Analysis of sweet sorghum genotypes for biofuel and grain yield potential in the lowland region of Ethiopia: Genetic variation, heritability, and ethanol production

Abstract Sweet sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is considered the most suitable crop for biofuel and grain production in Ethiopia's arid and semi‐arid lowland areas. A study was conducted in the 2017/2018 crop seasons at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. The study aimed to evaluate sweet sorghum genotypes for grain and ethanol yield potential and to assess their genetic variability. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the 28 genotypes for all traits studied, except for the number of tillers. Genotypes NTJ2, SDSL90167, 104GRD, E36‐1, Ent. #64DTN, IESV92028DL, and S35 were identified as having the highest juice, ethanol, and sugar yields. Additionally, genotypes with high grain yields were also linked to higher juice, sugar, and ethanol production. Both the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were highest for dry stalk yield, sugar, ethanol, and juice yields. The PCV estimates were higher than GCV for all traits, indicating environmental influence. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for dry stalk yield, sugar yield, ethanol yield, and juice yield. Grain yield positively correlated with panicle width, panicle weight, and 1000‐seed weight, while longer days to flowering and maturity negatively impacted grain yield. Additionally, fresh stalk yield, juice yield, sugar yield, and ethanol yield were positively correlated. Sweet sorghum shows great potential for biofuel and grain production in Ethiopia's arid regions, warranting government support for ethanol‐focused projects.