Work

Phenotypic Diversity in Cell Wall Lignocellulosic Constituents and Ethanol Yield of USDA Guayule and Mariola Germplasm

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Kunth). As rubber and resin are the main products derived from guayule, there is interest in using guayule bagasse as a bioenergy feedstock to meet the growing bioenergy and biofuel demands. This study aimed to explore and characterize phenotypic diversity in cell wall constituents (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose) and their yields among 51 guayule and mariola genotypes under two irrigation regimes (well-watered and water-stressed). Significant genotypic and environmental effects were observed for lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations, and yields, indicating the wide genetic variability of the collection for bioenergy-related traits. Moderate to high entry-mean heritability values for lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose suggest that selection is feasible to enhance genetic gain. Significant positive correlations were found among cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations and yields, indicating the possibility to select multiple traits together during breeding cycles. High positive correlations between rubber and resin and lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose yields highlight the opportunity to develop guayule germplasm with enhanced multi-use traits for industrial applications. Wide variations in drought stress indices (stress tolerance index, yield index, and yield stability index) underscore the environmental impact on the lignocellulosic traits. Several genotypes were identified with high stress index scores and could be parental candidates for improving guayule for arid and semi-arid sustainable agricultural systems. The current study is the first to characterize the phenotypic diversities in guayule and mariola for lignocellulosic components and yield, providing the foundation for future breeding efforts aimed at enhancing guayule's value for diverse production goals and environmental conditions.

Source: Plants

DOI: 10.3390/plants14081239

Authors: Hussein Abdel-Haleem, Steve Masterson, Aaron Sedivy, Rob Mitchell

Institutions: U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Language: English

Topic: Bioenergy crop production and management

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258