Genetic variability, character association and path analysis in sugarcane genotypes

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study, conducted at Tana-Beles Sugarcane plantation in Ethiopia from May 2022 to October 2023, used a partially balanced lattice design with two replications to assess variability and trait associations among 196 sugarcane genotypes collected from 14 countries. Highly significant (p < 0.0001) variability was observed for all traits; especially genotypes with fuzz exhibited wider variation for cane (20.97–135.31 t/ha) and sugar yield (1.83–20.42 t/ha), highlighting their potential for improvement. Except for single cane weight, brix, and purity, all traits displayed moderate to high heritability (H2 : 31–79%) and genetic advance (GAM: 10.69–53.14%), indicating potential for improvement through phenotypic selection being controlled by additive gene actions. The number of millable stalks, stalk length, stalk diameter, brix and cane yield showed significant positive genotypic correlations (r = 0.49, r = 0.55, r = 0.41, r = 0.65, and r = 0.98, respectively) and strong direct positive effects (0.33, 0.47, 0.75, 0.51 and 0.83, respectively) on sugar yield. Thus, Sugar yield, along with these traits, can serve as selection criteria for identifying high-sugar-yielding sugarcane genotypes. Consequently, the top three sugarcane genotypes for multi-traits, namely B552–11, FG04–466, and B707–1, could be evaluated across seasons for commercial use at Tana-Beles.