In this context, the cultivation of sweet sorghum (Sorghum
vulgare (L.) var. Saccharatum) could be an interesting option.
In fact, sweet sorghum is a species selected for its ability to
accumulate soluble sugars into the stalk which could be mechanically
extracted and then directly fermented for obtaining
first-generation ethanol. Obviously, the maximization of
sugar accumulation into stalks is at the expense of the panicle
production. This feature makes the crop not suitable for food
production and therefore not subject to problems of competition
in that sense. Furthermore, after the juice and sugar
extraction, the remaining biomass, which is a lignocellulosic
residues, could undergo to specific treatments and be used for
the production of second-generation bioethanol