Estimating Millability of Sugarcane From Small Samples

Abstract

AbstractA method was developed for estimating variety correction factor (VCF), a measure of millability in sugarcane (Saccharum sp.), from % primary juice extraction. We can obtain 4,000 to 5,000 estimates of milling quality per year with this method compared to a few hundred estimates of milling quality with other methods. Clones with poor milling quality can be discarded during early stages of selection in breeding programs.When samples were processed with a cutter‐grinder and 3‐roller mill, the association between % primary juice extraction and VCF (r = 0.922** and 0.856**) was as close as the association between % fiber and VCF (r = −0.852** and −0.846**). The regression equation for predicting VCF from % primary juice extraction was developed for samples processed with a 3‐roller mill.Distribution of fibervascular bundles within stalks did not influence milling quality as measured by VCF.