9% Brix), biomass yield (122.4 tons/ha) and theoretical converted ethanol yield (5 tons/ha) were the highest when sweet sorghum planted from March to June. It was observed that sowing sweet sorghum in four periods of month from March to June had the desirable biomass for bioethanol production.

Juice, Ethanol, and Grain Yield Potential of Five Sweet Sorghum (<i>Sorghum bicolor</i>[L.] Moench) Cultivars

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) accumulates fermentable sugars in the stem and is increasingly being studied as a potential source of feedstock for bioethanol production. The objective of this study was to evaluate biomass and grain yield in five sweet sorghum cultivars (Dale, M81E, Sugar Drip, Della and Keller) and to determine quality of extractable juice and grain. Randomized complete block experiments were performed in the summer of 2009, 2010, and 2011. Leaf dry weight varied with year and cultivar and averaged 6177 kg·ha-1. Fresh stem weight ranged from 21 to 54 Mg·ha-1 with a mean across years and cultivars of 32.9 Mg·ha-1. Variations in stem weight were correlated with extractable juice volumes that ranged from 10 to 24 m3·ha-1. Juice Brix values fell within a narrow range (14% - 19%) across years and cultivars with an average of 15.6%. In all production years, theoretical sugar and ethanol yield were always numerically higher for Keller and M81E. Grain yield was lowest in Keller (90 kg·ha-1), but ranged from 400 to 1300 kg·ha-1 in other cultivars with a mean of 584 kg·ha-1 across years. However, Keller had the highest starch content with a lower proportion of resistant starch in the grain. Except for Keller, the cultivars tested are potential sources of both fermentable sugars and grain.

Physiological property and yield of the sweet sorghum mutants induced by heavy ion irradiation

Soil salinity can limit plant growth and productivity. The cultivation of tolerant varieties is convenient and cost-effective for making good use of the saline soils.The sweet sorghum plant has a high tolerance for saline alkaline soils. The KF1210-3 and KF1210-4 early-maturity mutants of sweet sorghum were obtained via carbon ion irradiation. The study assesses the productivity of three sweet sorghum cultivars(KF1210-3, KF1210-4, and KFJTCK) which were grown in intermediate(4.6 d S m^(-1)) and high(11.9 d S m^(-1)) soil salinity. The sweet sorghum grown in the soil salinity of 4.6 d S m^(-1)produced 50.00–57.30 %greater fresh weight than that in the soil salinity of11.9 d S m^(-1), while the difference was not as obvious among the dry biomass of the three sweet sorghum cultivars. Moreover, the Brix degree of the sweet sorghum grown in the soil salinity of 11.9 d S m^(-1)was greater than that grown in the soil salinity of 4.6 d S m^(-1). The heavy ion irradiation experiment is of great significance in screening plant mutants, improving environmental conditions, and assessing the productivity. This process, in turn, aids in the understanding of the effects of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of salt stress.

Trends in Starch and Sucrose Content among Sweet Sorghum Genotypes and Implications for Sucrose and Ethanol Production

Sweet sorghum has been suggested as a feedstock into the sugarcane mills for sucrose production in Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Sweet sorghum is widely grown by subsistence farmers and matures in 3 to 6 months in February, March and April, before sugarcane harvesting begins. Sweet sorghum has low sucrose content that is difficult to extract during processing. The hypothesis of the study was that sweet sorghum was a potential feedstock to sugarcane mills for the production of sugar and ethanol. The objective of this study was to investigate the trends in starch and sucrose content of four sweet sorghum genotypes namely M337, M81-E, Theis and Topper, and evaluate the potential of sweet sorghum as a feed stock for sugar and ethanol production. The sorghum juice was collected on August 10, August 24, September 8, September 18 and October 2, 2006 and starch and sucrose content were determined. There were significant （P 〈 0.001） genotypes by sampling date interaction effects. Both starch and sucrose content increased with crop sampling date. Genotypes M337 and Theis were late maturing for sucrose content compared to M81-E and Topper. All genotypes except M337 produced no significant increase in starch after 101DAP. Trends in sucrose and starch content were similar, indicating the reason sucrose was difficult to extract from sweet sorghum. The impact of this study would be boosting the incomes of small scale growers who would be subcontracted by the sugar mills to produce sweet sorghum as a feedstock to the mills before sugarcane matures.

Bioethanol Fermentation from Stalk Juice of Sweet Sorghum by Immobilized Yeast

Bioethanol fermentation experiments were conducted in a shaking flask and a 10 L fluidized bed bioreactor with stalk juice of SNTZ No.2 sweet sorghum variety when immobilized yeast was applied. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of inorganic salts on ethanol fermentation of sweet sorghum juice and to observe performance of fluidized bed bioreactor. L9（34） orthogonal experimental method was used in shaking flask experiments. Results showed that the influence sequence to improve ethanol yield was （NH4）2SO4, MgSO4, K2HPO4 for SNTZ No.2 sweet sorghum variety. The optimum ratio of K2HPO4, （NH4）2SO4 and MgSO4 were 0.125%, 0.2% and （0.05）%, respectively. At the optimum ratio, the fermentation time was short and the ethanol content was high in fluidized bed reactor fermentation, which were 5 h and 7.2%（v/v）, respectively. The calculated ethanol yield was 93%. The fermentation time was shortened by 1～3 h and ethanol yield at the end of fermentation was increased by 2%8% than without inorganic salts; In addition, the results showed that the fermentation time was about six times shorter in fluidized bed bioreactor with immobilized yeast than that of conventional fermentation technology. Therefore, it can be concluded that the fluidized bed bioreactor with immobilized yeast should be applied for ethanol production from sweet sorghum. And ratio of inorganic salts should be considered for refining bio-ethanol from juice of sweet sorghum stalk in order to shorten fermentation time and increase ethanol yield.

A Mathematical Model for Juice Extraction from Chopped Sweet Sorghum

Juice extraction from chopped sweet sorghum is an example of flow through porous media. Darcy’s law is often used to express this type of phenomenon. However, using Darcy’s law to construct a mathematical model to predict juice extraction from chopped sweet sorghum is difficult, because the volume of the porous media changes during the pressing operations. A mathematical model was developed from fundamental analysis to predict the juice extraction ratio of chopped sweet sorghum, and experiments were conducted to verify the model. An experimental piston-cylinder assembly was developed to conduct the validation experiments. The parameters in the developed model were estimated by using non-linear regression analysis from the experimental data. Plots of the mathematical model agreed well with experimental data. R^2（coefficient of determination） values for all the regressions studied were higher than 0.99. Results showed that the juice extraction ratio of chopped sweet sorghum approached an asymptote with a maximum value that depended on the physical form of the sample. The model could help in understanding the mechanics of juice extraction from chopped sweet sorghum.

Study on the Relationship of Seedling Density and Line Spacing to Leaf-stem Ratio, DW/FW Ratio and Grass Yield of Forage Sweet Sorghum

[ Objectives ] The aim was to optimize the configuration of seedling density and line spacing of forage sweet sorghum （ Sorghum blcolor （ L. ） Moench） and explore its high-yield cultivation techniques. [ Methods] Effects of such two influencing factors as line spacing and seedling density on the leaf-stem ratio, DW/FW ratio and grass yield of forage sweet sorghum were analyzed by using split-plot experiment design experiment method and LSD method of IBM. SPSS. Statis- tics. v22 stati, stics software. [ Results ~ Seedling density and line spacing had no obvious effect on the leaf-stem ratio and DW/FW ratio of forage sweet sorghum but had obvious influences on the grass yield. Moreover, the optimal combination of seedling density and line spacing for high yield of forage sweet sorghum was A2 B4, that is, seedling density was 225 000 plants/hm2, and line spacing was 40 cm. [ Conclusions] The results provided a theoretical basis and technical support for high-yield cultivation techniques of forage sweet sorghum.

Preparation of Technical Specifications on the Cultivation of Sweet Sorghums for Forage( Excerpt)

The aim of this study is to standardize the planting technology of sweet sorghums for forage,to prepare? technical specifications for planting sweet sorghums for forage. Based on years of experiment,it is prepared according to the requirements of GB/1. 1 Standardization Guide Rule Part I: Standard Structure and Compilation. The results show that it defines the application scope,basic requirements,preparation before sowing,planting requirements,field management,harvesting requirements of the technical specifications for planting sweet sorghums for forages,and determines the specific measures and technical indicators of the technical specifications. This paper provides technical support for the standardization,industrialization and marketization of planting sweet sorghums for forage.

Calcium Addition Affects Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Sweet Sorghum under Saline Conditions

[Objective] This study aimed to determine the interactive effects of supple- mental Ca amendment and salinity on germination of sweet sorghum seeds in saline solution culture medium, and investigate the effects of different combinations of Na/Ca ratio in saline soils on the early growth of sweet sorghum plants. [Method] A germi- nation test and a greenhouse pot experiment were conducted to assess the interac- tive effects of calcium addition to culture medium on the germination and seedling growth of sweet sorghum （Sorghum saccharatum Moench） in saline soils with a range of NaYCa ratios. In the germination test, seeds were treated with different combinations of five calcium levels [0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 mmol/L Ca（NO3）2] and five salinity levels （0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mmol/L NaCI）. In the greenhouse experi- ment, seeds were sown in potting soils containing 3 salinity levels （2.3, 4.7 and 7.0 dS/m） and three Na：Ca ratios （10：0, 10：1, and 5：1）. [Result] In the germination test, Ca addition at 5 mmol/L promoted germination by 5.5%, 9.9%, and 17.0% at the 3.4, 6.7 and 10.1 dS/m salinity levels. The higher Ca level （10 mmol/L） also in- creased germination by 9.1% and 7.8% at the 3.4 and 6.7 dS/m salinity levels. Then even higher Ca addition at 15 and 20 mmol/L appeared to promote germina- tion when culture media had high salinity （10.1 and 13.4 dS/m）. In the greenhouse pot experiment, saline soil amended with supplemental Ca at the 2.3 and 4.7 dS/m salinity levels significantly promoted early seedling growth, with an increase of 6.8% to 28.2% in plant height and 14.3% to 67.9% in whole plant weight. From 28 to 42 d after seeding, the relative growth of seedling was increased by Ca addition, with a reduction of 49.5% to 66.0% in plant height and 4.8% to 61.9% in whole plant weight. From 42 to 56 d after seeding, however, the relative growth of seedling was significantly inhibited by Ca amendment. [Conclusion] Results of this study indicate that appropriate supplemental Ca could improve sorghum germination and early seedling growth in saline soils.

Effects of Planting Density and Row Spacing on Plant Productivity of Autumn Forage Sweet Sorghum in Hebei Province

[ Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between each of planting density and row spacing and plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum planted in autumn idle land. [ Methods] Using split-plot experiment design experiment method and LSD method of IBM. SPSS. Statistics. v22 statistics software, the effects of planting density and row spacing on plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum planted in autumn idle land were compared. [ Result] The results showed that the planting density and row spacing had important influences on plant productivity of forage sweet sorghum planted in autumn idle land. Moreover, the optimal combination of plant productivity for A1B4 , i. e. ,under the combination of the planting density of 7.5 × 10^4 plants/hm^2 and the row spacing of 40 cm, the fresh weight and dry weight per plant were 654.37 and 147.11 g/plant, respectively. [ Conclusion ] The results provided a theoretical basis for the production of forage sweet sorghum in autumn idle land.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Relationships of 13 Sweet Sorghum Varieties as Energy Sources

To investigate the genetic diversity and relationships among the sweet sorghum varieties as energy sources currently bred in China, 13 sweet sorghum varieties were selected for comprehensive analysis through observations of 31 biological traits and examinations of RAPD and SSR molecular markers. The numerical analysis showed that the differences in biological traits existed among 13 varieties, and the genetic distance (DIST) ranged from 0.787 to 2.221, and the two varieties from Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang were distinctly separated from all other varieties. A total of 22 polymorphism primers were obtained from the screening using RAPD marker analysis. The polymorphism rate was 58.33%, and the genetic similarity (GS) coefficients among the studied cultivars ranged from 0.694 to 0.896. Cluster analysis results indicated that the three varieties from Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Heilongjiang exhibited significant genetic differences from the other varieties. SSR marker analysis using 31 selected pairs of polymorphic primers showed that the polymorphism rate of amplified fragments was 78.64%, and GS coefficients among the tested cultivars were 0.534 to 0.971. Cluster analysis showed that variety No. 12 from Xinjiang and variety No. 7 from Inner Mongolia clustered into one group, and variety No. 6 from Heilongjiang was in a single group. The other ten varieties were grouped into another separate cluster. The results based on combined data displayed a similar trend with results from the three individual data analyses, but could more comprehensively and objectively reflect the fundamental genetic differences among these varieties. In summary, certain genetic differences exist among the varieties tested from different regions or different breeding institutions. However, varieties from the same region, especially those from the same breeding institution, exhibited small genetic variations and high genetic similarities. At present, more attention should be paid to discovery and innovation in the breeding of sweet sorghum varieties.