Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the best performing sugarcane genotypes tested at early selection stage under sprinkler irrigation, in comparison with a check variety (R579). The experiment was designed following a randomized complete block (RCB) with 21 cane genotypes in three replications. Each plot consisted of five dual rows of ten meters with 0.5 and 1.90 m of inter-row spacing, i.e. 95 m2 per plot and about 6,000 m2 for the whole experiment. It was carried out on a commercial sugarcane plantation of Ferke 2 located in the northern part of the country, over two seasons (plant cane and first ratoon) as an early-season crop from, November 18, 2016 to November 15, 2018. Over each micro-plot, data based on different agro-morphological traits were collected at harvest from three central dual rows. The study showed that most relevant traits in genotype clustering were related to juice quality (recoverable sucrose, sucrose content, purity), yields and yield components (millable stalk number/ha, stalk height, stalk diameter, internode number). Based on sugar yields, four genotypes equivalent to the check (R579), namely KQ228, R97-6177, R99-4064 and KQ236, were found promising for the next advanced selection stage with, respectively, 19.2, 17.7, 17.3 and 16.9 t sugar/ha. Their cane yield performances ranged from 147.7 to 170.8 t/ha compared to 170.7 for the check and belong to 3 clusters genotypes over the eight determined. Not only sugar yield, but also flowering rate, stem borer infestation rate and number of tillers per hectare were found as the most relevant agro-morphological traits in the genetic variation of sugarcane genotypes tested.
Highlights
Due to its very high biomass production, well-established farming, harvesting and processing technologies, sugarcane is a leading candidate for bioenergy production and a feedstock for bio-refineries
Commercial sugarcane varieties under cultivation are complex polyploid which heterozygous nature has resulted in generations of higher genetic variability
Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation together with heritability and genetic advance are key elements to improve any trait of sugarcane, as this would assist in knowing whether or not specific objectives targeted could be achieved from a given crop material [3,4]
Summary
Due to its very high biomass production, well-established farming, harvesting and processing technologies, sugarcane is a leading candidate for bioenergy production and a feedstock for bio-refineries. Productivity improvements in sugarcane have been negligible in the past three decades, and production statistics are reflecting decreased yields globally [1]. In all cases, increased sugarcane production is linked to expansion of land surface rather than increase in yield [2]. Commercial sugarcane varieties under cultivation are complex polyploid which heterozygous nature has resulted in generations of higher genetic variability. Information about the nature and magnitude of variability present in the genetic material is of prime importance for breeders to conduct effective selection programs. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation together with heritability and genetic advance are key elements to improve any trait of sugarcane, as this would assist in knowing whether or not specific objectives targeted could be achieved from a given crop material [3,4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
