Evaluation of Potential Biofuel Crops for Hawaii.

Cultivars of sugarcane (1), energy cane (7) and Bana grass (1) were evaluated for their biofuel potential over two years on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.  Biofuel crops are being assessed to reduce the state’s dependence on imported petroleum.  Plots were planted March 30 2011 and the first harvest occurred December 15 2011.  The crop was ratooned and the second harvest took place on November 27 2012.   Data on biomass yield and composition, Brix and morphological characters were collected.  Sugarcane cultivar, Ho 95-988 (55.7 t/ha) had the mean highest biomass and Brix (19.6) over the two years.  This was mainly due to high yield in 2011.  The best performing energy cane was Ho 00-961 with biomass yield of 49.2 t/ha and Brix of 17.6.  Yield was more consistent across years and may indicate better stability than Ho 95-988.  Bana grass grew the tallest of all cultivars but mean yield was 42.5 t/ha with Brix of 6.0.  This cultivar may require modified agronomic management such as closer row spacing and more frequent harvests to maximise dry matter yields.  Mean Brix values were notably higher in 2012 most likely due to the lower minimum temperatures in the maturation phase.