Efficiency of bunch-planted and single-planted seedlings for selecting superior families in sugarcane

Abstract

The efficiency of family selection in bunch-planted sugareane seedlings was investigated by planting 40 families (20 proven and 20 experimental) as bunches and as single seedlings in adjoining replicated trials. A replicated trial planted the following year. using stem cuttings from random seedlings of each family. provided an independant estimate of the value of each family. Five methods were used to compare bunch and single planting, namely theoretical and realized gains from selection, correlations between the seedling and evaluation trials, discrimination based on proven cross classes, and discrimination based on production of advanced selections. Overall, bunch planting was inferior to single planting for family selection. It was promising for only one method of evaluation (proven cross classes) but this, combined with the relatively small area required for bunch-planted seedlings, indicates that family selection may be possible in such plantings. The use of a number of methods of evaluation showed that incorrect conclusions were likely if only one method were used, and revealed deficiencies in methods which would otherwise be considered satisfactory. The project provided a basis for the design of more critical experiments. The components of weight of cane, namely number of stalks and weight per stalk, are negatively correlated, and showed different relationships with yield in the seedling and evaluation trials. Weight per stalk was an important component in seedling trials, with number of stalks by far the main component in the evaluation trial which was planted by the commerical method using stem cuttings. Family selection based on number of stalks and sugar content, preceding mass selection, is likely to provide a better selection system than the usual mass selection in bunch-planted seedlings. Families do not express their full genetic potential in original seedlings. whether bunch or single planted: trials planted from stem cuttings give more effective family selection. Furthermore, family selection for the most important characters (net merit grade and weight of sugar) was much more effective in ratoon than in plant crops. These results have important implications for the practical selection program, further experimental work being necessary to specify the most efficient system.